The Internet runs on many servers, all sharing and exchanging data with each other. When you type a web page into your browser, the server reads the request to figure out where to send it and how to process it.
In today’s digital world, especially with the current coronavirus pandemic, almost every transaction can be conducted online. With this, it has become crucial for you to protect your data from people with malicious intent. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in.
A VPN offers a secure digital channel between you and the remote server. This effectively makes it impossible to tell the source of any information you type. It shields your identity, encrypts your IP address, and protects your confidential data from prying eyes.
Most people typically purchase a VPN to ensure the security of the information they send and receive from the World Wide Web. With this, it’s crucial that you test your connection to make sure that you’re enjoying the privacy that you paid for. Thankfully, Security Gladiators allows you to conduct a leak test to verify the claims of your VPN provider.
The Process
A VPN server is basically an external computer server that offers you a secure connection between your computer and the Internet. It works by keeping your internet connection encrypted. So, even if you’re under surveillance, the IP address you provided to your VPN server remains anonymous.
When you connect to your internet service, all your internet traffic passes through your VPN server. Then, your internet traffic will be encrypted, protecting your privacy, identity, and security.
The process starts when your computer connects to the Internet through a server. A VPN would mask your Internet Protocol (IP) or virtual address so that you won’t have to worry about unwittingly giving away your information.
You should note that this form of security doesn’t make you completely secure from online attacks. Nonetheless, it does make it inconvenient for hackers to access your information, which increases the likelihood that they’ll move on to the next target instead of spending more time in decrypting your network and files.
You should also know that the VPN service provider you’re using may log your IP address whenever you access their servers. This is a normal feature in any secure internet connection, and a normal Internet user can easily monitor your internet activity.
But with proper VPN applications, ISPs (Internet service providers) won’t have the ability to access your internet history and browsing activities. They also won’t have access to your private information. Plus, your IP address cannot be traced back. This means that your information would remain safe and protected no matter which site you visit.
Uses for Security and Privacy
As mentioned above, VPN users often pay for the service of VPN providers to keep their data, including my search history, secure and private.
Here are some uses of a VPN:
1. Protect Your Identity
You may have heard of Internet horror stories where people receive the shock of their lives after receiving their credit card bills. Apparently, someone else has gotten a hold of their financial information and racked up thousands of credit card debt by purchasing anything that they can order online. Then, the poor victim ends up paying the debt to the bank.
Another possible case of identity theft is when criminals pretend to be you on social media to deceive your family and friends into sending them money. In the end, it’s your reputation that gets damaged, even when you’re also a victim.
2. Use Public Wi-Fi Safely
A VPN is also valuable for using public Wi-Fi without worrying about someone intercepting your connection and stealing your information. It’s one of the ways to ensure the security of your mobile device. Thus, with a VPN, you can work in the library or coffee shop with peace of mind.
3. Avoid Location-based Price Targeting
Plane ticket merchants are notorious for location-based price targeting. Thankfully, a VPN can help you save money by masking your location and ensuring that you can view fair prices for airfare and other types of services.
Conclusion
The most important thing that you need to remember with this type of security is that it helps you maintain your personal privacy and security. So, the next time you want to browse the Internet, make sure to use a secure VPN to avoid monitoring, hacking, or other forms of cyberattacks.
If you have problems with your Internet service, check to see if your provider is offering free VPN services. However, in order to ensure your safety, it’s always a good idea to get your ISP to help set up your VPN software.