VPN connections ensure security over the network. Here is what users need to know about virtual and private networks.
Using a VPN is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself online. For example, journalists use VPN networks for secure communication, and even those who do not want Google and Amazon to be constantly informed about their location enjoy VPN connections. But be careful: encrypted contact does not provide additional protection against viruses and Trojans.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network”, which means “Virtual Private Network”. The so-called VPN services allow you to establish secure connections over the network and encrypt your own data traffic. Users can imagine a tunnel to a provider where all data flows. It is difficult for third parties to access this data or follow the path of users on the Internet.
Who needs a VPN connection?
With a VPN connection anyone on the Internet can hide their real location and get a different IP address than their real address. For example, users can pretend to be from another country via VPN. If you want to make a call to the website, everything is powered by the service used, which sends the data to the user. The visited page does not have its own IP address, but that of the server.
Secure connections are also possible: VPN connections are encrypted and simply invisible. For example, in countries where talking to journalists and informing them is not welcome, it can be useful.
VPN services provide security for users who wish to dial over a public WLAN network. One method used by criminals is to retrieve data from users who use such WLAN networks.
Some companies also use VPN networks. For example, employees must be enabled when traveling from home or accessing important company data.
How do I use a VPN?
Users connect to the VPN network with the help of VPN clients, i.e. software. There are various technical possibilities: Download the client or use browser-based solutions. Many services offer subscription models, which usually cost a few euros a month. However, there are also free offers that are often limited, including a limited amount of data or advertising.
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