VPN is What

VPN is what?

Nov 16, 2023

  1. VPN Tips
  2. VPN is what?

I assume you are looking for more explanations on the “VPN is what” question. Are you wondering how to keep your online activity private and secure? You might also look for a solution to unblock websites on school Chromebooks or at work.

Look no further!

Let me explain it in a simple way and provide all the information I can.

VPN is What: VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It’s a technology that you can use to protect your internet connection. VPNs use encryption protocols for protection, making your data impossible to read. Moreover, VPNs let you access the internet through a private network. This private network creates a VPN tunnel between you and the VPN server. This connection helps to keep your data confidential and secure. But not only. VPN tunnel allows you to bypass internet restrictions. It’s the ultimate online protection tool you never knew you needed – until now.

DISCLAIMER:
DON’T GET A VPN BEFORE YOU READ THE COMPLETE INFORMATION ABOUT VPNs.
VPNs can’t protect you 100%. They can only make your data private if you follow some principles. So, keep reading if you want to know how to use VPN properly.

 

We have a special offer for you – click to download free eBook with a link to FREE version of the PureVPN available for 7 days

 

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What is a VPN and How do VPNs work - schematic - infographics

A VPN is a tool that can help you stay safe and secure when you use the internet. It works by creating a “tunnel” between your computer or device and a VPN server somewhere else in the world. In truth, there is no real tunnel. The encryption used to protect the data is called a tunnel. It starts at your device while VPN encrypts your data before sending it through this tunnel. So, VPN changes your data into a secret code that only your device and server understand. You can choose the type of code used for encryption. Your choice will impact the level of security and speed of the VPN tunnel. That is why some users complain about VPNs. It’s essential to understand how VPN protocols work to get the benefits from a VPN.

VPN is What, in 10 simple points

  1. Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates a secure and private connection over the internet, allowing users to access the web while protecting their privacy and enhancing security.
  2. Secure Tunnel: At its core, a VPN creates a secure and encrypted tunnel between your device (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet) and a server operated by the VPN provider. This tunnel safeguards your data from potential eavesdroppers.
  3. Privacy Protection: VPNs help protect your online privacy by masking your real IP address. Instead, your IP address appears as if it’s coming from the VPN server’s location, making it difficult for websites and online services to track your real-world location.
  4. Data Encryption: VPNs use encryption protocols to scramble your data, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. This encryption ensures the confidentiality and integrity of your internet traffic.
  5. Anonymous Browsing: VPNs enable anonymous browsing by hiding your online activities from your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, and even government agencies. This means your ISP won’t be able to monitor or record your web usage.
  6. Geo-restriction Bypass: VPNs allow you to bypass geographical restrictions imposed by websites and streaming services. By connecting to a server in a different region, you can access content that is typically unavailable in your location.
  7. Enhanced Security: When connected to a VPN, your data is protected even when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often insecure. VPNs add an extra layer of security to prevent cyberattacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks.
  8. Circumventing Censorship: VPNs are valuable tools for individuals living in countries with strict internet censorship. They can help users access blocked websites and communicate freely.
  9. Remote Access: In a business context, companies use VPNs to provide secure remote access to their internal network resources. This allows employees to work from home or while traveling and still maintain a secure connection to their workplace’s servers.
  10. Online Freedom: VPNs promote internet freedom by enabling users to exercise control over their online experiences. They empower individuals to access information, express opinions, and communicate without fear of surveillance or restrictions.

Why would you want to use a VPN?

Well, there are a few reasons. One is that it can help protect your privacy. Suppose you go to McDonald’s, a coffee shop, or an airport and connect to the free WiFi. First, you don’t know to what device you are connecting. Second, your connection without a VPN is open. So, the internet service provider (ISP) can see everything you do online. That means they can see what websites you visit, what you search for, and even what you type into forms. Some will tell you that there is an SSL (HTTPS) that protects you. It’s true if you know the WiFi access point you connect to. But often hackers set up fake access points, and you might not even notice it. If you use one of them, they can capture everything you do online. So, your logins, passwords, and every data that goes online. To protect you from this type of cyberattack, you need a VPN. With a VPN, nobody between you and the VPN server can read the data and see what you’re doing.

