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VPN Meaning

A VPN disguises your device's IP address and encrypts the data you transmit online. A VPN hides your activity from prying eyes like ISPs, hackers, etc., by routing your online communications via a private tunnel between your device and the VPN server. A VPN with bank-grade encryption strengthens your privacy. [1]

What Does VPN Stand for?

It stands for "Virtual Private Network." Let's break this down further to help you understand:

  • A VPN is virtual because it develops a digital tunnel, and no physical cable connects the VPN server to your device.
  • A VPN is private because it hides your IP address and encrypts your information in transit.
  • A VPN is also a network because it connects multiple devices, i.e., your computer and the VPN server.

VPN Meaning

VPN means a private tunnel through the Internet. A VPN helps bypass censorship, unlock website restrictions, and get around content blocks. VPNs encrypt your traffic and conceal your IP address and location. This makes it more difficult for anyone to know your identity or activities.

Whenever you're online, websites and intruders can track every link you click, picture you post, site you view, or purchase you make. That's where a VPN comes in to conceal your IP and location. It makes it harder for such actions to get to you and strengthens your Internet privacy and security.

A VPN can distinguish between carefree, secure browsing and an increased risk of exposed information and leaked passwords. A VPN lets you connect remotely to your company's network using public Wi-Fi without worrying about your personal information getting out.

So, in this context, the term "VPN" refers to the private network connection. Technically, a VPN client is a software application that controls your device's VPN connection. However, people often use these two terms interchangeably.

Why Should You Use a VPN?

VPNs provide some of the best protection against hackers and online snoops, and you should use one if you prioritize safe browsing. As aforementioned, a VPN encrypts your Internet traffic and keeps your IP address hidden by showing the VPN server's IP address instead. Remember, your public IP address links your device to your Internet Service Provider and geographic location. That can make it easier for certain institutions to use geo-blocking, invoke censorship, create price discrimination, and conduct other activities.

Fortunately, a VPN can help you avoid this because it applies IP masking to keep your location and identity anonymous. That means using a VPN will enable you to access more content, more satisfactory deals, and enhanced privacy and security. VPNs offer a range of benefits; here are some of the top reasons why you should use a VPN:

  • Keep your data safer: Keeping data secure is the most common reason people use a VPN. A VPN encrypts all the Internet data sent from and to your device. That means intruders won't see your credit card information and login credentials.
  • Reduce online tracking: Using a VPN while browsing makes it much more difficult for ISPs or hackers to see the websites you visit. Using private browsing will also help turn off tracking cookies. It will guarantee your privacy without compromising speed.
  • Stream content: ISPs can throttle your Internet connection for various reasons, including bandwidth usage. Perhaps you simply desire to watch your favorite movies on the go. A reliable VPN will help you access desirable content by shielding your streaming activity.
  • Stay protected on public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi doesn't typically have robust security protocols. Therefore, using a VPN connection is prudent. Unsecured traffic makes it easier for cybercriminals to intercept, which means they can hack your device without you noticing.
  • Protect business communications: A business should protect itself from risks such as costly ransomware attacks. It should also commit itself to protecting the data and communications of remote workers.
  • Avoid surveillance: Maybe you're a journalist or activist who needs to protect your sources or themselves from unwanted attention. Perhaps you want to access secure data or records. VPNs can help you with all this by ensuring your online activity remains confidential.
  • Play online games: You might be an online gamer who wants to keep his gaming activity private. Perhaps you'd like to access certain unavailable games at your location. A VPN is the solution you're looking for.
  • Shop online: Some institutions track online activities to exploit them. They may vary the prices of their products/ services based on geographic location. A VPN helps online shoppers avoid price discrimination.

Are VPNs Safe and Secure?

Although a VPN enhances your safety and security, it's not similar to an antivirus tool. VPNs are designed to safeguard your Internet connection and not to detect, block, and remove malware. Besides using a VPN for online privacy, you'll also need to install a robust antivirus software to protect you against spyware, malware, or phishing attacks. [2]

Related-topics

References

  1. The Mac Observer [ What Do Bank-Level Encryption and Military-Grade Encryption Mean? ] Feb 20, 2020
  2. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency [ Understanding Anti-Virus Software ] Sept 27, 2019

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Last Modified: July 25, 2024