A technology that allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. When you connect to a VPN, your device sends all of your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server controlled by the VPN provider. This server then sends your traffic out to the internet, so it appears to websites and other online services as if it is coming from the VPN server rather than your device.
There are a few key ways in which a VPN can be used:
- Privacy and security: Because your internet traffic is encrypted as it passes through the VPN server, anyone who intercepts your traffic (such as hackers on public Wi-Fi) will not be able to read it. Additionally, because the VPN server assigns you a new IP address, your real IP address is hidden from websites and other online services. This makes it much more difficult for websites and advertisers to track your browsing activity or for governments to spy on your online activity.
- Bypassing censorship: Some countries and organizations block access to certain websites or services. A VPN can help you bypass these blocks by routing your traffic through a server in a different country.
- Accessing geo-blocked content: Some online services, like streaming platforms, are only available in certain countries. A VPN can help you access these services by routing your traffic through a server in a country where the service is available.
- Remote access: Some companies use VPNs to allow their employees to access company resources remotely, as if they were on the company’s internal network.
VPNs use a protocol to establish a secure connection, the most common are OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. Each of them has its own strength and weakness. But OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec are considered to be the most secure ones.
You can use VPN by installing the client software provided by VPN providers, it usually is software that you can download and install on your device and connect to a server. Another way is by configuring a VPN connection on your router, this way all the device that connects to your network will use VPN automatically.
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