What is a VPN and How Does it Work?

When you log on from your home network there is not as much of a need to use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN because your ISP has seen fit to give you a secure personal private network. Information from your private network travels first from your device; to your router (if you have one); onto and through your ISP; to the internet and finally to the web server for what you are searching or doing.

Information is delivered in packets and these packets contain information that hackers and cyberpunks try to snag and use for whatever nefarious things they may choose. Using a VPN when you are on a public network, such as at the coffee shop, library and or doctors office can stop hackers from being able to use the information contained in your packets by jumbling up the message making it seem like gibberish to the cyber fisherman, sending him casting for an easier catch.

What is a Virtual Private Network or VPN?

What is a VPN? Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, serve as a safe way to connect to the internet from your smartphone, tablet, router, or computer. They have been around since the mid-nineties when a then Microsoft employee came up with the PTPP, a peer-to-peer tunneling protocol that became the foundation of the modern VPN.

VPNs were created to connect business networks securely on the web or to access the business network from your home. In today’s world VPNs are used for so much more.

8 Reasons Why Everyone Should Use a VPN?

1. To stream content anywhere in the world. You might be surprised to realize that not all streaming services are available outside of the US. A VPN will allow you to watch all your favorite shows whether or not you are at home by using your home server.

2. To ensure your connection is secure. Whether or not you are using a computer or a smartphone your data is not secure at places with public wi-fi. As the name public implies anything you do at your local wi-fi enabled coffee shop is public and as such anyone, including cybercriminals, can access your information at these public places so using a VPN can ensure that your internet security remains intact.

3. To get a higher level of security when you are banking online. Online Banking is convenient and saves you time, adding an extra layer of security to the online banking experience by using a VPN can give you peace of mind that your identity is not in danger of being stolen.

4. To be safe when shopping online in other countries. Whenever you are shopping online you can be assured that if the page address begins with HTTP then you are indeed using a secured connection already. However, if you do not see the HTTP or the SSL that are common on US web addresses then you should use a VPN to ensure that you are getting the safest connection possible when entering a payment method such as a credit card or bank card.

5. To protect your information in high cybercrime environments like airports. While it is thoughtful for airports to offer wifi to awaiting passengers it is also an identity theft hot zone. Using a VPN at the airport can ease the fears associated with being a victim of identity theft at the hands of the travel industry.

6. To be able to use your social media in other countries. Did you know that in some countries, social media sites like Facebook and Instagram are highly censored? To unlock your ability to see the entirety of your social media content, use a VPN to keep up with what is happening back home.

7. To get consistent pricing for online services. Have you ever gone to a website and returned later to see that the prices for the exact service you were researching have increased? That is because websites offering online services like hotels and car rentals often track your activities. Using a VPN will make it look like you are just looking for the first time, every time.

8. To play multiplayer games with your friends using a faux LAN connection. Before the dinosaurs, you used to be able to play online games with your friends using now obsolete gaming systems. Using a VPN can fool your computer into thinking you are on the same network as your friends, allowing you to play the obsolete game together.

Take charge of your internet security by using one of the best tools for internet security and protect your identity and data from cybercriminals who could be lurking nearby waiting for the opportunity to steal your identity by using a trusted VPN.

How Do VPNs Work to Protect Your Information?

We all have a personal identification code that reveals your location and is for our internet connection called an IP address. It is both recognizable and traceable. Sometimes you need to secure your internet connection beyond the boundaries of your internet service provider. VPNs serve as a tunnel through which information travels securely from one device to another. The information is scrambled as it goes through the VPN on its way to your computer.

The Anatomy of Anonymity.

Your privacy and the information you are looking at when surfing the web is becoming a viable commodity. Information about your internet habits is priceless to advertisers and hackers. They are able to tailor what ads you see so that you are more likely to purchase their product.

For privacy seekers and activists desperate for anonymous web browsing, simple privacy is lacking. Achieving this can be quite difficult due to constant monitoring by the government and other nosy agencies. Internet anonymity is the proverbial Unicorn. Your best bet for staying anonymous is to add a Tor to your VPN.

