What is a VPN?

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that allows you to establish a secure and encrypted connection over the internet. It creates a private network by routing your internet traffic through a remote server operated by the VPN provider.

By encrypting your data and masking your IP address, a VPN enhances your online security and privacy.

It acts as a secure tunnel between your device and the websites or services you access, protecting your sensitive information from potential threats.

How does a VPN work?

When you connect to a VPN, it creates a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server.

Your internet traffic is encrypted, meaning it’s encoded into a format that only the VPN server and your device can understand.

This encryption prevents hackers, ISPs, or other malicious entities from intercepting and reading your data.

The VPN server acts as an intermediary between your device and the websites or services you access, making it appear as if your requests originate from the VPN server’s location instead of your actual location.

Use cases of a VPN

VPNs are widely used to enhance security and protect personal data, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

They encrypt your internet traffic, preventing hackers or eavesdroppers from intercepting your sensitive information.

VPNs allow you to browse the web anonymously, as they hide your IP address and make it difficult for third parties to track your online activities.

They enable you to bypass censorship and access geo-restricted content by connecting to servers in different locations.

Should you use a VPN?

Using a VPN is highly recommended for individuals who value their online privacy and want to secure their internet connection.

Whether you’re at home, traveling, or using public Wi-Fi, a VPN helps protect your data from potential threats. VPNs provide an additional layer of security, shielding your online activities from surveillance, ISP tracking, and other intrusions.

They give you peace of mind when accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions online.

Choosing the best VPN for yourself

When selecting a VPN, consider factors such as strong security protocols, robust encryption, and a strict no-logs policy.

  • Evaluate the VPN provider‘s server network to ensure it offers servers in the locations you need.
  • Look for user-friendly interfaces, fast connection speeds, and reliable customer support.
  • Avoid free VPNs, as they often come with limitations, privacy risks, and slower performance.

Suggested NordVPN Review Section

General information:

In 2024, the team behind NordVPN also launched an eSIM service called Saily.

Launched in 2023, NordLabs serves as a platform for experimental projects and cutting-edge innovations. It gives everyone the opportunity to try out new tools and products, and explore emerging technologies, including machine learning and AI.

NordVPN:

NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections and has dedicated apps for macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, AppleTV, AndroidTV, Linux, and other platforms.

At the moment, NordVPN offers over 7000 servers in 118 locations from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions, meaning that there are always fast servers to choose from, no matter the location.

NordVPN is a five-times audited no-logs service to ensure our users their online activities remain confidential, so your activities will be private and your devices risk-free.

If there are any questions about NordVPN, there’s a 24/7 customer support team that will help you out.

NordVPN uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys, rendering virtually brute-force attacks useless, meaning that users’ data will be as secure as possible.  

NordVPN offers OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx (an adaptation of WireGuard) protocols.

In addition to this, users can use NordWhisper: a protocol that helps bypass network filters and firewalls for smoother, more reliable browsing. Ideal for travelers, professionals, and public Wi-Fi users, it ensures secure access without compromising privacy.

NordVPN offers Specialty Servers (along with many other features) that further increase the user’s security or allow to bypass restrictions:

  1. Dedicated IP
  2. Onion over VPN
  3. Double VPN
  4. Obfuscated servers
  5. P2P

Threat Protection Pro:

Threat Protection Pro is a feature by NordVPN that provides an additional layer of security and is essentially a step beyond VPN protection.

Threat Protection Pro is meant to provide safer browsing by blocking malicious websites, phishing attempts, ads, and trackers, as well as identifying files infected with malware.

If you have a Windows device, Threat Protection Pro can also scan it for vulnerable apps that could be a security risk.

Threat Protection Pro is available on Plus, Complete, and Ultra plans.

There’s also the threat protection solution that offers some of Threat Protection Pro’s functionality but doesn’t block malicious links, phishing websites, or trackers.

It’s available on the Basic plan.

What is Meshnet?

Meshnet is a feature by NordVPN that lets users access devices or encrypted private tunnels. 

Instead of connecting to a VPN server, users can connect to other devices anywhere. 

All traffic on Meshnet is encrypted, just like when connected to a VPN server

Meshnet opens up plenty of new possibilities: easier file sharing and working on joint projects, gaming parties, internet traffic routing, and more.