What is a VPN?

VPN stands for “virtual private network” – a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online. It creates an encrypted tunnel for your data, protects your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allows you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.

Find out how it works

Why do you need a VPN?

No one likes to be watched and tracked – even if they have nothing to hide. That’s why you need to step up your privacy game. Here are a few more reasons why you need a VPN:

You use public Wi-Fi regularly

By definition, VPN is your best friend when using public Wi-Fi. Hackers have many methods to steal your data on public hotspots, but using a VPN means that you can stop worrying about that. Therefore, people who want to browse in full privacy should use a VPN to secure their connection.

You need to mask your location

People working in countries with limited freedom of speech rely on private internet connection for their work. Sometimes, their lives might depend on it. Someone who lives under an authoritarian regime should use a VPN to hide their IP address and ensure extra security for their sensitive messages.

You want to access blocked content

One of the most popular things a VPN is used for is content access. If using streaming services and social networks while abroad is important to you, a VPN can help. It changes your IP address and redirects your connection to the internet through a remote server.

You want to avoid tracking and surveillance

Government agencies track and collect your browsing activity, messages, social posts, and other private data. A VPN protects you from that by encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP address. Use it at home, at work, and on the go to enjoy non-stop protection.

You’re an avid gamer

People who like gaming online have to deal with DDoS attacks, bandwidth throttling, and content restrictions. Luckily, you can forget about all of these problems with NordVPN. If you’re serious about gaming and want to enjoy a stable and safe connection, you should use a VPN.

You want to encrypt your data

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

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How does a VPN work?

When you download VPN software to your device, it does most of the work for you — you only need to log in and connect. However, it's useful to know how a VPN works to understand the service better.

When you connect to a virtual private network service, it authenticates your client with a VPN server.
The server then applies an encryption protocol to all data you send and receive.
The VPN service creates an encrypted “tunnel” over the internet. That secures the data traveling between you and your destination.
To ensure each data packet stays secure, a VPN wraps it in an outer packet, which is then encrypted through encapsulation. That is the core element of the VPN tunnel, keeping the data safe during transfer.
When the data arrives at the server, the outer packet is removed through a decryption process.

While the technology behind a secure and private VPN is complicated, using it doesn’t have to be. Read on to learn how to set up a VPN on your PC, Android phone, or Apple device.

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Setting up a VPN connection

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 some digital security tools can be confusing, top VPN service providers design their apps to be easy to use.

This means that with NordVPN, you can start a VPN connection with just one click. Once you set up your NordVPN account and download an app for your device, all you have to do is:

Open NordVPN

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

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

Connect

Click the Quick Connect button, which will automatically select the best 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 servers’ list and the Settings section.

It doesn’t matter if you use a Mac, an Android tablet, or a Windows laptop. We strongly believe that people shouldn’t struggle to protect their home network and mobile devices. However, if you prefer to configure your VPN manually, you can. We have multiple manual set-up tutorials in our Help Center.

VPN encryption protocols

When people use a VPN, privacy and speed are their main concerns. That’s why we offer several different VPN protocols — you can choose one that’s best for your particular needs.

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 online gaming and live streaming experience.
IKEv2/IPSec
IKEv2 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.
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.

To make it as secure as possible, we combined WireGuard with our custom double NAT system. It allows users to enjoy fast internet connection without compromising their security.

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 online gaming and live streaming experience.

IKEv2/IPSec

IKEv2 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.

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.

To make it as secure as possible, we combined WireGuard with our custom double NAT system. It allows users to enjoy fast internet connection without compromising their security.

Frequently asked questions

Can you be tracked if you use a VPN?

VPN gives you a new IP address and encrypts the connection between your device and the internet, so no one can see what data you send and receive. But it won’t make you anonymous — there are other ways someone could track your actions online. Hackers could install malware (keyloggers, spyware, etc.) on your device. Or if you overshare online and use the same username everywhere, 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. It’s possible to use a VPN connection to bypass government censorship and gain internet access in countries like these. If you decide to do it, 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 help you gain access to blocked sites and online services, but it 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, gives you new IP addresses, and encrypts your data at the same time, opt for a reliable VPN provider.

Is a virtual private network safe to use?

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 if you do your research and choose the best VPN provider out there, using a VPN isn’t dangerous.

Should I leave my VPN on all the time?

Yes, you should keep your virtual private network on all the time — with a few exceptions. It's the only way to be sure that your real location and IP address are hidden, online data encrypted, and browsing history secret.