How can I unblock websites or social media?

Another reason to use a VPN is to access content with restrictions. It’s more and more often that countries block access to the internet. VPN can help you to bypass it. For example, if you live in the United States and want to watch a TV show that is only available in the United Kingdom. Then, you can use a VPN to make it look like you’re in the UK. You start the VPN app on your device and select the VPN server in the place where you want to have access. Next, you connect to that server and access content. It looks like your device is the server. Nobody can recognize that you are in a completely different place. You can read more about how to watch some sports events for free.

So, a VPN is a tool that can help you stay safe and secure when you use the internet. It can protect your privacy, allow you to access blocked content, and help protect you from bad guys. Still, there are essential aspects that I will cover next in this article.

VPN Tunnel on UseSecureVPN.com

VPN is what on tunneling?

A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and a VPN server. That server belongs to the VPN network. So, when you look for a VPN, you need to consider the locations of servers and how many of them they offer. You can pick any server from their list if you subscribe to the VPN service. It means that in seconds you can switch your connection and access the internet from that place.
Watch the video presenting how the VPN works:

As you can see, your device (like your computer, phone, or tablet) connects to a VPN server. To connect to the server, you need an account and a VPN application installed on your device. Their application will encrypt your connection and turn it into a secret code. This is the VPN tunnel connecting you to the VPN server. Once your data reaches the VPN server, the software will decrypt and send it to the internet. This will make you look like you are connecting from a server located anywhere in the world.

Thanks to the VPN mechanism, your ISP or hackers cannot read your data. Even if they intercept it when you’re using public Wi-Fi, they will not be able to decrypt it. This also helps to bypass geographic restrictions. Whenever you connect to the VPN server, you appear as connecting from the VPN server location.

I hope this helps illustrate how a VPN works!
Now let me explain when VPN will not work as expected and how to prevent it.

Does VPN make my computer or phone extra safe?

Yes and no. As I explained already, VPN is software installed on your device. If you have a virus, it will access your data before it’s encrypted by the VPN. In this case, VPN will not protect you unless you install an antivirus. Some VPNs offer a complete set of protection apps. So you might get not only a VPN but also an antivirus or ads blocker and even more.

Besides encrypting your online activity, many VPNs come with built-in security features. For example, they can protect you from malware and phishing attacks. Moreover, they can block malicious websites and prevent hackers from accessing your device.

It’s important to remember that a VPN is not a silver bullet for online safety.

Hacker tracking you without VPN

How come I get tracked even if I use a VPN?

VPN is what is a general question that is enough for many users. Unfortunately, VPN can protect you only up to the VPN server. From that point, your connection becomes unprotected. That is why it’s essential to practice safe online habits.

First, you must understand that VPN will not make your identity private if you log in to Google. Whenever you login, the service you use will know it is you. So, they might track your IP and recognize that you use VPN if you switch locations in the meantime. Also, if you login to services from different VPN servers, they will assume you travel or use a VPN. To avoid that, always try to have a VPN turned on and use static VPN IP. This is an extra service that not all VPNs provide. So, you will have to pay extra for it. It’s a little, but it’s very useful. Still, you need to remember that even a remote static address will point back to you if you use it to log in somewhere.

In case you use a shared VPN IP, which is the standard option, you access the internet from the same IP as the rest of the VPN users. This is important to understand from two aspects. You have a higher level of anonymity but share the internet connection with others. It means your VPN connection will be slower than it would be on private, static IP. To be honest, even static IPs can use the same network connection as others. This is a more advanced configuration, and I will not cover it in this article to keep it simple.

You might already noticed that you should use the same VPN servers for the specific services you log in to. Moreover, I recommend using static VPN IP with particular services, for example, Netflix. This will make it difficult to recognize you as using VPN. Instead, it will look like your home or office is at the VPN location.

VPN is not an easy topic, and to complicate it further, there are other techniques used to discover if you use VPN. Unfortunately, I can’t cover everything in this article, but you might want to get a free eBook, “VPN is what?“. I explain the topic more in-depth, and you can get a full VPN for one week for testing to ensure it works for you.

