Want to know what is a VPN Connection? Let us begin with some interesting facts. The $24.1 billion VPN industry is growing exponentially each year. In 2022 alone, the VPN industry is expected to grow by $ 4.5 billion. In a summary, this article explains the basics of how VPNs work.
So then, let us start. In short, a free VPN enhances your security while you are browsing the internet. Still, guessing how a VPN free download can secure your internet transactions? Or, scratching your head with why do you need to beef up your internet security?
Hear this out. In the first half of 2019 alone, 5.2 billion data breaches were recorded. It is estimated that by the end of 2020, there will be 300 billion passwords being used on the planet. Further, a cyber attack takes place every 39 seconds.
Here are 4 basic components of a dependable VPN application. These four capabilities will tell you how VPNs give you a 4 layer of internet security that no other application can guarantee. So then let us start.
1. IP Masking
Your IP is the first identity that is visible to any internet offender or intruder. A virtual private network keeps your IP address confidential. Here’s exactly what happens. When you connect to the VPN, you latch on to a VPN server. Your IP appears to be that of the VPN server. On the other hand, the server IP masks your own IP. As a result, your IP remains confidential. This step alone keeps you away from a large number of hackers. Since your IP isn’t revealed you largely remain anonymous on the internet.
In fact, this amazing feature almost keeps you anonymous. Your identity remains a secret throughout your internet journey. This anonymity keeps you miles away from hacker attacks in a very simple yet effective way.
However, we strongly recommend you also check for IP leaks. In simple words, an IP leak means, revealing your real IP to the destination terminal. Some of the VPNs reveal your IP to the destination terminal. Hence, we recommend you to go for an application that never reveals your IP to the destination also.
2. Location Masking
This is the second important feature. A free VPN keeps your location anonymous. We already discussed what happens when we use a virtual private network. In brief, it makes you latch on to a server. To the entire internet fraternity, it appears as if your location is that of the server. Consequently, your real location remains confidential on the internet. This keeps you away from a large pool of internet offenders who target internet users based on their location. The first two features broadly explain what is a VPN server address. And, how it keeps all your internet activity anonymous.
Together with, IP masking and location masking all your internet activities remain anonymous. This way you keep yourself away from a large number of internet offenders who target users based on their IP address and location etc.
However, the IP leak feature is essential here also. If your IP is revealed, it means your location is also revealed. Hence, it is recommended to use a VPN that does not leak your IP to the destination terminal.
3. Data Encryption
This is another amazing feature of a VPN. Let us understand what data encryption means. In simple words, data encryption converts readable data into unreadable codes. A VPN encrypts your data. Hence, nobody can read through the data packets that you transact. The destination terminal, however, gets a de-encryption key. This way only the intended user can access your data.
There are various standards of encryption that VPN companies use. For instance, R.S.A., A.E.S., Triple DES, etc. We will cover the types of encryption in another article shortly.
4. The VPN Tunnel
This is another VPN feature worth a mention. Even a free VPN has this super feature by default. Any VPN creates a virtual tunnel between you and your destination terminal. Hence, no one other than you and your destination tunnel can see through the transactions happening between both terminals. In fact, even your ISP cannot peep into this tunnel.
Did you know your ISP modulates your speed based on your download activity? In certain cases, ISP will reduce your speed when you download heavy files so that the other users aren’t affected. However, if you are making use of a virtual private network your ISP cannot keep a track of what you are using. Hence, you enjoy uninterrupted speed. Hope the above-mentioned points help you understand what is a VPN.
Want to know the other side of the story? Like any other application virtual private network also has a downside. Whenever you make use of a virtual private network it might affect your internet speed slightly.
This is because your internet journey becomes slightly longer. When you don’t use a VPN you make an internet journey from your terminal (origin) to your destination. However, when you use a VPN your terminal first reaches a VPN server and then the destination. As a result, your journey becomes longer. Hence your internet speed might get affected in some cases.
So then, what should you do? Well, there isn’t a doubt you should still make use of a VPN where ever possible. However, any VPN server gives you a list of VPN servers to choose from. You should choose a VPN server that is nearest to your location. This will slightly reduce the journey.
To conclude, let us finally answer what is a virtual private network now. A Virtual Private Network is a 4 layer security application that makes your internet journey anonymous and keeps your internet transactions confidential. Considering the increasing number of cyber-attacks and data breaches it is recommended for you to keep yourself anonymous on the internet. Also, you should keep all your internet transaction confidential. A great VPN helps you secure your internet by doing exactly that.
