Patent Publication Number: US-11652907-B1

Title: Adjusting data communication in a virtual private network

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/677,591, filed on Feb. 22, 2022, and titled “Adjusting Data Communication In A Virtual Private Network,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
     Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a virtual private network (VPN), and more particularly to adjusting data communication in a VPN. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Global Internet users increasingly rely on VPN services to preserve their privacy, to circumvent censorship, and/or to access geo-filtered content. Originally developed as a technology to privately send and receive data across public networks, VPNs are now used broadly as a privacy-preserving technology that allows Internet users to obscure not only the communicated data but also personal information such as, for example, web browsing history from third parties including Internet service providers (ISPs), Spywares, or the like. A VPN service provider may offer a secure private networking environment within a publicly shared, insecure infrastructure through encapsulation and encryption of the data communicated between a VPN client application (or VPN application) installed on a user device and a remote VPN server. 
     Most VPN providers rely on a tunneling protocol to create the secure private networking environment, which adds a layer of security to protect each IP packet of the communicated data during communication over the Internet. Tunneling may be associated with enclosing an entire IP packet within an outer IP packet to form an encapsulated IP packet, and transporting the enclosed IP packet over the Internet. The outer IP packet may protect contents of the enclosed IP packet from public view by ensuring that the enclosed IP packet is transmitted over the Internet within a virtual tunnel. Such a virtual tunnel may be a point-to-point tunnel established between the user device and the VPN server. The process of enclosing the entire IP packet within the outer IP packet may be referred to as encapsulation. Computers, servers, or other network devices at ends of the virtual tunnel may be referred to as tunnel interfaces and may be capable of encapsulating outgoing IP packets and of unwrapping incoming encapsulated IP packets. 
     Encryption may be associated with changing the data from being in a transparently readable format to being in an encoded, unreadable format with the help of an encryption algorithm. Decryption may be associated with changing the data from being in the encoded, unreadable format to being in the transparently readable format with the help of a decryption algorithm. In an example, encoded/encrypted data may be decoded/decrypted with only a correct decryption key. In a VPN, encryption may render the communicated data unreadable or indecipherable to any third party. At a basic level, when the user launches the installed VPN application and connects to the VPN server, the VPN application may encrypt all contents of the data before transmission over the Internet to the VPN server. Upon receipt, the VPN server may decrypt the encrypted data and forward the decrypted data to an intended target via the Internet. Similarly, the VPN server may encrypt all contents of the data before transmission over the Internet to the user device. Upon receipt, the VPN application on the user device may decrypt the encrypted data and provide the decrypted data to the user. 
     VPNs generally use different types of encryption and decryption algorithms to encrypt and decrypt the communicated data. Symmetric encryption may utilize encryption and decryption algorithms that rely on a single private key for encryption and decryption of data. Symmetric encryption is considered to be relatively speedy. One example of an encryption and decryption algorithm utilized by symmetric encryption may be an AES encryption cipher. Asymmetric encryption, on the other hand, may utilize encryption and decryption algorithms that rely on two separate but mathematically-related keys for encryption and decryption of data. In one example, data encrypted using a public key may be decrypted using a separate but mathematically-related private key. The public key may be publicly available through a directory, while the private key may remain confidential and accessible by only an owner of the private key. Asymmetric encryption may also be referred to as public key cryptography. One example of an encryption and decryption algorithm utilized by asymmetric encryption may be Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) protocol. 
     In a VPN, keys for encryption and decryption may be randomly generated strings of bits. Each key may be generated to be unique. A length of an encryption key may be given by a number of the randomly generated string bits, and the longer the length of the encryption key, the stronger the encryption is. 
     VPNs may employ user authentication, which may involve verification of credentials required to confirm authenticity/identity of the user. For instance, when a user launches the VPN application to request a VPN connection, the VPN service provider may authenticate the user device prior to providing the user device with access to VPN services. In this way, user authentication may provide a form of access control. Typically, user authentication may include verification of a unique combination of a user ID and password. To provide improved security in the VPN, user authentication may include additional factors such as knowledge, possession, inheritance, or the like. Knowledge factors may include items (e.g., pin numbers) that an authentic user may be expected to know. Possession factors may include items (e.g., one-time password (OTP) tokens) that an authentic user may be expected to possess at a time associated with the authentication. Inherent factors may include biometric items (e.g., fingerprint scans, retina scans, iris scans, or the like) that may be inherent traits of an authentic user. 
     A VPN may be associated with a network of VPN servers, typically deployed in various geographic locations. A VPN server may be a physical server or a virtual server configured to host and/or globally deliver VPN services to the user. A server may be a combination of hardware and software, and may include logical and physical communication ports. When launched, the VPN application may connect with a selected VPN server for secure communication of data via the virtual tunnel. 
     The VPN application, installed on the user device, may utilize software-based technology to establish a secure connection between the user device and a VPN server. Some VPN applications may automatically work in the background on the user device while other VPN applications may include front-end interfaces to allow the user to interact with and configure the VPN applications. VPN applications may often be installed on a computer (e.g., user device), though some entities may provide a purpose-built VPN application as a hardware device that is pre-installed with software to enable the VPN. Typically, a VPN application may utilize one or more VPN protocols to encrypt and decrypt the communicated data. Some commonly used VPN protocols may include OpenVPN, SSTP, PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SSL/TLS, Wireguard, IKEv2, and SoftEther. 