Let’s examine what happens when you log into your Facebook account at the airport without using a VPN?

Step one is easy enough, type in your username and password and click enter. Surely that is safe enough to do without needing a VPN, right? What happened is far more complicated but the answer is a resounding, No. It most definitely is not safe.

The moment you hit enter you have just given cyberpunks the chance to look at anything on your Facebook page including accessing pay apps such as Venmo and Paypal that may be connected to your Facebook account.

What is more alarming is that you have also given them access to your phone number, home address, and any other personal information you have in the “About” section of your Facebook. Cybercriminals can use your personal information to do several nefarious things from something as simple as spamming your email to the more extreme crime of stealing your identity.

So now let’s log in to Facebook at the airport again but let’s add a VPN this time. How do you choose what is the best VPN?

There are tons of VPNs available in all kinds of special types depending on what you need it to do but for this example, we will say that you chose ExpressVPN. First, you must log in to the VPN app. Follow the direction on the app set-up.

Once it is all set up, turn the app on and like, share and comment away without the worry that some thug is lurking in the shadows trying to snag your secret information.

With the VPN on you can have the same peace of mind you have at home in your recliner after Thanksgiving dinner.

Choosing your VPN Type?

Choosing a VPN that works for you depends on which type of VPN you might need. Perhaps you are a gamer and you need a VPN that allows you to trade packets with other users. Then you want a VPN that can handle a lot of information transferring very quickly.

If all you are doing is just browsing the net you don't need the speed and can just add an extension to your browser.

There are 4 types of VPNs

• Stand Alone VPN Services - These are used in homes and small businesses and this type of VPN service, offered by Namecheap, use an application to create connections that are encrypted for the private Network so you can use them when you connect to the internet from anywhere.

• Browser Extensions - There is just a plethora of add-ons that you can install to your Google Chrome and Firefox but do your research and deal only with reputable companies because there are a lot of shady browser add-ons out there. Watch for data harvesters and read the reviews that people have taken the time to write.

• Router VPN - connecting your router to your VPN isn't as hard as one would think it would be. First, sign up for a VPN service, you'll need a router that supports your choice of VPN. The easiest routers to get already come with the ability to support VPNs already and though they may be more expensive than regular routers they are more convenient to use.

• Corporate VPNs - Corporate VPNs operate on an intranet system that is solely for password-protected employees who are working from home. They are custom created and usually have a team of IT people who monitor their use.

Top 5 VPNs That are User Friendly and Secure

When trying to figure out which VPN is the best for your needs, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Free VPNs often collect data from their users and that is the complete opposite of their purpose. The following 5 VPNs come highly recommended by users.

ExpressVPN

Users and reviewers alike have highly rated ExpressVPN. it works on devices including Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, and routers. This company is based out of the British Virgin Islands; it costs around $6.67 a month if you do the 12-month plan. With over 2,000 servers in 94 countries including Europe, the US, Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Africa you can rest assured this VPN is going global. It uses its servers and high-end encryption techs to make sure you have all the security and privacy you need.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN offers a free version that limits the number of devices you can have and slows speeds to a snail's pace, but there are versions that you can pay for that start around $4.00 a month and go up to $24 a month that allows you to connect up to 10 devices. Proton has proven itself to be a brand you can trust and it never logs your data and shares it with third parties.

Surf Shark

This VPN is gaining popularity at a rapid rate. With over 500 servers in 50 countries, we can see why. It's fast and does not log data, you can connect however many devices you want to connect. Starting at $11.95 a month and offering discounts for multiple months Surf Shark is comparable to other VPNs. They also offer a 24/7 hotline should anything go wrong so it is great customer service which is always a bonus.

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Available for Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux and now offering browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera in 32 countries on 3,300 servers, PIA is a trustworthy option. The cost is comparable to other VPNs at $9.95 per month. Perhaps one of its defining options is that it comes with ad blockers and catches trackers and malicious websites.

Nord VPN

Nord VPN at $12.00 a month, with 5100 servers in 60 countries and operating across all platforms, NordVPN allows you to have up to six devices connected. NordVPN is lightning fast and is a very large provider. Nord VPN is the best for streaming Netflix and Hulu.

