You may be wondering right now what VPN is, and how using it can make your internet surfing safe and secure. For most people, VPN is something they have not heard about, or heard about it but couldn't care less because it's a technical computer term. Let me tell you now, you should really care. Also, understanding VPN is not such a complicated process. Once you discover what it is and its uses, you will be surprised that it's something you really need.
VPN stands for virtual private network, and its main use is to keep the data you send when you use the internet private. Presently, all of us are very much concerned with our security, which is a natural instinct, but even more so today, because the modern world presents so many security risks. One reason behind this is the association of computers with just about anything.
Most, if not all, companies already make use of the computer for their business transactions, and to store sensitive company information. One security breach could be the downfall of some companies.
On the other hand, personal computer use can also fall prey to hackers, some do it for fun, while others do it to steal credit card information and other banking details, or obtain some personal data so they can use it as their own (identity theft). To protect valuable information, as well as to prevent hackers from accessing your system, experts have developed VPN.
How will VPN safeguard privacy?
Here is a short background on how VPN works. The internet is a public network, when you browse through it, with your system unprotected; you are prone to an attack from someone who has harmful intent. He or she can steal data, or even access your entire computer system. The problems that hackers can bring to your computer include viruses, spyware, and intrusion attacks. To stop that from taking place, you can put up a firewall or install anti-virus programs. Unfortunately, that's not enough. Firewall can protect the date in your computer, while anti-virus programs shield your system from viruses, but what about the data you send while you are using the internet, who protects that? This is when VPN comes in.
VPN guards the data you send online by making your activities private. By setting up a VPN connection, you are creating a private tunnel that other people will have difficulty finding. To make it simple, you will become anonymous when you surf online using a VPN. The data you send out on the web goes to the server of your VPN provider, and this server is the one that will connect you to the public network known as the internet.