Good VPN is a must-have if you:

Shop and bank online
Use public Wi-Fi
Want to browse privately

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Why do I need a VPN?

People don’t like to be tracked and watched — that’s the main reason why they use a virtual private network.

When you’re browsing through a VPN, your traffic is encrypted. No one can see what you do online, nor interfere in any way.

Here’s when you need a VPN:

You use public Wi-Fi regularly

By definition, VPN is your best friend when using public Wi-Fi. Criminals have many methods to steal your data on public hotspots, but using a VPN means that you can stop worrying about that. With a secure VPN connection over Wi-Fi, you can browse online in full privacy.

You want to encrypt your data

Using a VPN is a good idea even when browsing from your own home. VPN encryption will protect your internet traffic and keep you from leaving online footprints. This way, your ISP won’t be able to sell your entire browsing history to the highest bidder.

You want to avoid government surveillance

Government agencies track and collect your browsing activity, messages, social posts, and other private data. They even share this information across country borders. A VPN will make it difficult to do by encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP.

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How does a VPN work?

When you connect to a virtual private network service, it creates an encrypted “tunnel” over the internet. This secures the data traveling between you and your destination — anything from a search engine to an online banking account.

This tunnel is created by first authenticating your client with a VPN server. The server then applies an encryption protocol to all data you send and receive.

To ensure each data packet stays secure, a VPN wraps it in an outer packet, which is then encrypted through encapsulation. It keeps the data safe during transfer, and it is the core element of the VPN tunnel. When the data arrives at the server, the outer packet is removed through a decryption process.

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Setting up a VPN

While more and more internet users join the VPN protection trend, many people still believe that using a VPN service is somewhat close to rocket science. While it’s true that some digital security tools can be confusing, top VPN service providers design their apps to be intuitive and easy-to-use.

For example, with NordVPN, you can connect with just one click. Once you set up your NordVPN account and download an app for your device, all you have to do is:

1. Open NordVPN

Launch the NordVPN app you have downloaded on your PC, Mac, or smartphone.

2. Log in

Use the same login credentials you used to sign up for the NordVPN service.

3. Connect

Click the Quick Connect button, which will automatically select the most suitable server for you. Don’t like it? Pick a new location from the map.

That’s it — you can now enjoy a fully encrypted VPN connection! To have more control over your VPN experience, you can explore the server map/list and the Settings section.

VPN encryption protocols

A VPN protocol is a set of encryption standards and transmission protocols used to create a secure connection between two devices. Best VPN providers commonly support a number of such protocols. These three are the most notable ones:

OpenVPN

If you wonder which protocol your VPN connections are using, the most likely answer is OpenVPN. It is the most popular encryption standard, currently used by the majority of VPN providers in the world.

One of OpenVPN’s biggest strengths is that it is highly configurable. It also offers a nice balance between speed and security, as you can use it on both TCP and UDP ports. While the TCP port is a more secure option, UDP is faster, and many users prefer it for a seamless experience.

IKEv2/IPSec

IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a tunneling protocol, which is usually paired with IPSec for encryption. It has many advantages, such as the capacity to restore a secure connection after the internet drops. It also adapts well to changing networks. That makes it a great choice for phone users who often switch between home Wi-Fi and mobile connections or move between hotspots.

The downside is that IKEv2/IPSec is not very common yet, but its speed, security, and flexibility make it the rising star among VPN protocols.

NordLynx

If you're looking for both privacy and speed, NordLynx is the way to go. It’s our newest technology built around WireGuard — the fastest tunneling protocol out there. What makes WireGuard so fast? The secret lies in its code — all 4000 lines of it. Compare that to the tens of thousands of lines in other VPN protocols, and you’ll see why it’s so mind-blowingly quick. Less code also means there’s less space for error. And because WireGuard is so easy to deploy and audit, we can find and fix bugs in no time.

Its speed is hard to match, but we had to make sure it’s secure as well. That’s why we combined WireGuard with our custom double NAT (Network Address Translation) system. It allows users to enjoy fast internet connection without compromising their security. To use our new VPN protocol, choose NordLynx in the advanced settings of your app and watch it establish a VPN connection in no time.

Frequently asked questions

Can you be tracked if you use a VPN?

VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the internet, so no one can see what data you send and receive. But there are other ways someone could track your actions online. Cybercriminals could install malware (keyloggers, spyware, etc.) on your device. Or if you share a lot online and use the same username for every account, anyone with decent googling skills can gather a wealth of information about you.

A VPN is not an all-in-one solution, but rather an extra layer of security that protects your internet traffic.

Is using a VPN legal?

VPNs are legal in many countries, but some have banned VPNs altogether or heavily regulate their usage. These countries are usually run by authoritarian regimes, like China, North Korea, or Russia.

It’s possible to use a VPN connection to bypass government censorship and gain internet access in countries like these. If you’re caught, though, you could receive a substantial fine. In any case, if you decide to do that, make sure to download the apps and get your subscription before traveling there.

Are there any alternatives to VPNs?

You can use other software that offers similar features to a VPN, but nothing can replace the all-round security and privacy a VPN offers. A Smart DNS will not encrypt your traffic. If you use Tor, it will protect your privacy, but many websites will block your access.

So if you want a service that protects your privacy and encrypts your data at the same time, opt for a reliable VPN provider.

Is using a VPN dangerous?

If you choose a trustworthy VPN service provider, using it is absolutely safe.

However, don’t be tempted by free VPNs. They will track your online activity, what websites you visit, the content you interact with, and sell it to the highest bidder. A free VPN won’t encrypt your connection properly; they are also prone to IP and DNS leaks and might even contain malware or spy on your entire local network.

All of this means that using free VPNs is dangerous, so do your research and choose the best VPN provider out there.

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