What is a VPN and What's VPN Used for - VPN Unlimited (2024)

FAQs

What is a VPN and What's VPN Used for - VPN Unlimited? ›

A VPN, which stands for virtual private network, protects its users by encrypting their data and masking their IP addresses. This hides their browsing activity, identity, and location, allowing for greater privacy and autonomy. Anyone seeking a safer, freer, and more secure online experience could benefit from a VPN.

VPN stands for "virtual private network" — a service that helps you stay private online by encrypting the connection between your device and the internet. This secure connection provides a private tunnel for your data and communications while you use public networks.

A VPN securely extends a private network across a public network like the internet. How does using a VPN feel for the end user? The user will feel like they using a computer that is physically connected to the organisation's network, although they will experience slower data transfer speeds.

The virtual private network transmits and receives data for the device via its secure link. This ensures a safe connection for remote internet users to a business network. Using a VPN means data moves online via a safe tunneling protocol. This data is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

A VPN connection is made through highly secure protocols at a level of encryption that has never been cracked. This, coupled with the anonymity of IP masking and location spoofing, renders your online presence nearly untraceable. If you or your organization handle sensitive information, then a VPN is a must.

Security and trust concerns

VPN servers can also become targets for cyberattacks, especially if they are not properly maintained or lack security updates. A compromised VPN server exposes users' data and potentially provides unauthorized access to attackers.

Yes, you should keep your VPN on whenever you're online. It keeps your sensitive information away from prying eyes and ensures a private, secure connection to the internet. On top of that, setting up and using a VPN is super simple, making it easy for you to protect yourself online.

A VPN protects its users by encrypting their data and masking their IP address, leaving their browsing history and location untraceable. This greater anonymity allows for greater privacy, as well as greater freedom for those who wish to access blocked or region-bound content.

VPNs are primarily used for remote access to a private network. For example, employees at a branch office could use a VPN to connect to the main office's internal network. Alternatively, a remote worker, who may be working from home, could need to connect to their company's internet or restricted applications.

A VPN safeguards your personal information by establishing an encrypted connection between your device and a server. It masks your IP address, making your online activities harder to track, and creates a secure data tunnel that protects your information from potential eavesdroppers.

Why is it important to use a VPN? ›

Without a VPN, you may experience an influx of pop-up ads that can interrupt your browsing experience and be a general nuisance. If you use a VPN, it can stop people, software, and web browsers from gaining access to your connection. This keeps the information you transmit and receive secure and anonymous.

If you know someone to be based in a specific location but the IP address location is different, it's likely they're using a VPN. You can also use IP address checkers to see the ISP. By looking up the ISP in question, you may be able to find out if it's associated with a particular VPN provider.

In most countries VPNs are completely legal, including in the US, Canada, the UK, and most European and Latin American countries. However, VPNs are illegal in countries such as Belarus, Iran, Iraq, and Turkmenistan.

Yes, VPN providers can see what you do online. However, many leading providers use no-log policies, meaning they won't record and save your information.

No, a VPN cannot make you anonymous. They help secure what you're doing, but your ISP still knows when you're using the internet.

But, as we've outlined, while VPNs have a lot of perks, there are potential downsides, too. A VPN can reduce internet speed and increase latency, which slows down online activities. Using a VPN can cause your accounts to become blocked by social media sites for suspicious activity.

A good VPN often costs around $5 to $10 per month. This pricing could vary depending on each VPN service provider, the types of features you want included, and the subscription plan you choose. Choosing an annual plan that you pay for upfront typically reduces the overall cost.

Free VPNs often limit speed, data usage, the number of servers and device connections and hardly unblock streaming sites. But that's not all—no VPN can operate without money, so they tend to make their money in other ways, which often turns out bad for users.

In addition to getting VPNs installed on your various gadgets though, you can also install a VPN on your home internet router. Because the technology runs on your router, everything that connects to it—streaming sticks, game consoles, smartphones—gets the benefit of the added protections.

Everyday internet users

A VPN is a necessity for anyone using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, too, seeing as these (admittedly handy) connection points are typically unsecure and haunted by cybercriminals hungry for sensitive data.