Express and Nord VPNs are quickly becoming the “go-to” all in one VPN for users across the board. They are compatible with Android, iOS, Routers, and almost all other devices. They offer a wide variety of global services in addition to their super-fast connection speeds.

When Should I Not Use a VPN?

Using a VPN could be illegal in your region. Some countries block the use of VPN services and consider private networks to be illegal. Iraq, Russia, Belarus, China, Iran, Oman, Turkey, Uganda, Venezuela, and the United Arab Emirates all have laws on the books about the use of private networks. Be sure you check the laws in your region before using a VPN because you could end up with a huge fine or even a jail sentence if you don’t.

Sometimes a VPN will be slower than the regular connection. It is a private server and could have performance problems and long wait times.

It could also monitor your activity and sell your data. Making sure you are using a trusted, paid VPN service will usually protect you. There is no point in using a VPN that collects data. The whole point is to keep your data safe and secure.

It could slow down your internet speed. Adding a VPN connection adds a layer of privacy instead of directly accessing the web. This allows you to hide your IP address and have your data encrypted but it means that the data has to travel a more complex path. If your VPN provider isn’t strong enough your internet speed suffers. This primarily affects when you are downloading, streaming videos, or gaming. Most of the good VPN providers have identified and addressed the problem of lagging speeds and optimized them to not slow down your computer.

The benefits of using a VPN outweigh the risks except in cases where they are illegal because there is so much crime out there and information is power.

Do VPNs Work on My Smartphone?

Yes. Most of the top VPN services let you download apps on your iOS and Android. On the iPhone, you can go to Settings then to General and from there you can choose your downloaded VPN. For Android phones, you simply download the app and run it.

Be careful not to choose the free platform for your smartphone. Just like with other devices the free platforms tend to phish and sell your information.

Will a VPN Work with my Smart TV?

Smart TVs require a live internet hookup so that you can have access to all their goodies. A VPN can keep streaming private so that you are the only one who knows what you are watching is you.

There are two ways to enable a VPN on your Smart TV. You can either configure it on the device itself or you can configure your router and protect your whole home network. The best VPNs for your Smart TV can configure directly to the TV.

Can I Stream My Netflix Thru a VPN?

Yes. As has been the case, it is very much dependant on which VPN you choose. Netflix and Hulu block some content in parts of the world because of location filters, so if you're in a country that a certain program or movie is banned then you’re banned.

VPNs offer an easy fix to this problem. They let you select the server, in another country where it is unlocked, then boom the show is available.

3 Ways Criminals Steal your Identity on a Public Internet Connection

Criminals will always find a way to be a thorn in the side of honest web surfers. As fast as a company comes up with a way to protect your identity, there is a criminal just waiting to figure out how to steal it using a multitude of training information on the web.

Man In The Middle, or MITM, is an attack where communications between 2 people are intercepted by a 3rd party. The hijacking 3rd party then uses whatever information they gather to either send a message of their own or gather information to use later. People who use public wifi without the protection of a credible VPN are just asking for the trouble of identity theft.

You can prevent MITM attacks by simply not inputting any data if a website's credentials aren't checked using an SSL/TLS certificate. Take warnings seriously and use an encrypted e-commerce company like Paypal, eBay, and Amazon. Also if the website address begins with https:/ it has some level of encryption and HTTPS Everywhere is a good plug-in if you just want your device to force sites that are encrypted.

Fake WiFi Connections, This is exactly what it sounds like. This type of attack is considered the “Evil Twin” of the MITM attack.

These cybercriminals will bypass the security measures at your local coffee shop and create a “hotspot” that mimics the shop's real connection. They sit and drink coffee as they gather everything from the shopping list your wife sent to how much you have in your bank account.

Packet Sniffing is a funny name but it is no laughing matter. These cyber crooks have figured out a legal way to gather information. There are no laws preventing this type of “sniffing” in most states.

Cyberpunks can download a free program and read a quick how-to guide or watch a youtube video and then go out and analyze web traffic finding vulnerabilities that need to be patched. They can insert a patch and collect data at their leisure.