So, if you would like to get a free eBook about VPNs and a special offer to get the VPN for testing, then sign up here:

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VPN is What Free eBook

It’s not that VPN is what HTTPS offers?

You’re right. HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) provides encryption for the data. HTTPS protects your communication with the website in a fundamental way. HTTPS-enabled websites use SSL/TLS encryption to protect your data. (SSL/TLS stands for Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security)
Yet, using HTTPS alone doesn’t provide complete privacy and security. Even if you’re using HTTPS, there are several ways that someone can track your online activity. For example:

  • Your ISP can still see the domains you’re visiting, even if they can’t see the content of your traffic.
  • Your IP address can be used to track your location and other identifying information. Check our page to find out What is my IP.
  • Some websites still don’t use HTTPS. Then your data is transmitted in plain text. So, anybody can intercept it and read it.
  • cybercriminals can still use various methods to steal your login credentials or other sensitive information.

These are only some examples justifying the need for the use of VPN. With a commercial VPN, you get an extra layer of security and protection. VPNs encrypt and route your traffic through a secure server. This helps to hide your IP address and other online activity data. That is why HTTPS with a VPN can provide extra protection for your online privacy and security.

VPN for iPhone

Using a VPN on your iPhone can help to protect your online privacy and security. This is essential if you travel or use it with free hotspots. Moreover, VPN allow you to access geo-restricted content. There are many VPN apps available for iOS devices. You can try PureVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost. When using a VPN on your iPhone, look for strong encryption and strict no-logging policy. Additionally, make sure to follow any setup instructions provided by the VPN provider. This will help you to ensure that your iPhone is properly configured.

VPN for school

I know how frustrating it is when they block you from accessing YouTube or social media. That is why using a VPN at school can help you bypass any internet restrictions or censorship. With a VPN, you can access restricted websites or use blocked apps. But it’s important to note that using a VPN at school may be against your school’s acceptable use policy. So, please check with your school’s IT department before using a VPN. Also, remember to choose a VPN with strong encryption and a strict no-logging policy.

Protect your computer with VPN

VPN for PC

I think that VPN on a PC is as important as on your mobile devices. You don’t want your data to leak and let someone unauthorized access your home network.

VPN for Chrome

Sometimes, you might have problems downloading a VPN app. In that situation, try first installing VPN for Chrome. If you install it and connect to the VPN server, you can try to download the VPN system app. This problem might happen on school Chromebooks. You have to remember that a VPN extension may not offer the same level of security as a full VPN client. So it’s important to install the full VPN app.

VPN is safe

Like everything, yes, when used properly. VPN is a safe and effective tool for protecting your online privacy and security. Still, choose a reputable VPN provider with strong encryption and a strict no-logging policy. Don’t forget that using a VPN may not make you completely anonymous online. There are still potential risks associated with using the internet. But, a VPN can provide an extra layer of protection and help to mitigate these risks.

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  1. Encrypt your internet traffic to protect your online privacy and security
  2. Bypass internet censorship and access geo-restricted content
  3. Keep your online activity private and anonymous
  4. Securely connect to public Wi-Fi networks
  5. And much more!

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So why wait? Sign up for FREE eBook today, get our special link and start enjoying a safer, more secure, and more open internet experience!

Check the Table of Content below

“What is VPN” Table of Content

What you can find inside the FREE eBook:

What is VPN

1. Understanding VPN Basics

Hover or TAP to FLIP

Chapter about:

What is a VPN and its primary function
Why should you use a VPN
Which VPNs are worth a try?