     Data communication over a network (e.g., Internet) may be susceptible to a cybercrime. Such data communication may involve communication of private information and/or sensitive data. A malicious party may perpetrate the cybercrime in an attempt to steal, alter, disable, expose, or destroy the private information and/or sensitive data through unauthorized access to the communicating user devices. A cybercrime may include, for example, a malware attack, a phishing attack, a ransomware attack, a virus attack, etc. As a result, cyber security measures may be used to prevent occurrence of the cybercrime and/or to mitigate risks associated with the cybercrime. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure contemplates a method including determining, by a virtual private network (VPN) server providing VPN services to one or more user devices, aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with a host device during sample durations of time within a reference period; determining, by the VPN server, difference amounts indicating differences in the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during successive sample durations of time; determining, by the VPN server, average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts; determining, by the VPN server, a largest average aggregate amount, from among the average aggregate amounts, as an average threshold level; and selectively adjusting, by the VPN server, an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on a result of comparing the average threshold level with an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device. In some aspects, a host device may be referred to as a target server. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure contemplates a device associated with a VPN server, the device comprising a memory; and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: determine, while having established VPN connections with one or more user devices, aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with a host device during sample durations of time within a reference period; determine difference amounts indicating differences in the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during successive sample durations of time; determine average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts; determine a largest average aggregate amount, from among the average aggregate amounts, as an average threshold level; and selectively adjust an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on a result of comparing the average threshold level with an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure contemplates a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions, which when executed by a processor associated with a VPN server, cause the processor to: determine, while having established VPN connections with one or more user devices, aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with a host device during sample durations of time within a reference period; determine difference amounts indicating differences in the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during successive sample durations of time; determine average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts; determine a largest average aggregate amount, from among the average aggregate amounts, as an average threshold level; and selectively adjust an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on a result of comparing the average threshold level with an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope thereof. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of systems, devices, methods, and/or mediums disclosed herein and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Throughout this description, like elements, in whatever aspect described, refer to common elements wherever referred to and referenced by the same reference number. The characteristics, attributes, functions, interrelations ascribed to a particular element in one location apply to those elements when referred to by the same reference number in another location unless specifically stated otherwise. 
       The figures referenced below are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present disclosure; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the following aspects may be explained or may be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood. Further, exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood. 
       The following is a brief description of each figure used to describe the present disclosure, and thus, is being presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be limitative of the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is an illustration of an example system associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is an illustration of an example flow associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is an illustration of an example associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is an illustration of an example process associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is an illustration of an example process associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is an illustration of an example process associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is an illustration of example devices associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the aspects illustrated in the drawings, and specific language may be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one aspect may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other aspects of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, however, the numerous iterations of these combinations may not be described separately. For simplicity, in some instances the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
       FIG.  1    is an illustration of an example system  100  associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Example  100  shows an architectural depiction of components included in system  100 . In some aspects, the components may include one or more user devices  102  capable of communicating with a VPN service provider (VSP) control infrastructure  104  and with one or more VPN servers  116  over a network  114 . The VSP control infrastructure  104  may be owned and operated by a VPN service provider and may include an application programming interface (API)  106 , a user database  108 , a processing unit  110 , a VPN database  112 , and the one or more VPN servers  116 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the API  106  may be capable of communicating with the user database  108  and with the processing unit  110 . Additionally, the processing unit  110  may be capable of communicating with the VPN database  112 , which may be capable of communicating with a testing module (not shown). The testing module may be capable of communicating with the one or more VPN servers  116  over the network  114 . The processing unit  110  may be capable of configuring operation of the one or more VPN servers  116 . 
     The user device  102  may be a physical computing device capable of hosting a VPN application and of connecting to the network  114 . The user device  102  may be, for example, a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a smart device, a router, or the like. In some aspects, the user device  102  may include, for example, Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices such as VSP smart home appliances, smart home security systems, autonomous vehicles, smart health monitors, smart factory equipment, wireless inventory trackers, biometric cyber security scanners, or the like. The network  114  may be any digital telecommunication network that permits several nodes to share and access resources. In some aspects, the network  114  may include one or more of, for example, a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), a campus-area network (CAN), a metropolitan-area network (MAN), a home-area network (HAN), Internet, Intranet, Extranet, and Internetwork. 
     The VSP control infrastructure  104  may include a combination of hardware and software components that enable provision of VPN services to the user device  102 . The VSP control infrastructure  104  may interface with (the VPN application on) the user device  102  via the API  106 , which may include one or more endpoints to a defined request-response message system. In some aspects, the API  106  may be configured to receive, via the network  114 , a connection request from the user device  102  to establish a VPN connection with a VPN server  116 . The connection request may include an authentication request to authenticate the user device  102  and/or a request for an IP address of an optimal VPN server for establishment of the VPN connection therewith. In some aspects, an optimal VPN server may be a single VPN server  116  or a combination of one or more VPN servers  116 . The API  106  may receive the authentication request and the request for an IP address of an optimal VPN server in a single connection request. In some aspects, the API  106  may receive the authentication request and the request for an IP address of an optimal VPN server in separate connection requests. 
     The API  106  may further be configured to handle the connection request by mediating the authentication request. For instance, the API  106  may receive from the user device  102  credentials including, for example, a unique combination of a user ID and password for purposes of authenticating the user device  102 . In another example, the credentials may include a unique validation code known to an authentic user. The API  106  may provide the received credentials to the user database  108  for verification. 
     The user database  108  may include a structured repository of valid credentials belonging to authentic users. In one example, the structured repository may include one or more tables containing valid unique combinations of user IDs and passwords belonging to authentic users. In another example, the structured repository may include one or more tables containing valid unique validation codes associated with authentic users. The VPN service provider may add or delete such valid unique combinations of user IDs and passwords from the structured repository at any time. Based at least in part on receiving the credentials from the API  106 , the user database  108  and a processor (e.g., the processing unit  110  or another local or remote processor) may verify the received credentials by matching the received credentials with the valid credentials stored in the structured repository. In some aspects, the user database  108  and the processor may authenticate the user device  102  when the received credentials match at least one of the valid credentials. In this case, the VPN service provider may provide VPN services to the user device  102 . When the received credentials fail to match at least one of the valid credentials, the user database  108  and the processor may fail to authenticate the user device  102 . In this case, the VPN service provider may decline to provide VPN services to the user device  102 . 
     When the user device  102  is authenticated, the user device  102  may initiate a VPN connection and may transmit to the API  106  a request for an IP address of an optimal VPN server. The processing unit  110  included in the VSP control infrastructure may be configured to determine/identify a single VPN server  116  as the optimal server or a list of VPN servers. The processing unit  110  may utilize the API  106  to transmit the IP address of the optimal server or IP addresses of the VPN servers  116  included in the list to the user device  102 . In the case where the list of IP addresses of the VPN servers  116  is provided, the user device  102  may have an option to select a single VPN server  116  from among the listed VPN servers as the optimal server  116 . The user device  102  may transmit an initiation request to establish a VPN connection (e.g., an encrypted tunnel) with the optimal VPN server. In some aspects, the optimal VPN server with which the user device establishes the encrypted tunnel may be referred to as a primary VPN server or an entry VPN server. In some aspects, a VPN server  116  may be a piece of physical or virtual computer hardware and/or software capable of securely communicating with (the VPN application on) the user device  102  for provision of VPN services. 
