Let’s decipher: the VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that is installed on devices connected to the Internet and allows you to secure and anonymize your […]

6 March 2024
3min

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that is installed on devices connected to the Internet and allows you to secure and anonymize your connection to the Internet by creating a secure tunnel between you, as a user, and the Internet.

How does a VPN work?

The way a VPN works relies on creating a secure tunnel between your device and a remote server managed by the VPN provider. Here are the different steps:

  • Encryption:When you turn on your VPN connection, the data you send and receive is encrypted using advanced security protocols. This means that even if someone intercepts this data, it won’t be readable without the decryption key.
  • Connecting to the VPN server: Your device establishes a connection with the VPN server. This server may be located in a different country, allowing you to hide your actual geographic location.
  • Change of IP address:Once connected to the VPN server, your real IP address is masked and replaced with the IP address of the VPN server. This makes it look like you’re connecting to the internet from the server location.
  • Transmission of data:All the data you send and receive passes through the encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server. This includes all your online activities, whether it’s browsing the web, downloading files, or using apps.
  • Release on the internet: Once the data reaches the VPN server, it is decrypted and sent to its destination on the internet. This can be a website, an online service, or any other destination point.

Why use a VPN?

  • Data Security:A VPN encrypts all data exchanged between your device and the remote server. This means that even if someone intercepts this data, it will be unreadable without the decryption key.
  • Anonymity and confidentiality:When you connect through a VPN, your real IP address is masked and replaced with that of the VPN server. This makes it harder for websites, advertisers, and even internet service providers to track your online activities.
  • Bypassing geo-restrictions:Some online services restrict access based on your geographic location. A VPN can allow you to bypass these restrictions by connecting to a server in another country.
  • Security on public Wi-Fi networks: When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, your data can be vulnerable to attacks. Using a VPN adds a layer of security by encrypting your data, which reduces the chances of hacking.
  • Remote Access & Business Privacy:Companies often use VPNs to allow their employees to securely access internal resources from the outside. This ensures that sensitive data remains protected.

Using a VPN allows you to really protect your personal data. It is obviously to be coupled with a tracker and cookie blocker, for a complete privacy browsing experience.

Here are some trusted products that you can easily install on your computer or mobile: Proton VPN, Express VPN, CyberGhost, Mozilla VPN, and NordVPN.

Image by Freepik

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