Key Benefits of VPNs

2. Key Benefits of VPNs

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Chapter about:

Secure access to public Wi-Fi networks
Data privacy from ISPs, apps, and government
Bypassing geo-restrictions
Enhancing remote work security
Enhancing private data storage
Compatibility with various devices
Potential cost savings

Why use a VPN

3. VPN Usage Scenarios

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Chapter about:

VPNs for businesses
VPNs for gaming
VPNs for streaming
Online Shopping Security
Geographic Offers and Tax Advantage
Anonymous Torrenting

Key Benefits of VPNs

4. Exploring VPN Limitations

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Chapter about:

VPNs are not a solution for everything.
FREE VPN = MORE EXPENSIVE

Is VPN legal

5. Legal Aspects of VPN Usage

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Chapter about:

When and where VPNs are legal

Using a VPN

6. Preparation Steps Before Using a VPN

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Chapter about:

What to consider before getting a VPN

VPN speed

7. VPN speed degradation

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Chapter about:

Data has to be encrypted on your device
Data has to be decrypted on the VPN server
A number of servers and users
The distance between your device and the VPN server
Your ISP
Home router

VPN Geo-blocking

8. Using VPNs for Geo-Shifting

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Chapter about:

Understanding the need to bypass geo-blocking
Why would you try to bypass Geo-blocking?

Trustworthiness of a VPN

9. Assessing VPN Trustworthiness

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Chapter about:

VPN service providers see everything you are hoping to protect

VPN limitations

10. VPN Limitations Revisited

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Chapter about:

VPN will not protect you from your own mistakes
By using VPN and adequately cleaning the browser tracking cookies, you can continue reading the articles for free

VPN legality

11. Understanding VPN Legality

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Chapter about:

Where using a VPN is illegal
Potential Consequences of VPN Usage

VPN Router

12. Router with a VPN for home and travel

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Chapter about:

VPN router for home
VPN router for travel

Best VPN

13. How to Choose the Right VPN

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Chapter about:

Step-by-step guide for selecting the best VPN
Step 1 – VPN server locations
Step 2 – Fast and stable connection
Step 3 – Smart devices support
Step 4 – The maximum simultaneous connections
Step 5 – Encryption
Step 6 – No-logs policy and jurisdiction
Step 7 – Additional features
Step 8 – Customer support
Step 9 – User-oriented interface
Step 10 – Plan, price, payment, and refunds

PureVPN

14. Overcoming VPN Blocks with PureVPN for Free

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Chapter about:

Obfuscation feature that helps hide VPN traffic from firewalls and DPI, to bypass VPN blocks
Dedicated IP and port forwarding options to bypass any blocks

VPNs for Bypassing Blocks

15. List of Effective VPNs for Bypassing Blocks

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Chapter about:

VPNs listed with their main features

PureVPN
Surfshark
NordVPN
ExpressVPN
VyprVPN
CyberGhost
Private Internet Access (PIA)
TorGuard
AtlasVPN

Free VPN vs Premium VPN

16. Free vs. Premium VPNs for Bypassing Blocks

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Chapter about:

Evaluating the limitations of free VPNs

Free VPN services

17. Exploring Free VPNs

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Chapter about:

Sustainability of Free VPN Services

VPN HTTPS PROXY TOR

18. VPN, HTTPS, TOR, and Proxy

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Chapter about:

HTTPS
TOR
PROXY
Understanding the differences and use cases

How to create your own VPN

19. Building Your Own VPN

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Chapter about:

Sometimes costs more than the commercial VPN
There is a disadvantage to free open-source VPNs
The monthly cost depends on your online activity and VPN usage

Alternatives to VPN

20. Exploring Alternatives to VPNs

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Chapter about:

If you still don’t know if is a VPN worth it, then at least secure yourselves online with basic protections.

Selecting the Best VPN

21. Selecting the Best VPN

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Chapter about:

How to analyze the VPN offers and service providers

Conclusion and final thoughts

22. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Chapter about:

Final thoughts and thank You for Downloading this eBook!

Frequently Asked Questions about VPN is What?

I don't need a VPN because I have nothing to hide.

While you may not have anything to hide, using a VPN can help to protect your online privacy and security. VPN prevents your ISP or other third parties from seeing your online activity. It’s similar to locking your doors or closing your blinds at home. Even if you’re not doing anything wrong, you still want to protect your personal space.

VPNs are slow and make my internet connection laggy.

Yes, VPN can sometimes slow down your internet connection. Still, many modern VPNs introduce minimal speed loss. Additionally, some VPNs optimize specialized servers to offer a fast internet connection.

