What Is a VPN
Our Verdict
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a type of software that runs in the background while you’re using the Internet. It establishes an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, hiding your physical location from the websites and applications you visit. This allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and other types of internet censorship, and it also prevents third parties from seeing your browsing activity or intercepting your data on hostile networks.
Summary: What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?
Use the Q&A sections below for a quick summary of what VPNs are, what they do, and what their limitations are.
In the remainder of this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at everything you need to know about VPN technology and VPN services.
If you have a specific question about VPNs, feel free to email us or visit one of the following articles for a detailed answer:
Have a specific question about VPNs? You can find detailed answers in the articles below:
- 1 What is a VPN Service?
- 2 How Do VPNs Work?
- 3 What Are VPNs Used For?
- 4 Are VPNs Really Worth It?
- 5 What Are VPN Logging Policies?
Types of VPN Connection
There are different types of VPN depending on the type of connection a user requires.
Personal VPN services are designed for normal internet users who want to improve their privacy, security, and freedom online. For this reason, they are sometimes also called consumer VPNs.
By contrast, remote access VPNs, mobile VPNs, and site-to-site VPNs are all types of business VPN. They are designed for remote employees to gain secure access to internal resources.
What Are the Benefits of a VPN Service?
There is a large amount of false or misleading information online regarding what a VPN can and cannot do, which can make it difficult to decide whether you actually need to use one or not.
A personal VPN has two primary benefits:
It hides your IP address and geographic location from the websites, services and applications you use. Without this information, it’s much harder to link your online activity to your identity, which makes it more difficult to track, profile, or block you.
It hides your activity from your ISP or network administrator. Encrypting your data transfers makes it almost impossible for your ISP, mobile carrier, WiFi administrator, or eavesdroppers on a public WiFi network to see which websites you’re visiting, the files you upload or download, or any personal details you enter into HTTP websites.
With these two basic functions, a VPN can be used for a number of different purposes related to improving your privacy, security and freedom online.