     The processing unit  110  may be a logical unit including a scoring engine. The processing unit  110  may include a logical component configured to perform complex operations to compute numerical weights related to various factors associated with the VPN servers  116 . The scoring engine may likewise include a logical component configured to perform arithmetical and logical operations to compute a server penalty score for one or more of the VPN servers  116 . In some aspects, based at least in part on server penalty scores calculated via the complex operations and/or the arithmetical and logical operations, the processing unit  110  may determine an optimal VPN server. In one example, the processing unit  110  may determine the VPN server  116  with the lowest server penalty score as the optimal VPN server. In another example, the processing unit  110  may determine the list of optimal VPN servers by including, for example, three (or any number of) VPN servers  116  with the three lowest server penalty scores. 
     One or more components (e.g., API  106 , user database  108 , processing unit  110 , VPN database  112 , and/or VPN servers  116 ) included in the VSP control infrastructure  104  may further be associated with a controller/processor, a memory, a communication interface, or a combination thereof (e.g.,  FIG.  6   ). For instance, the one or more components may include or may be included in a controller/processor, a memory, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the one or more components included in the VSP control infrastructure  104  may be separate and distinct from each other. Alternatively, in some aspects, the one or more components included in the VSP control infrastructure  104  may be combined with one or more of the other components included in the VSP control infrastructure  104 . In some aspects, the one or more components included in the VSP control infrastructure  104  may be local with respect to each other. Alternatively, in some aspects, the one or more of the components included in the VSP control infrastructure  104  may be located remotely with respect to one or more of the other components included in the VSP control infrastructure  104 . Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more components included in the VSP control infrastructure  104  may be implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or a processor to perform the functions or operations of the component. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of the one or more components shown in  FIG.  1    may be configured to perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one of the one or more components shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     As indicated above,  FIG.  1    is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIG.  1   . 
     User devices may request VPN services from a VSP control infrastructure. To request the VPN services, as discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1   , a user device may transmit a connection request and/or an authentication request to an API associated with the VSP control infrastructure. The user device may undergo an authentication process involving the API and a database associated with the VSP control infrastructure. Once authenticated, the VSP control infrastructure may determine a VPN server for providing the VPN services to the user device. The user device may transmit an initiation request for establishing a VPN connection with the VPN server. 
     Once the VPN connection is established, the VPN server may provide VPN services to the user device. Providing the VPN services may include securely communicating (e.g., transmitting and/or receiving) VPN data associated with the user device. In some aspects, the VPN data may include, for example, a data request received from the user device and/or data of interest obtained by the VPN server from one or more host devices based at least in part on receiving the data request. In some aspects, the VPN server may provide VPN services to multiple user devices having respective VPN connections with the VPN server. 
     While the VPN server is providing the VPN services, one or more user devices from among the multiple user devices may be affected by malware. For instance, a malicious party may install malware on the one or more user devices without knowledge of the one or more user devices. Further, the malicious party may utilize the malware to launch, for example, a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack on a given host device that provides the data of interest requested by the one or more user devices. In some aspects, the malicious party may utilize the malware to cause the one or more devices to transmit superfluous data requests via the VPN server in an attempt to launch the DDoS attack and to overload the given host device. In this case, the user device may inefficiently expend user device resources (e.g., processing resources, memory resources, power consumption resources, battery life, or the like) and the VPN server may inefficiently expend VPN resources (computational resources, network bandwidth, management resources, processing resources, memory resources, or the like) to communicate the superfluous data requests and/or related VPN data. 
     Based at least in part on receiving a threshold amount of such superfluous data requests from the VPN server, the given host device may determine that the VPN server is associated with launching the DDoS attack on the given host device. As a result, the given host device may suspend receipt of data requests from the VPN server. Further, the given host may blacklist the VPN server such that the VPN server may not communicate with the given host device. Consequently, the VPN server may be unable to provide the VPN services to the one or more user devices communicating the superfluous data requests and/or other user devices from among the multiple user devices communicating legitimate data requests. In this case, business interests of the VPN service provider may be adversely affected. Further, the one or more user devices and/or the other user devices may inefficiently expend user device resources (e.g., processing resources, memory resources, power consumption resources, battery life, or the like) to prepare and transmit the superfluous data requests and the VPN server may inefficiently expend VPN resources (computational resources, network bandwidth, management resources, processing resources, memory resources, or the like) to connect with the given host device in an attempt to fulfill the superfluous data requests and/or the legitimate data requests received from the multiple user devices. 
     Additionally, because the VPN server may fail to provide the VPN services to the multiple user devices, the multiple user devices may disconnect the established VPN connections and re-establish new VPN connections with a new VPN server. Such disconnecting of the established VPN connections and establishing of the new VPN connections may inefficiently consume user device resources (e.g., processing resources, memory resources, power consumption resources, battery life, or the like) and VPN resources (computational resources, network bandwidth, management resources, processing resources, memory resources, or the like) that can otherwise be utilized to perform more suitable tasks associated with the VPN. 
     Various aspects of systems and techniques discussed in the present disclosure enable adjusting data communication in a VPN. In some aspects, a VSP control infrastructure may configure a VPN server to establish respective VPN connections with multiple user devices and to provide VPN services to the multiple user devices. Providing the VPN services may include the VPN server communicating (e.g., transmitting and/or receiving) VPN data with host devices on the open Internet. In an example, the VPN server may receive data requests from the multiple user devices for data of interest from the host devices and/or may obtain data of interest from the host devices. In some aspects, the VPN server may determine a statistical threshold level (e.g., average threshold level) associated with an amount of VPN data communicated with a given host device (e.g., communicated VPN data). Further, while providing the VPN services, the VPN server may determine a statistical amount of observed VPN data (e.g., observed average VPN data) communicated with the given host device. The VPN server may compare the observed average with the average threshold level, and may adjust an amount of communicated VPN data based at least in part on a result of comparing the observed average with the average threshold level. If one or more user devices, from the multiple user devices, is affected with malware such that the one or more user devices transmit superfluous data requests, the VPN server may selectively adjust (e.g., limit) an amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device. In this way, the VPN server may mitigate risks associated with overloading the given host device. Further, the VPN server may mitigate risks associated with the one or more user devices communicating superfluous data requests and/or with the VPN service provider and/or the VPN server being blacklisted. As a result, the VSP control infrastructure and the VPN server may enable conservation and efficient utilization of user device resources (e.g., processing resources, memory resources, power consumption resources, battery life, or the like) and resources associated with the VPN (computational resources, network bandwidth, management resources, processing resources, memory resources, or the like) for more suitable tasks associated with the VPN. 
