What is a VPN? Why one needs it?

A VPN or a virtual private network is a tool which allows a safe and encrypted internet connection. Usually when you connect to the internet, your connection is neither encrypted nor safe. VPN makes the connection secure and private by encrypting the data being passed as well as building a tunnel around it. When you connect any public network such as a free Wi-Fi or internet from anywhere, there are chances that your data can be read by any third parties as well as someone controlling the network may also steal your private information. A VPN ensures prevention of all these vulnerabilities.

VPNs are mainly required by companies as to keep their data protected. In recent days, the use of VPNs on personal level is also tending to increase. As people are being more aware about their data privacy, they are going toward using a VPN software.

Using a VPN ensures user’s privacy as VPN does another task – it hides the real IP address. VPN replaces the original IP address of the user with another IP provided by VPN company.

If you are using a VPN, you can get an IP address from your chosen VPN server from within network of that provider. Suppose, you live in Chicago, normally your IP address would reveal your location, however, when you connect to the internet using a VPN, you can choose an IP of Melbourne, Australia or Auckland, New Zealand. This way it would establish that you are using the internet from Melbourne or Auckland or whichever IP you chose.

Benefits of using a VPN

It hides your real IP address

For sure as we discussed above, once you use a VPN, it would hide your IP and make you appear from the city or location you chose to connect.

It allows you to access geo-restricted content

This is the most demanded benefit of a VPN. People use it watch blocked websites such as Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Now and BBC iPlayer in countries where these websites are not available.

Data encryption

Using a VPN would encrypt your data and therefore make it impossible to hack, interrupt or be stolen. There are lots of VPN services with different set of encryption standards. You should also check this chart which provides a detailed comparison of VPN services including their encryption protocols, logging policies and many other factors.

Changing IP address

A Virtual Private Network would allow you to change your IP address. You can choose your desired server which will assign you a different IP address. If you get a dedicated IP VPN, you would be assigned a dedicated IP which wouldn’t be usable by anyone else. In case of shared IP which is the usual case, your IP address would be shared – used by others as well.

Installing a VPN

You can install your VPN easily. It is a simple process and many providers offer their VPN client which doesn’t require any installation process. Although, the installation is also simple. You just need to enter your username and server address. Most smartphones just require the VPN installation with PPTP and L2TP protocols whereas major operating systems can be configured on PPTP protocols.