What is a VPN? Meaning and what a virtual private network does
VPN definition
A VPN (virtual private network) is a tool that creates an encrypted tunnel for your data, protects your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allows you to enjoy increased security on all networks. With a VPN, you can protect your internet connection and increase your privacy online.
What does “VPN” stand for?
VPN stands for "virtual private network,” a term that breaks down into three core elements:
Virtual
It’s “virtual” because the VPN creates a simulated, encrypted connection over the internet instead of using a dedicated, physical connection.
Private
It’s “private” because the encryption process shields your traffic from prying eyes.
Network
It’s a “network” because a VPN securely connects your device to a remote network.
What does a VPN do?
A VPN protects your internet traffic by sending it to a remote server, encrypting it in the process, and shielding it from snoopers. It also changes your IP and virtual location — your real one remains private, and you get a new IP that belongs to the VPN server you're connected to. This creates an extra layer of security and significantly increases your privacy online because no one knows what city or country you’re browsing from.
If you want to secure your browsing, reduce your digital footprint, and protect your online life, then a VPN is a perfect tool to do it. But a VPN might not be needed if you don’t have any privacy concerns, only use trusted secure websites, and don’t care about third-party tracking.
What is a VPN used for?
A VPN is used to improve online security while browsing, streaming, gaming, or shopping. Why? Because these days, your every click online is being recorded — and no one likes to be watched or tracked, even if they have nothing to hide.
Why choose NordVPN?
If you’re looking for the best VPN out there, give NordVPN a chance. It’s fast, reliable, and offers flexible plans suited to your needs.
Looking for a free VPN?
Existing users can refer friends and get free VPN subscription time — three months!
How does a VPN work?
A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server and then rerouting your browsing traffic through it. This way, your data can travel in secrecy instead of through your internet service provider. A VPN changes your real IP address and encrypts your internet connection to make your browsing safer and more private.
Want to use a VPN to its full potential? Then it’s worth finding out how a VPN works and what’s going on behind the scenes.
- 1.
Authentication. When you connect to a virtual private network service, it authenticates your client with a VPN server.
- 2.
Encryption. The server then applies an encryption protocol to all data you send and receive.
- 3.
Tunneling. The VPN service creates an encrypted “tunnel” over the internet. That secures the data traveling between you and the VPN server.
- 4.
Encapsulation. 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.
- 5.
Decryption. When the data arrives at the server, the outer packet is removed through a decryption process.
What are the components of a VPN?
A VPN needs four main components to work properly:
VPN client
A VPN client is software that allows your device to connect to a VPN server, creating a safer, encrypted connection to a private network over the internet. It acts as the gateway for your device to communicate securely with the VPN server.
VPN server
A VPN server is a remote server that;s configured to receive and send encrypted data to VPN clients that are connected to it. This process changes your IP address and virtual location as well, giving you more privacy and security.
VPN protocol
A VPN protocol is a set of rules that determines how data travels between your device and a VPN server. It decides how the connection is established, how encryption is applied, and how data is transferred.
VPN tunnel
A VPN tunnel is a secure, encrypted connection that allows your data to travel safely between your device and the VPN server. Strong encryption algorithms make this tunnel private, preventing third parties from intercepting or monitoring your online activity.
Together, these create a VPN connection
What is a VPN connection?
A VPN connection is the result of the collaboration between the VPN client, server, protocol, and tunnel. The client connects to the server using a secure protocol, creating an encrypted tunnel that securely transmits your data, ensuring increased privacy and protection throughout the entire process.
Why use a VPN? Purpose of a VPN explained
The purpose of a VPN app is to make your digital life more private, safer, and shielded from prying eyes. You can find many benefits of using a VPN, but the main ones are:
Privacy online
Changing your IP address, hiding your virtual location, and encrypting your connection allow you to increase your privacy online.
Digital security
A VPN shields you from cyber threats, like man-in-the-middle attacks, packet sniffing, and dangerous Wi-Fi networks.
Open internet
With a VPN, you can avoid censorship and restrictions and enjoy the free and open internet.
Safe data sharing
Share files securely while at home or at work — a VPN encrypts your connection so that no snoopers can see what data you’re transferring.
How secure is a VPN?
A VPN’s security depends heavily on the encryption it uses. Most modern VPN services rely on AES-256 encryption to protect their users’ data in transit. Using secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPSec, along with features like kill switches and DNS leak protection, also helps increase the overall security of a VPN.
Using a VPN provider with weak or outdated encryption comes with certain risks. Your internet traffic becomes vulnerable to decryption by attackers or ISPs, negating the privacy and security benefits a VPN is supposed to provide. So always pay attention to the encryption protocols your chosen provider offers as well as how it handles your account data.
How does a VPN protect you?