     In some aspects, a processor (e.g., processor  720 , etc.) associated with a VPN server may determine, while having established VPN connections with one or more user devices, aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with a host device during sample durations of time within a reference period; determine difference amounts indicating differences in the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during successive sample durations of time; determine average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts; determine a largest average aggregate amount, from among the average aggregate amounts, as an average threshold level; and/or selectively adjust an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on a result of comparing the average threshold level with an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device. 
       FIG.  2    is an illustration of an example flow  200  associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.  FIG.  2    shows a VPN server  116  in communication with multiple user devices  102 . In some aspects, the VPN server  116  and the multiple user devices  102  may communicate over a network (e.g., network  114 ). In some aspects, the multiple user devices  102  may utilize respectively installed client applications to communicate with an API (e.g., API  106 ) associated with the VSP control infrastructure  104 . As discussed with respect to  FIG.  1   , the VSP control infrastructure  104  may authenticate the multiple user devices  102  and may enable the multiple user devices  102  to establish respective VPN connections with the VPN server  116 . Further, the VSP control infrastructure  104  may configure the VPN server  116  to provide the VPN services to the multiple user devices  102  and/or to adjust communication in the VPN, as discussed herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  210 , the VPN server may assign respective exit internet protocol (IP) addresses to the multiple user devices  102  based at least in part on the respective VPN connections being established. In an example, for a first user device  102 , the VPN server  116  may assign a first exit IP address, for a second user device  102 , the VPN server may assign a second exit IP address, and so on. In some aspects, the VSP control infrastructure  104  (e.g., processing unit  110 ) may configure the VPN server  116  to select exit IP addresses randomly from a list of exit IP addresses available to the VPN server  116  or to select exit IP addresses sequentially from the list of exit IP addresses available to the VPN server  116 . Based at least in part on assigning the respective exit IP addresses to the user devices  102 , the VPN server  116  may store a correlation between the user devices  102  with the respectively assigned exit IP addresses in a connection tracking table. In some aspects, there can be different mereological configurations of exit IPs addresses and sets (pools) of exit IP addresses that are available to the VPN server  116 . 
     In some aspects, the VPN server  116  may monitor and/or measure an amount of data communicated via the respectively assigned exit IP addresses. Further, as discussed elsewhere herein, the VPN server  116  may adjust an amount of data communicated via one or more exit IP addresses, from among the respectively assigned exit IP addresses, based at least in part on the monitoring and/or measuring of the amount of data communicated. 
     While providing the VPN services to the multiple user devices during the established VPN connections, as shown by reference numeral  220 , the VPN server  116  may receive data requests from the multiple user devices  102 . In some aspects, a communication interface (e.g., communication interface  770 ) in association with other components of the VPN server  116  and/or the VSP control infrastructure  104  may receive the data requests from the multiple user devices  102 . 
     In an example, the VPN server  116  may receive one or more first data requests from the first user device  102 . The one or more first data requests may request the VPN server  116  to retrieve first data of interest that is hosted by one or more host devices and to provide the first data of interest to the first user device  102 . In some aspects, the first user device may transmit the one or more first data requests based at least in part on utilizing one or more first applications (e.g., web browser) installed on the first user device  102 . 
     Based at least in part on receiving the one or more first data requests, the VPN server  116  may process the one or more first data requests. In an example, the VPN server  116  may utilize the first exit IP address, assigned to the first user device  102 , to query the one or more host devices and to retrieve the requested first data of interest. Based at least in part on retrieving the first data of interest, the VPN server  116  may utilize a correlation between the first user device  102  and the first exit IP address to route (e.g., transmit) the retrieved first data of interest to the user device  102 . In some aspects, the correlation between the first user device  102  and the first exit IP address may be privately or internally stored within the VPN server  116  in, for example, the connection tracking table. The VPN server  116  may inspect the connection tracking table to determine the routing of the retrieved first data of interest. In some aspects, the correlation between the first user device  102  and the first exit IP address may indicate to the VPN server  116  that the first data of interest, retrieved utilizing the first exit IP address, is to be routed to the first user device  102 , which transmitted the one or more first data requests to the VPN server  116 . 
     In a similar and/or analogous manner, the VPN server  116  may receive and process one or more second data requests received from the second user device  102 , one or more third data requests received from a third user device  102 , and so on. 
     As shown by reference numeral  230 , the VPN server  116  may determine an average threshold level associated with an amount of VPN data communicated with a given (e.g., particular) host device. In some aspects, the communicated VPN data may include data associated with communication of data requests received from one or more user devices  102  for requesting data of interest from the given host device. In some aspects, the VPN data may include the data of interest retrieved by the VPN server  116  from the given host device and routed to the one or more user devices  102 . 
     The VPN server  116  may determine the average threshold level for communicated VPN data during a reference period (e.g., reference hour, reference day, reference week, reference month, etc.). The reference period may be associated with a period of time when the multiple user devices  102  may be known to operate normally and/or when none of the multiple user devices  102  may be affected by malware. In this way, the multiple user devices  102  may transmit legitimate data requests (as opposed to superfluous data requests) during the reference period. 
     To determine the average threshold level, the VPN server  116  may determine windows of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) in the reference period. In some aspects, one or more windows of time (e.g., intervals of time) may at least partially overlap with each other. For a window of time, the VPN server  116  may determine aggregate amounts of communicated VPN data in association with samples, such that a sample indicates a total amount of communicated VPN data during a sample duration of time. In an example, a first aggregate amount of communicated VPN data may indicate a total amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a first sample duration of time, a second aggregate amount of communicated VPN data may indicate a total amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a second sample duration of time, a third aggregate amount of communicated VPN data may indicate a total amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a third sample duration of time, and so on. 
