VPN

VPN

VP-what?

VPN is a term that has become more and more common in recent years--but a lot of people don't know what exactly it is/what it does.

A VPN is a 'Virtual Private Network' --Wow that was easy...why did I make a whole page for this?...Oh--you don't know what a Virtual Private Network is? Well hypothetical reader who I'm making up for this clearly odd stylistic choice on the web page, I'll tell you.

Point 1-The Internet:

When you simplify it, a large group of connected computers is all the internet really is. You have 'Server' Computers, where web pages are hosted, and clients, the devices we use every day to access the web pages and other resources that are stored on the Servers.

Point 2-Electric Boogaloo:

Hey, who wrote that header? This is supposed to be 'The ISP' . The ISP is the conduit through which all of these computers connect together (ok in reality there are tons of ISPs, and a lot of other equipment is involved, but I'm trying to keep this simple). Because we use various ISP's to connect to the internet, they can see all of our activity, whether it's going to our bank's server, logging into our work applications, or browsing social media for hours on end. While them having access to all of our browsing data isn't usually malicious, we still don't have control over who they give or sell it to.

Point 3- The Network:

We connect our devices to networks, these can come in the form of wireless (read: WiFi) connections, or wired (read: Ethernet) connections. While other devices don't receive our traffic by default, if a malicious actor is on the same network as you, they can use tools to see what websites you're on, and potentially steal any data you send while connected to that network. There are a myriad of ways you could be on the same network as a hacker and not even know it, whether you're on public WiFi, or even your home WiFi with a compromised (read: Virus installed) device. 

Point 4- Are you ever going to talk about VPNs, or just keep rambling?

Wow--rude. But Ok, I was getting there. A VPN takes all of that traffic you send to whatever website you are going to, and filters it through their servers. So instead of your ISP or a hacker seeing that you're going to your banking website, they'll just see the traffic going to the VPN's server. All data sent through a reliable VPN is encrypted, meaning no one can see the contents of what you're sending or receiving (except the VPN provider in some cases)

Point 5- So, Therefore what?

A VPN provides security for sensitive information, protection from targeted ads,  and overall privacy for the end user. VPNs are a great tool if used responsibly.

Point 6- That means you'll allow them at School then, right?

Absolutely-not. The use of a VPN is a double-edged sword. While it improves privacy and security, it also obfuscates traffic and can be used to circumvent content filtering. The school does not allow VPN traffic on our network and devices and have taken all measures available to us to block it.

Point 7- The Takeaway

VPNs are a great tool, and I 100% recommend one (see below for some options) to any adult who wants to use one on a personal device. For student devices, I recommend using parental control apps for content filtering instead. This is a choice that needs to be made on a per person and per household basis.

Common VPN Solutions:

(Note: The sites below are not a direct link, since vpn's are blocked at the school, I googled it for you instead)

• ExpressVPN

• NordVPN