A VPN protects you by encrypting your internet connection and making your internet traffic unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it — whether that's hackers on a public Wi-Fi network, your internet service provider, or other third parties. A VPN will also mask your IP address, making it much harder for websites, advertisers, and other people online to track your online activity or pinpoint your physical location.
Some VPN providers may also offer additional security features to secure your online accounts, files, and devices. These can include tools like malware and scam blockers or dark web monitoring that alerts you if your personal information appears in data breaches.
What are the disadvantages of a VPN?
Using a VPN will give you more peace of mind, but it does come with a few caveats:
Reduced speeds
The encryption process and the extra distance your data travels to and from the VPN server will slow down your connection at least a little bit.
Compatibility issues
Some websites or services may block or restrict access from known VPN servers.
Cost
Reliable and secure VPN services will require a subscription.
CAPTCHAs
Using a VPN can make your encounter more CAPTCHA prompts.
What are the different types of VPNs?
Each VPN type serves a different purpose. Remote workers need a VPN to access company files, businesses use it to connect multiple locations, and regular users choose it to get more privacy. The right type of VPN depends on your situation — an individual wary of public Wi-Fi has very different requirements than a corporation linking its global branches into one network.
Most consumer-grade VPNs are classed as personal VPNs, including NordVPN. They are very similar to remote-access VPNs in operation, but instead of connecting to a proprietary restricted network (such as your workplace), you connect to your VPN provider’s servers for protection and privacy while you explore the internet. Personal VPNs are best for individual users’ needs.
What are the types of VPN protocols?
Different types of VPN protocols have different advantages, so most VPN providers offer at least two. NordVPN allows you to choose between OpenVPN, NordWhisper, and NordLynx protocols in its apps, and you can also opt for IKEv2/IPSec protocol for manual configurations.
OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPSec
WireGuard®
NordLynx
L2TP/IPSec
PPTP
SSTP
NordWhisper
How to choose the right VPN
Not all VPN services are created equal. Before choosing a VPN, you need to look at the speeds and server locations the service offers, compare prices, discover its security features, and check compatibility.
Privacy and security features
Strong encryption is essential for efficient VPN protection and making sure your online activity remains private. Look for a secure VPN that offers robust encryption algorithms, has a no-logs policy, and additional features like a kill switch.
Server network and locations
Distance matters — the longer your data has to travel, the more time it takes for your device to load a page or connect you to a service. A wide range of VPN servers in multiple locations allows you to have a faster and more stable VPN connection.
Connection speed and performance
Slow internet can ruin your day (or night). Fast connections are essential for secure streaming, gaming, and downloading large files. A high-speed VPN maintains performance without compromising security, so look for one that offers a WireGuard-based VPN protocol.
How can you choose the right VPN for your internet browser?
How can you choose the right VPN for your mobile phone?
How can you choose the right VPN for your operating system?
What makes a good VPN?
A good VPN should prioritize strong security, encryption, and a no-logs policy. Making VPN connections as fast as possible is also essential for a smooth user experience. After optimizing speed and security, a good VPN should focus on additional privacy protection and security features, like dark web monitoring, anti-malware, and IP and DNS leak prevention.
How to use a VPN
Using a VPN is very straightforward — most providers have user-friendly processes in place.
01
Choose a VPN provider
Select a VPN provider that meets your needs, get a subscription, create an account and download the app.
02
Log in
Once installed, open the app, and log in with your credentials.
03
Connect to a VPN server
Pick a server in a country you want or, if the app offers it, use the automatic connection feature that chooses the best server for you.
04
Customize VPN settings
Explore your VPN app's settings to customize your preferences — change the VPN protocol, enable security features, or set up a kill switch.
How to test your VPN connection
VPN testing is an important part of your cybersecurity routine — you have to make sure it’s working as intended:
01
Compare your IP address
First, check your real IP address. Then, connect to your VPN and check again. Your IP address should change to the location of the VPN server.
02
Perform a DNS leak test
Use a DNS leak test tool to make sure that your DNS queries are also private.
03
Test the VPN speed
Check your connection speed before and after connecting to the VPN using a speed testing site. A slight drop in speed is normal and expected, but significant slowdowns may point to issues with the VPN service.
How much do VPNs cost?
Most VPNs cost as little as a few dollars a month. You might think that since there are many free VPNs available, there’s no reason for you to buy a subscription. However, you get what you pay for. And in the case of free VPNs, it’s not much. They are often very slow, unstable, the servers are overloaded and can crash at the worst moments. Furthermore, free VPNs usually have no respect for your data and will sell it to make money off of you.
So why risk it? Get a reliable paid VPN service that will work when you need it to, and only for a few bucks per month. The longer the commitment – the better the price.
What do you need to know about VPNs?
By now, you’re familiar with the basics of VPNs — encryption algorithms, different protocols, types, use cases, advantages, and disadvantages. Let's cover the rest.