     In some aspects, an aggregate amount of VPN data may indicate a total amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device. The VPN server  116  may determine the aggregate amount of VPN data based at least in part on measuring and totaling amounts of VPN data communicated with the given host device. In some aspects, as discussed previously, the VPN server  116  may utilize monitoring of data communicated in association with assigned exit IP addresses to measure and total the amounts of VPN data communicated with the given host device. 
     The VPN server may determine respective average amounts of aggregate data communicated with the given host device for the windows of time (e.g., Window 1, Window 2, Window 3, Window 4, and so on) included in the reference period. As seen in example  300  of  FIG.  3   , a window of time may have a time interval of, for example, 10 seconds and the one or more windows of time may at least partially overlap with each other. In example  300 , Window 1 may have a time interval from 0 to 10 seconds, Window 2 may have a time interval from 1 to 11 seconds, Window 3 may have a time interval from 2 to 12 seconds, Window 4 may have a time interval from 3 to 13 seconds, and so on. 
     For a window of time, the VPN server  116  may determine samples (e.g., S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , . . . , S 13 ), a sample indicating an aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a sample duration of time (e.g., 1 second) associated with each sample. For instance, sample S 1  may indicate the aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a first sample duration from 0 seconds to 1 second, sample S 2  may indicate the aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a second sample duration from 1 second to 2 seconds, sample S 3  may indicate the aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a third sample duration from 2 seconds to 3 seconds, . . . , sample S 13  indicate the aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a thirteenth sample duration from 12 seconds to 13 seconds, and so on. 
     Based at least in part on determining the samples, the VPN server  116  may determine, for a window of time, an average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device (e.g., communicated VPN data). In an example, for Window 1, the VPN server  116  may determine difference amounts indicating differences in the aggregate amounts of communicated VPN data with respect to successive samples. For instance, for Window 1, the VPN server may determine difference amounts D 1 , D 2 , . . . , D 9 . In this case, the first difference amount D 1  may indicate a first difference (e.g., S 2 −S 1 ) in the aggregate amount of communicated VPN data between the first sample duration (e.g., 0 seconds to 1 second) and the second sample duration (e.g., 1 second to 2 seconds); the second difference amount D 2  may indicate a second difference (e.g., S 3 −S 2 ) in the aggregate amount of communicated VPN data between the second sample duration (e.g., 1 second to 2 seconds) and the third sample duration (e.g., 2 seconds to 3 seconds); . . . ; and the ninth difference amount D 10  may indicate a ninth difference (e.g., S 10 −S 9 ) in the aggregate amount of communicated VPN data between the ninth sample duration (e.g., 8 seconds to 9 seconds) and the tenth sample duration (e.g., 9 seconds to 10 seconds). 
     Based at least in part on determining the difference amounts (e.g., D 1 , D 2 , . . . , D 9 ), the VPN server  116  may determine a first average aggregate amount (AV 1 ) of communicated VPN data associated with (e.g., during) Window 1 based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts (e.g., D 1 , D 2 , . . . , D 9 ). In this case, the first average aggregate amount (AV 1 ) may be calculated as ((D 1 +D 2 + . . . +D 9 )/9). In a similar and/or analogous manner, the VPN server  116  may determine a second average aggregate amount (AV 2 ) of communicated VPN data associated with Window 2 based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts (e.g., D 2 , D 3 , . . . , D 11 ). In this case, the second average aggregate amount (AV 2 ) may be calculated as ((D 2 +D 3 + . . . +D 10 )/9). In a similar and/or analogous manner, the VPN server  116  may determine a third average aggregate amount (AV 3 ) of communicated VPN data associated with Window 3 based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts (e.g., D 3 , D 4 , . . . , D 11 ). In this case, the third average aggregate amount (AV 3 ) may be calculated as ((D 3 +D 4 + . . . +D 11 )/9). In a similar and/or analogous manner, the VPN server  116  may determine a fourth average aggregate amount (AV 4 ) of communicated VPN data associated with Window 4 based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts (e.g., D 4 , D 5 , . . . , D 12 ). In this case, the fourth average aggregate amount (AV 4 ) may be calculated as ((D 4 +D 5 + . . . +D 12 )/9), and so on. 
     Based at least in part on determining the average aggregate amounts (e.g., AV 1 , AV 2 , AV 3 , AV 4 , and so on) for windows of time in the reference period, the VPN server  116  may determine the average threshold level associated with the reference period. In an example, the VPN server  116  may compare the determined average aggregate amounts to determine the largest average aggregate amount. Further, the VPN server  116  may determine the largest average aggregate amount to be the average threshold level. 
     In some aspects, the VPN server  116  may determine the average threshold level periodically. For instance, the VPN server  116  may periodically repeat performance of the above processes to determine the average threshold level during another reference period. 
     As shown by reference numeral  240 , the VPN server  116  may compare one or more observed aggregate amounts of communicated VPN data with the average threshold level (e.g., block  230 ). For instance, at an end of the reference period, the VPN server  116  may commence providing the VPN services to the multiple user devices  102  during an operation period. In some aspects, one or more user devices  102  from among the multiple user devices  102  may get affected with malware during the operation period, and may transmit superfluous data requests. 
     During the operation period, the VPN server  116  may determine observed aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the given host device. In some aspects, the VPN server  116  may determine the observed aggregate amounts in a similar and/or analogous manner as determining the aggregate amounts discussed above (e.g., block  230 ). 
     In an example, the VPN server  116  may determine the observed aggregate amounts for windows of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) in the operation period. In some aspects, similar to the reference period, one or more windows of time may at least partially overlap with each other in the operation period. For a window of time, the VPN server  116  may determine observed aggregate amounts of communicated VPN data in association with samples, such that a sample indicates a total amount of communicated VPN data during a sample duration of time. In an example, a first observed aggregate amount of communicated VPN data may indicate an observed total amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a first sample duration of time, a second observed aggregate amount of communicated VPN data may indicate an observed total amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a second sample duration of time, a third observed aggregate amount of communicated VPN data may indicate an observed total amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a third sample duration of time, and so on. 
     In some aspects, an observed aggregate amount of VPN data may indicate a total amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device. The VPN server  116  may determine the observed aggregate amount of VPN data based at least in part on measuring and totaling amounts of VPN data communicated with the given host device. In some aspects, as discussed previously, the VPN server  116  may utilize monitoring of data communicated in association with assigned exit IP addresses to measure and total the amounts of VPN data communicated with the given host device. 
