VPNs

There’s recently been an uptick in the number of commercials on TV advertising VPNs for your home or business, but if you’re not familiar with VPNs it can be difficult to get a full picture of them from a 30-60 second ad spot. Specifically, what exactly is a VPN? How does it work? And why do you need one? This month, let’s dip back into the topic of online security and briefly discuss VPNs.

The What

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a type of security software that runs on your computer and connects you to a special server called a VPN server. If you recall, we previously went over how SSL creates a “tunnel” between your browser and a web server so you can exchange sensitive information (like your credit card number) with that website securely. A VPN creates a similar tunnel between your computer and the VPN server. Whenever you access the internet, all of your outbound traffic is directed through this tunnel to the VPN server first before it hits the outside world, during which time it’s encrypted and scrubbed of all identifying information like your computer’s IP address. Essentially, a VPN can secure your entire internet connection instead of just your connection to a single website like with SSL.

The Why

One of the main benefits of using a VPN is maintaining your online privacy. While using a VPN, anyone trying to trace your online activity or location will end up back at the VPN server and can trace it no further. This means ad networks like Facebook and Google are prevented from tracking your online activity. It also means you’re effectively immune to any limitations that might be placed on your connection speed or bandwidth based on your IP address.

Another big plus is the heightened security while connected to public WiFi networks like at a cafe, hotel, or airport. Since all your data between your computer and the VPN server is encrypted, anyone on the same public network trying to spy on your connection will only see encrypted garbage. 

Here’s a quick “pros” list for using a VPN:

• Completely hide your IP address, maintaining your online privacy

• Safely connect to public WiFi networks

• Avoid bandwidth/speed throttling by your ISP

• Bypass potential government censorship

• Access content that might be restricted in your part of the world

The Why Not

Of course, as with anything, there are some potential drawbacks to using a VPN. Because all of your network traffic gets routed through the VPN first, it’s possible you may experience some network speed or connection issues. You likely won’t notice a difference when using one of the more reputable VPN solutions, though certain options are more expensive than others and may not be as cost effective. Also, certain ISPs discourage the use of VPNs, and some countries even ban their use, so keep that in mind if you’re a world traveler. Still, as long as you make a smart choice and opt for a VPN with a good reputation and the right features for you, the pros of using a VPN far outweigh the cons.

For those interested in VPN, PC magazine has updated reviews for their best VPN services of 2023. You can check them out here.