VPN, what it is and why you should use it. Features and benefits

We hear about them for bypassing blocks and limitations, but they are also a valid help for security. We are referring to VPN networks and their peculiarities. But what exactly do they consist of? How do they work?

What is meant by VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. This acronym refers to a virtual private network . To simplify, we can think of a VPN as a "secure" tunnel through which information passes from our computer to the internet and vice versa.

Things?

A VPN is a particular network service whose primary function is to encrypt internet traffic and protect the user's online identity.

The use of a VPN and its features differ for individual users and corporate networks.

In the first case, data exchange occurs constantly between the computer and the identified external server. The software or online application on your machine takes care of the routing, which is “targeted” to a specific server and from there to the final destination.

The same path also applies to incoming information, which goes from the network to the intermediate server and from there via a secure and encrypted connection to the user.

However, when it is used in a company network , it can also be used to communicate with the same group located in different places. In this context it can be considered as a LAN network .

VPN, what is it for?

As already indicated, the most "renowned" use of a VPN is to eliminate geographic blocks or limitations "imposed from above".

In fact, the VPN allows you to change and delete your geographical origin, allowing access to sites and applications blocked in your country.

We therefore often hear about it in combination with nations in which there are authoritarian regimes (China, North Korea etc.) or countries in certain geopolitical conditions (Russia, Ukraine etc.).

But the most interesting use for the common user is the "protection" one.

A VPN is in fact the best way to create a secure connection between your computer and the network . The advantages of using a connection and encryption system of this type are in fact varied and all of value:

Using the VPN you can surf the Internet anonymously or almost anonymously. Position and IP address are in fact masked and no longer visible to any malicious users or those who wish to control.

Security while browsing is increased by the use of a VPN. The virtual encrypted tunnel created by this type of connection does not allow the intervention of hackers and cyber criminals, making your device safer and less vulnerable.

Not only security but also greater freedom and possibilities thanks to the fewer limitations and blocks possible through a VPN.

Using a VPN is highly recommended, if not mandatory, when the computer is shared or public. A connection from a library, an internet point or a shared machine can therefore easily become secure.

The same applies even when the device is ours, but the Internet connection is that of a public wi-fi .

VPN security, how it works

The VPN guarantees security when browsing online thanks to the fact that it completely encrypts Internet traffic. The greater security begins immediately, as, starting from the PC, the traffic is routed through a secure "tunnel". A tunnel without interruptions or weak points, which guarantees great security by preventing external parties from seeing the data you send to the network or received from it in response to your request.

Principle of operation

It all starts with downloading and installing appropriate software or starting an online service. Some simple options and choices will then allow you to set the configuration of your VPN and it will immediately be possible to start browsing.

The connection will be started and automatically, our data traffic will follow the following path:

The VPN software installed on the computer or the online client encrypts the data traffic and sends it, via the standard provider, using a secure connection, to the designated server via a secure connection .

The encrypted data from your computer is decrypted by the VPN server.

The VPN server sends your data to the internet and receives a response intended for you, the user.

The response is encrypted again and sent to your device via secure connection

The VPN software on your device decrypts what is received and makes the material available to you.

This triangulation will guarantee privacy and security for your browsing and your device, as your real IP will never be shown and no action will ever be attributable to your address.

FAQ about this technology

How exactly does the VPN app work?

Completely in the background on your device, you don't need to do anything different than what you usually do. After a simple initial configuration the system will be ready to work.

Does it slow down the connection?

Some VPNs can cause slowdowns, but not all. Others, however, even manage to increase your connection speed, removing the artificial "limits" inserted by the provider.

Is using a VPN legal?

The VPN tool is legal, like any tool or object, it is the use made of it that determines whether it is legal or not. If our intent is to best protect our device and our connection , yes, we can consider the VPN legal.

Free VPN

As with every solution, there are paid and free software. Finding a free VPN is possible, there are many that work well and don't cost a penny.

A VPN we recommend?

As indicated above, the options regarding these encryption systems are multiple. A good free solution is OpenVPN. It is in fact an Open Source program released under the GPL license.

This means that this VPN is free. OpenVPN then has another great advantage which is that of ease of configuration and use, on any type of device.

Whatever VPN you choose, carefully evaluate its adoption, a "tunnel" like this can really be an excellent shield against the dangers of the internet .