     For instance, similar to example  300  of  FIG.  3   , the VPN server may determine respective observed average amounts of aggregate data communicated with the given host device for the windows of time (e.g., Window 1, Window 2, Window 3, Window 4, and so on) included in the operation period. A window of time may have a time interval of, for example, 10 seconds and the one or more windows of time may at least partially overlap with each other. Similar to example  300 , Window 1 may have a time interval from 0 to 10 seconds, Window 2 may have a time interval from 1 to 11 seconds, Window 3 have a time interval from 2 to 12 seconds, Window 4 may have a time interval from 3 to 13 seconds, and so on. 
     For a window of time, the VPN server  116  may determine samples (e.g., S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , . . . , S 13 ), a sample indicating an observed aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a sample duration of time (e.g., 1 second) associated with the sample. For instance, sample S 1  may indicate an observed aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device during a first sample duration from 0 seconds to 1 second, sample S 2  may indicate an observed aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a second sample duration from 1 second to 2 seconds, sample S 3  may indicate an observed aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a third sample duration from 2 seconds to 3 seconds, . . . , sample S 13  indicate an observed aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device during a thirteenth sample duration from 12 seconds to 13 seconds, and so on. 
     Based at least in part on determining the samples, the VPN server  116  may determine, for a window, an average observed aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device (e.g., communicated VPN data). In an example, for Window 1, the VPN server  116  may determine observed difference amounts indicating differences in the observed aggregate amounts of communicated VPN data with respect to successive samples. For instance, for Window 1, the VPN server may determine observed difference amounts OD 1 , OD 2 , . . . , OD 9 . In this case, the first observed difference amount OD 1  may indicate a first difference (e.g., S 2 −S 1 ) in the observed aggregate amount of communicated VPN data between the first sample duration (e.g., 0 seconds to 1 second) and the second sample duration (e.g., 1 second to 2 seconds); the second observed difference amount OD 2  may indicate a second difference (e.g., S 3 −S 2 ) in the observed aggregate amount of communicated VPN data between the second sample duration (e.g., 1 second to 2 seconds) and the third sample duration (e.g., 2 seconds to 3 seconds); . . . ; and the ninth observed difference amount OD 9  may indicate a ninth difference (e.g., S 10 -S 9 ) in the observed aggregate amount of communicated VPN data between the ninth sample duration (e.g., 8 seconds to 9 seconds) and the tenth sample duration (e.g., 9 seconds to 10 seconds). 
     Based at least in part on determining the observed difference amounts (e.g., OD 1 , OD 2 , . . . , OD 9 ), the VPN server  116  may determine a first observed average aggregate amount (OAV 1 ) of communicated VPN data associated with Window 1 based at least in part on averaging the observed difference amounts (e.g., OD 1 , OD 2 , . . . , OD 9 ). In this case, the first observed average aggregate amount (OAV 1 ) may be calculated as ((OD 1 +OD 2 + . . . +OD 9 )/9). In a similar and/or analogous manner, the VPN server  116  may determine a second observed average aggregate amount (OAV 2 ) of communicated VPN data associated with Window 2 based at least in part on averaging the observed difference amounts (e.g., OD 2 , OD 3 , . . . , OD 10 ). In this case, the second observed average aggregate amount (OAV 2 ) may be calculated as ((OD 2 +OD 3 + . . . +OD 10 )/9). In a similar and/or analogous manner, the VPN server  116  may determine a third average aggregate amount (OAV 3 ) of communicated VPN data associated with Window 3 based at least in part on averaging the observed difference amounts (e.g., OD 3 , OD 4 , . . . , OD 11 ). In this case, the third observed average aggregate amount (OAV 3 ) may be calculated as ((OD 3 +OD 4 + . . . +OD 11 )/9). In a similar and/or analogous manner, the VPN server  116  may determine a fourth observed average aggregate amount (OAV 4 ) of communicated VPN data associated with Window 4 based at least in part on averaging the observed difference amounts (e.g., OD 4 , OD 5 , . . . , OD 12 ). In this case, the fourth observed average aggregate amount (OAV 4 ) may be calculated as ((OD 4 +OD 5 + . . . +OD 12 )/9), and so on. 
     Based at least in part on determining the first observed aggregate amount (OAV 1 ) of communicated VPN data, as shown by reference numeral  240 , the VPN server  116  may compare the first observed aggregate amount (OAV 1 ) with the average threshold level (e.g., block  230 ). 
     When the VPN server  116  determines that the first observed aggregate amount (OAV 1 ) satisfies the average threshold level (e.g., the first observed aggregate amount (OAV 1 ) is equal to or greater than the average threshold level), the VPN server  116  may determine that one or more user devices  102  (from among the multiple user devices  102 ) may be affected by malware and/or may be transmitting superfluous data requests to request data of interest from the given host device. In this case, as shown by reference numeral  250 , the VPN server  116  may selectively adjust an amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device. In an example, the VPN server  116  may decrease (e.g., reduce below the average threshold level) the amount of communicated VPN data. In another example, the VPN server  116  may curtail the amount of communicated VPN data (e.g., reduce to lower than a predetermined amount level). In yet another example, the VPN server  116  may suspend communication of data associated with exit IP addresses associated with the affected one or more user devices  102 . In yet another example, the VPN server  116  may temporarily or permanently suspend all communication (e.g., data requests and/or data of interest associated with the VPN data) associated with the given host device. 
     Alternatively, when the VPN server  116  determines that the first observed aggregate amount (OAV 1 ) fails to satisfy the average threshold level (e.g., first observed aggregate amount (OAV 1 ) is less than the average threshold level), the VPN server  116  may select to continue communicating the VPN data associated with the given host device. 
     In this case, the VPN server  116  may compare the second observed aggregate amount (OAV 2 ) of communicated VPN data with the average threshold level. When the VPN server  116  determines that second observed aggregate amount (OAV 2 ) satisfies the average threshold level (e.g., second observed aggregate amount (OAV 2 ) is equal to or greater than the average threshold level), the VPN server  116  may determine that one or more user devices  102  may be affected with malware and/or transmitting superfluous data requests to request data of interest from the given host device. In this case, the VPN server  116  may select to adjust an amount of VPN data communicated with the given host device. In an example, the VPN server  116  may decrease (e.g., reduce below the average threshold level) the amount of communicated VPN data. In another example, the VPN server  116  may curtail the amount of communicated VPN data (e.g., reduce to lower than a predetermined amount level). In yet another example, the VPN server  116  may suspend communication of data associated with exit IP addresses associated with the affected one or more user devices  102 . In yet another example, the VPN server  116  may temporarily or permanently suspend all communication (e.g., data requests and/or data of interest associated with the VPN data) associated with the given host device. 