VPNs are expensive and not worth the cost.

The cost of using a VPN is often much less than the potential cost of a data breach or identity theft. They can result in lost money, time, and personal information. Moreover, I would like to clarify that in most cases, we spent more than $3-$5 daily on unneeded goods. Instead, you could improve your security for $3-$5 monthly.

VPNs are complicated to set up and use.

Many VPNs offer user-friendly interfaces and step-by-step setup guides. For example, you might check PureVPN. Additionally, many VPNs offer customer support to help you with any questions.

VPNs can be used for illegal activities, so I don't want to be associated with that.

You are correct. VPNs can be used for illegal activities. But you can also use them for many legitimate purposes. For example, protecting your online privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, and bypassing internet censorship. Using a VPN doesn’t automatically make you a criminal – it’s simply a tool that can be used for both good and bad purposes.

I don't trust VPN providers to keep my data secure.

Fair statement. Not all VPN providers are equal, and some may have weak security or data logging policies. But, many reputable VPN providers offer strong encryption and strict no-logging policies. Before choosing a VPN provider, do your research. Look for reviews and ratings like our list of VPN REVIEWS – COMPARISON TABLE.

VPNs can be blocked by some websites and services.

You are correct that some websites and services try to block access from VPN networks. Still, this is quite rare, and you can bypass it. Try using a different server or protocol. You can use specialized VPN servers if you want to connect to a specific website or service. VPN networks design some servers dedicated to, for example, Netflix.

Using a VPN is illegal in my country.

You are correct. Some countries do restrict or ban the use of VPNs. If you’re unsure about the legality of using a VPN in your country, please check with a legal expert.

VPNs are not necessary if I'm only using the internet for basic activities.

At some point, you are right. VPNs may not be necessary for basic activities like browsing the web or checking email. Still, you should use a VPN if you’re concerned about online privacy and security. Additionally, you can use VPN to access geo-restricted content. For example, you can use a VPN to shop online for a reasonable price, regardless of location. There are many use cases to benefit from the use of a VPN.

VPNs can be inconvenient to use, especially when traveling.

I’m not sure if VPN can be inconvenient. Many modern VPNs offer user-friendly interfaces and can be set up with just a few clicks. What is more, for travelers, I recommend using a portable Access Point with a VPN. You can connect all your devices to your AP. It works as a single point of access. You have only one VPN configured in the access point. That way, all your devices will be automatically protected by the VPN. Now wherever you go, your portable access point will connect to WiFi hotspots. The added security and privacy benefits are often worth it.

Below you can find other articles that might interest you. Keep reading if you need more information about VPNs

How to bypass VPN block

You can use effective methods with a list of VPNs to bypass VPN blocks! Follow a short list of the best ways to stay undetected and BYPASS VPN BLOCK!

Is a VPN worth it to call it the most powerful privacy app?

Is a VPN worth it to change your location, access restricted content, avoid censorship, keep data private and secure from cybercriminals on public WiFi hotspots

Why use a VPN – Best beginners guide from an expert

Why use a VPN public WiFi hotspot. what is a VPN, what does it do, how to choose a VPN, why you need it, how to save shopping through a VPN – Easy VPN guide

Why do I need a VPN

Discover What Is a VPN, why do I need a VPN, and how I can use it to stay secure and get access to blocked content or save money shopping. VPN Beginners Guide.

How to choose a VPN

Choose a VPN that meets all your requirements, whether you care about security or want to access geo-blocked service. Check what to focus on picking right VPN?

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About the author

Magic

Hi! I’m Magic,

Software, hardware, and test engineer with experience of 25+ years in military systems.

During years of work on multiple projects, I noticed that most people struggle with technical questions, and sometimes finding correct answers is impossible on the congested internet.
Therefore, I started providing my experience online by researching products and services to help everybody who seeks my help.

Would you be interested in learning more about my VPN services and security findings? If yes, please continue reading, and I thank you if you find it helpful and wish to support me by following one of the links.
Software developer
Hardware engineer
Test engineer

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