How to use the best Secure VPN today and how does it work?
Secure VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. This connection allows you to browse the internet privately and securely.
How does a VPN work ?
You download and install the VPN application on your device (e.g., smartphone, computer, or tablet).
This app acts as a gateway to establish and manage the secure connection to a VPN server.
Installing the VPN App/Software:
- Connecting to a VPN Server:
Upon launching the VPN app, you select a server location (e.g., a country or region where the server is hosted).
Once you connect, the app establishes a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server. - Secure Tunnel Creation:
The VPN app uses encryption protocols (like OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard) to create a secure tunnel for data transmission.
This tunnel encrypts all the data leaving your device, making it unreadable to unauthorized parties. - Rerouting Your Internet Traffic:
After the secure connection is established, all your internet traffic is routed through the VPN server.
This means websites, apps, or online services you use will see the VPN server’s IP address instead of your real one. - Protecting Your Data:
As the VPN encrypts your data, it protects sensitive information from being intercepted by hackers, ISPs, or other entities.
For example, passwords, emails, or credit card information you input online are secured from potential threats.
What Does “Encrypted” Mean?
Encryption is the process of converting your readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext). This ensures that even if someone intercepts your data, they cannot understand it without the decryption key.
- How VPNs Encrypt Your Data:
- Establishing a Secure Connection:
- When you connect to a VPN server, the VPN app creates a secure “tunnel” using encryption protocols (e.g., AES-256, a military-grade encryption standard).
- This tunnel ensures that all data passing through it is encrypted.
- Encrypting Your Traffic:
- The VPN encrypts your internet traffic at the source (your device).
- This includes everything: browsing activity, downloads, emails, and even data from apps you use.
- Decryption at the VPN Server:
- Once your encrypted data reaches the VPN server, it’s decrypted and sent to its intended destination (e.g., a website or online service).
- Responses from these destinations are encrypted again before being sent back to you.
How Data Transmission to the VPN Server Works
- Encryption at the Source:
- All your internet traffic is encrypted on your device (e.g., computer, smartphone, or tablet) using a secure encryption protocol like AES-256.
- This ensures that the data is protected even before it leaves your device.
- Secure Transmission:
- The encrypted data is sent from your device through the internet to the VPN server.
- Even if hackers or malicious entities attempt to intercept this transmission, they will only see unreadable ciphertext.
- Authentication:
- The VPN server authenticates your device using security credentials (e.g., a unique session key) to ensure that the data comes from a trusted source.
- This prevents unauthorized access to the VPN server.
- VPN Server Processing:
- Once the encrypted data reaches the VPN server, it is decrypted and processed.
- The server then forwards your requests (e.g., visiting a website) to the intended destination
Data is decrypted and forwarded: The VPN server decrypts your data and forwards it to its final destination on the internet.
How the VPN Server Decrypts and Forwards Data
Data Decryption at the VPN Server:
The encrypted data sent from your device is decrypted by the VPN server.
Decryption uses the agreed-upon encryption key or protocol established when you first connected to the VPN.
At this stage, the data becomes readable, but it’s still secure because it’s within the VPN server’s private network.
Forwarding to the Final Destination:
The VPN server acts as an intermediary by forwarding your request (e.g., visiting a website) to its final destination on the internet.
For example, if you requested access to a website, the VPN server fetches the webpage on your behalf.
Receiving the Response:
The website or online service responds to the VPN server with the requested data (e.g., a webpage, file, or media).
This data is not sent directly to you but back to the VPN server.
Re-Encrypting the Data:
Before transmitting the response back to you, the VPN server re-encrypts the data.
The re-encrypted data is sent securely through the VPN tunnel to your device.
Decryption at Your Device:
Your device decrypts the data received from the VPN server, making it accessible for you to use.
Benefits of VPN Server Decryption and Forwarding
Privacy:
Websites and services only see the VPN server’s IP address, not your real IP, preserving your anonymity.
Geolocation Flexibility:
The VPN server’s location determines how websites perceive your geographic location, enabling access to region-locked content.
Data Protection:
The decryption and forwarding process happens in a secure environment, minimizing the risk of data interception or exposure.
Bypassing Censorship:
The VPN server allows you to bypass internet restrictions and access content freely.
Return traffic is encrypted and transmitted: The return traffic follows the same process, ensuring your data remains encrypted and secure.
Why Encrypt Return Traffic?
End-to-End Protection:
Encrypting the return traffic ensures that your data is secure not only when leaving your device but also when returning to it.
Anonymity and Privacy:
Even during the return trip, your real IP address and online activities remain hidden from ISPs, surveillance, and potential attackers.
Prevention of Data Tampering:
Encrypted return traffic ensures that the data cannot be altered or corrupted during transit.
Consistent Security on Public Networks:
On public Wi-Fi or other unsecured networks, encryption protects your return traffic from being intercepted by malicious actors.
Benefits of using a VPN
Mask your IP address: Hides your IP address, making it difficult for websites to track your location.
Improved online security: Protects your data from hackers and cyber threats.
Private browsing: Hides your IP address and location, making it difficult for websites to track you.
Access blocked content: Allows you to access geo-restricted content and websites.
Secure public Wi-Fi: Protects your data when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Types of VPNs
- Consumer VPNs: Designed for individual users, these VPNs provide a secure and private connection for browsing the internet.
- Business VPNs: Designed for businesses, these VPNs provide a secure and private connection for employees to access company resources remotely.
- Free VPNs: Offer limited features and bandwidth, often with ads and data limits.
- Paid VPNs: Offer more features, faster speeds, and better security, often with a subscription-based model.
Popular VPN protocols
- OpenVPN: A widely used and highly secure protocol.
- L2TP/IPSec: A secure protocol often used for business VPNs.
- PPTP: A less secure protocol, often used for older devices.
- WireGuard: A modern and highly secure protocol.
Things to consider when choosing a VPN
- Security features: Look for VPNs with strong encryption, secure protocols, and a no-logging policy.
- Speed and performance: Choose a VPN with fast speeds and reliable connections.
- Server locations: Consider a VPN with servers in multiple locations to access geo-restricted content.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with your device and operating system.
- Customer support: Look for VPNs with 24/7 customer support and a comprehensive knowledge base.