     Alternatively, when the VPN server  116  determines that the second observed aggregate amount (OAV 2 ) fails to satisfy the average threshold level (e.g., second observed aggregate amount (OAV 2 ) is less than the average threshold level), the VPN server  116  may select to continue communicating the VPN data associated with the given host device. Further, the VPN server  116  may compare the third observed change in the aggregate amount of communicated VPN data with the average threshold level, and so on. 
     In this way, by adjusting the amount of communicated VPN data, the VPN server may mitigate risks associated with overloading the given host device through communication of a threshold amount of aggregate data. Further, the VPN server may mitigate risks associated with the one or more user devices communicating superfluous data requests. As a result, the VSP control infrastructure and the VPN server may enable conservation and efficient utilization of user device resources (e.g., processing resources, memory resources, power consumption resources, battery life, or the like) and resources associated with the VPN (computational resources, network bandwidth, management resources, processing resources, memory resources, or the like) for more suitable tasks associated with the VPN. 
     As indicated above,  FIGS.  2  and  3    are provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
       FIG.  4    is an illustration of an example process  400  associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the process  400  may be performed by a processor/controller (e.g., processor  720 ) associated with a VPN server (e.g., VPN server  116 ). As shown by reference numeral  410 , process  400  includes determining, by a virtual private network (VPN) server providing VPN services to one or more user devices, aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with a host device during sample durations of time within a reference period. For instance, the VPN server may determine, while providing VPN services to multiple user devices, aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with a host device during sample durations of time within a reference period, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  420 , process  400  includes determining, by the VPN server, difference amounts indicating differences in the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during successive sample durations of time. For instance, the VPN server may utilize the associated processor/controller to determine difference amounts indicating differences in the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during successive sample durations of time, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  430 , process  400  includes determining, by the VPN server, average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts. For instance, the VPN server may utilize the associated processor/controller to determine average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  440 , process  400  includes determining, by the VPN server, a largest average aggregate amount, from among the average aggregate amounts, as an average threshold level. For instance, the VPN server may utilize the associated processor/controller to determine a largest average aggregate amount, from among the average aggregate amounts, as an average threshold level, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  450 , process  400  includes selectively adjusting, by the VPN server, an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on a result of comparing the average threshold level with an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device. For instance, the VPN server may utilize the associated processor/controller to selectively adjust an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on a result of comparing the average threshold level with an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     Process  400  may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and/or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein. 
     In a first aspect, in process  400 , determining the aggregate amounts of VPN data includes aggregating amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device via exit Internet protocol (IP) addresses assigned to the one or more user devices. 
     In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, in process  400 , the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during the sample durations of time indicate a total amount of VPN data communicated with the host device during the sample durations of time. 
     In a third aspect, alone or in combination with the first through second aspects, in process  400 , determining the largest average aggregate amount as the average threshold level includes periodically determining the largest average aggregate amount as the average threshold level. 
     In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with the first through third aspects, in process  400 , selectively adjusting the amount of communicated VPN data includes reducing the amount of communicated VPN data. 
     In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with the first through fourth aspects, in process  400 , selectively adjusting the amount of VPN data communicated with the host device includes suspending communication of VPN data with the host device. 
     In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with the first through fifth aspects, in process  400 , selectively adjusting the amount of VPN data communicated with the host device includes determining that a superfluous data request is received from the one or more user devices based at least in part on the result of comparing the average threshold level with the observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device. 
     Although  FIG.  4    shows example blocks of the process, in some aspects, the process may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in  FIG.  4   . Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of the process may be performed in parallel. 
     As indicated above,  FIG.  4    is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIG.  4   . 
       FIG.  5    is an illustration of an example process  500  associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the process  500  may be performed by a processor/controller (e.g., processor  720 ) associated with a VPN server (e.g., VPN server  116 ). As shown by reference numeral  510 , process  500  includes determining, by a virtual private network (VPN) server providing VPN services to one or more user devices, an average threshold level associated with an aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with a host device during a reference period. For instance, the VPN server may determine, while providing VPN services to multiple user devices, an average threshold level associated with an aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with a host device during a reference period, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  520 , process  500  includes determining, by the VPN server, an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device during an operation period. For instance, the VPN server may utilize the associated processor/controller to determine an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device during an operation period, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  530 , process  500  includes comparing, by the VPN server, the observed average aggregate amount with the average threshold level. For instance, the VPN server may utilize the associated processor/controller to compare the observed average aggregate amount with the average threshold level, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  540 , process  500  includes selectively adjusting, by the VPN server, an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device during the operation period based at least in part on a result of comparing the observed average aggregate amount with the average threshold level. For instance, the VPN server may utilize the associated processor/controller to selectively adjust an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device during the operation period based at least in part on a result of comparing the observed average aggregate amount with the average threshold level, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     Process  500  may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and/or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein. 
     In a first aspect, in process  500 , determining the average threshold level includes determining aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during sample durations within a window of time. 
     In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, in process  500 , determining the average threshold level includes determining difference amounts indicating differences in aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during successive sample durations within a window of time. 
     In a third aspect, alone or in combination with the first through second aspects, in process  500 , determining the average threshold level includes determining average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device, the average aggregate amounts being determined based at least in part on averaging difference amounts indicating differences in aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device. 
     In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with the first through third aspects, in process  500 , determining the average threshold level includes comparing average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during respective windows of time within the reference period, and determining a largest average aggregate amount, from among the average aggregate amounts, as the average threshold level. 
     In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with the first through fourth aspects, in process  500 , selectively adjusting the amount of communicated VPN data includes reducing the amount of VPN data communicated with the host device when the result indicates that the observed change satisfies the average threshold level. 
     In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with the first through fifth aspects, in process  500 , selectively adjusting the amount of communicated VPN data includes suspending communication with the host device when the result indicates that the observed change satisfies the average threshold level. 
     Although  FIG.  5    shows example blocks of the process, in some aspects, the process may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in  FIG.  5   . Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of the process may be performed in parallel. 