Creative cyberpunks can steal your identity in a plethora of ways, not just online. For a complete list of ways to protect yourself visit Identity Theft.

Is it Legal to Use a VPN for Torrenting?

Yes, it is legal to use a VPN for torrenting but it depends on what you are torrenting. Torrenting gets a bad rap but it is perfectly legal if you are transferring files that you have a right to be transferring.

The top five VPNs we discussed earlier in this article all offer some sort of torrenting capabilities. Their policies on what type of files that can be transferred vary depending on the VPN.

How to Use VPN in Combination With TOR?

Though fundamentally different using a VPN with Tor will maximize security and privacy if used correctly. Tor allows you to access the web by re-routing your connection through a series of random nodes and at the same time it also encrypts the connection at every stage. VPN gives you access to one server at a time. So you get double the encryption.

Tor is 100% free and doesn’t have and built-in limitations to the free version. You just need to grab the official tor web browser. Use the browser just like you would Chrome or Firefox and click and you’re on a roll.

When combining VPN and Tor you simply run your VPN program and open your Tor browser and it is that simple. The only drawback to running both programs is that it will significantly reduce your connections speed.

Why Should You Have a Kill Switch?

Having a kill switch when you are using a VPN in a high-risk area such as a public access point in a mall where cybercriminals lie in wait for your VPN to drop. A kill switch will immediately kill your internet connection if your VPN drops for some reason.

So how do you know if your VPN has a kill switch? When you are deciding which VPN you want to use there should be a listing somewhere in the features that let you know there is a kill switch.

6 Practical Ways to Use VPNs

Thrifty shopping

Imagine you are traveling and you want to order something from your favorite online store to arrive when you get back home. You go to the retailer’s site and you end up at a country-specific website.

No problem if you use a VPN server from your home country. You can access your local VPN and your order will present as if it is from that country. So let the shopping commence.

• Avoiding Internet Service Provider Tracking. ISPs are interested in tracking their subscriber’s activity. They harmlessly track data and target advertising, but is it harmless when users seek to stay anonymous? ISPs are now allowed to sell the data they collect including location and app usage, to third parties all over the states. Installing a VPN will prevent ISPs from tracking your information.

• You can access your home network from anywhere. Setting up remote access to your home network allows you to have access to the data and files on your home computer. Whether you are using a VPN on your smartphone, or at home on your laptop computer, you will be able to access the files you need from your desktop PC from anywhere. Having the tools you need at your fingertips in this age of instant gratification, is almost sacred.

• Public wifi security at places with remote access points. Public wifi connections are as common as dirt. You could connect to a public wifi connection in the drive-thru, but how safe is it without a VPN? Public wifi connections are open to everyone, including criminals that lie in wait for their next victim.

• Privacy from websites that use information gathering. A good countermeasure to this sort of information sniffing is to use a VPN, which keeps your IP address hidden, sidestepping this type of phishing.

• To deter hackers. Hackers are lazy and they will gather whatever information is easiest to acquire. So just having the extra layer of security that a VPN provides is enough to send the hackers running in the direction of the next target.

Whether you are using a VPN on your smartphone, or at home on your desktop computer, you will be able to access the files you need from anywhere. Having the tools you need at your fingertips in this age of instant gratification, is almost sacred.

The digital world is a mess between government snoops and hackers. Keeping your digital activity hidden should not be just a consideration it should be the norm. This is more true for public networks like your mobile service providers, so it is smart to always use a VPN.

Take your time when you are choosing a VPN. There is a ton of information and even more VPNs to choose from. Perhaps the most important questions you should ask depend on what your needs are.

People who travel will need a VPN that performs better than someone who just needs an extra layer of protection at the local coffee shop or library. So really narrow down what you need from your VPN.

Remember to always check and see that it is legal to use a VPN depending on your geographical location. No one should have to go to jail for trying to protect their privacy but, until we have guidelines that are globally uniform, the need for a quick check is still necessary.

Enjoying the internet safely and securely is already hard enough. Using a VPN can and will leave you with the peace of mind that a cyber crook wouldn’t waste the time on stealing your identity.