     As indicated above,  FIG.  5    is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIG.  5   . 
       FIG.  6    is an illustration of an example process  600  associated with adjusting data communication in a VPN, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the process  600  may be performed by a processor/controller (e.g., processing unit  110  and/or processor  620 ) associated with a VSP control infrastructure (e.g., VSP control infrastructure  104 ). As shown by reference numeral  610 , process  600  includes configuring a virtual private network (VPN) server, having established VPN connections with one or more user devices, aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with a host device during sample durations of time within a reference period. For instance, the VSP control infrastructure may utilize the associated processor to configure a virtual private network (VPN) server, having established VPN connections with one or more user devices, aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with a host device during sample durations of time within a reference period, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  620 , process  600  includes configuring the VPN server to determine difference amounts indicating differences in the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during successive sample durations of time. For instance, the VSP control infrastructure may utilize the associated processor to configure the VPN server to determine difference amounts indicating differences in the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during successive sample durations of time, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  630 , process  600  includes configuring the VPN server to determine average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts. For instance, the VSP control infrastructure may utilize the associated processor to configure the VPN server to determine average aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on averaging the difference amounts, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  640 , process  600  includes configuring the VPN server to determine a largest average aggregate amount, from among the average aggregate amounts, as an average threshold level. For instance, the VSP control infrastructure may utilize the associated processor to configure the VPN server to determine a largest average aggregate amount, from among the average aggregate amounts, as an average threshold level, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As shown by reference numeral  650 , process  600  includes configuring the VPN server to selectively adjust an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on a result of comparing the average threshold level with an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device. For instance, the VSP control infrastructure may utilize the associated processor to configure the VPN server to selectively adjust an amount of VPN data communicated with the host device based at least in part on a result of comparing the average threshold level with an observed average aggregate amount of VPN data communicated with the host device, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     Process  600  may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and/or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein. 
     In a first aspect, in process  600 , configuring the VPN server to determine the aggregate amounts of VPN data includes configuring the VPN server to aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device via exit Internet protocol (IP) addresses assigned to the one or more user devices. 
     In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, in process  600 , the aggregate amounts of VPN data communicated with the host device during the sample durations of time indicate a total amount of VPN data communicated with the host device during the sample durations of time. 
     In a third aspect, alone or in combination with the first through second aspects, configuring the VPN server to determine the largest average aggregate amount as the average threshold level includes configuring the VPN server to periodically determine the largest average aggregate amount as the average threshold level. 
     In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with the first through third aspects, in process  600 , the VPN data includes data of interest requested by the one or more user devices and retrieved from the host device by the VPN server. 
     In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with the first through fourth aspects, in process  600 , configuring the VPN server to selectively adjust the amount of VPN data communicated with the host device includes configuring the VPN server to suspend communication of VPN data with the host device. 
     In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with the first through fifth aspects, in process  600 , configuring the VPN server to selectively adjust the amount of VPN data communicated with the host device includes configuring the VPN server to determine that a superfluous data request is received from the one or more user devices. 
     Although  FIG.  6    shows example blocks of the process, in some aspects, the process may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in  FIG.  6   . Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of the process may be performed in parallel. 
     As indicated above,  FIG.  6    is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIG.  6   . 
       FIG.  7    is an illustration of example devices  700 , according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the example devices  700  may form part of or implement the systems, environments, infrastructures, components, or the like described elsewhere herein (e.g.,  FIG.  1    and/or  FIG.  2   ) and may be used to perform the processes described herein. The example devices  700  may include a universal bus  710  communicatively coupling a processor  720 , a memory  730 , a storage component  740 , an input component  750 , an output component  760 , and a communication interface  770 . 
     Bus  710  may include a component that permits communication among multiple components of a device  700 . Processor  720  may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and/or a combination of hardware and software. Processor  720  may take the form of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component. In some aspects, processor  720  may include one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform a function. Memory  730  may include a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and/or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and/or an optical memory) that stores information and/or instructions for use by processor  720 . 
     Storage component  740  may store information and/or software related to the operation and use of a device  700 . For example, storage component  740  may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and/or a magneto-optic disk), a solid state drive (SSD), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and/or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive. 
     Input component  750  may include a component that permits a device  700  to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and/or a microphone). Additionally, or alternatively, input component  750  may include a component for determining location (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component) and/or a sensor (e.g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, another type of positional or environmental sensor, and/or the like). Output component  760  may include a component that provides output information from device  700  (via, for example, a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback component, an audio or visual indicator, and/or the like). 
     Communication interface  770  may include a transceiver-like component (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver, a separate transmitter, and/or the like) that enables a device  700  to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. Communication interface  770  may permit device  700  to receive information from another device and/or provide information to another device. For example, communication interface  770  may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, and/or the like. 
     A device  700  may perform one or more processes described elsewhere herein. A device  700  may perform these processes based on processor  720  executing software instructions stored by a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as memory  730  and/or storage component  740 . As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” may refer to a non-transitory memory device. A memory device may include memory space within a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices. 
     Software instructions may be read into memory  730  and/or storage component  740  from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface  770 . When executed, software instructions stored in memory  730  and/or storage component  740  may cause processor  720  to perform one or more processes described elsewhere herein. Additionally, or alternatively, hardware circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described elsewhere herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. 
     The quantity and arrangement of components shown in  FIG.  7    are provided as an example. In practice, a devices  700  may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in  FIG.  7   . Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of a device  700  may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of a device  700 . 
     As indicated above,  FIG.  7    is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to  FIG.  7   . 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the aspects encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to the particular exemplary aspects described herein. In that regard, although illustrative aspects have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change, and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be made to the aspects without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the present disclosure. 
     The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the aspects. 
     As used herein, the term “component” is intended to be broadly construed as hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. As used herein, a processor is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. 
     As used herein, satisfying a threshold may, depending on the context, refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, or not equal to the threshold, among other examples, or combinations thereof. 
     It will be apparent that systems or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems or methods is not limiting of the aspects. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems or methods were described herein without reference to specific software code—it being understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems or methods based, at least in part, on the description herein. 
     Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various aspects. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. A phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (for example, a-a, a-a-a, a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b, b-b-b, b-b-c, c-c, and c-c-c or any other ordering of a, b, and c). 
     No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.), and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and/or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of”).