What is a VPN? How does it work?. A VPN creates a secure connection…
Tags: Encryption, Android, VPN, Security, Cybersecurity

A VPN creates a secure connection between your device (for example, your computer or smartphone) and the internet. This private network allows you to send your data traffic via an encrypted, secure connection to an external server. From there, the traffic will be sent on to the internet. Because of this, the IP address shown to the internet will also be changed.

When going online, we all have a unique IP address. You could compare this address to a phone number or home address, but for your computer or smartphone: your IP address is a personal identification code for your internet connection. It reveals your location and is tied to the person paying your internet provider. With your IP address, you’re recognizable and traceable online, no matter what you’re doing. That is, unless you use a VPN.

A VPN won’t always be able to cover all your online tracks: there are other methods that could result in uncovering your online identity. Techniques that use WebRTC leaks and browser fingerprinting could still collect data about you. Even so, a VPN will protect your privacy very well in most cases.

How does it work?

A VPN connection usually works like this: Data is transmitted from your client machine to a point in your VPN network. The VPN point encrypts your data and sends it through the internet. Another point in your VPN network decrypts your data and sends it to the appropriate internet resource, such as a web server, an email server. Then the internet resource sends data back to a point in your VPN network, where it gets encrypted. That encrypted data is sent through the internet to another point in your VPN network, which decrypts the data and sends it back to your client machine.

The Encryption Key

The central process with any VPN is the encryption of data. VPN software encrypts all the information sent out by your computer. This means that your Internet service provider, and the wider Internet, cannot intercept the traffic that you are transmitting over the World Wide Web.

Encryption works by applying a secret code to the data in order to transform it in an indecipherable form. The information can then only be decrypted by a system that also has the key used to encrypt the data (pre-shared secret key), meaning that VPN networks are extremely difficult to crack. Most modern VPN systems, now offer AES-256 encryption. The security keys used to encrypt the data are hugely complex and this level of encryption is practically impossible to breakdown.

VPN Types

Many VPNs will work directly with the settings of an operating system, such as Windows, Mac OS, iOS, or Android-so that every app that connects to the internet -such as browsers, banking, or social media apps are protected.

1. Standalone VPN Services

This is the VPN most commonly used by homes and small businesses. It uses an application that creates an encrypted connection to the private network that you can then utilize to connect to the internet at large.

2. Browser Extensions

Some VPNs work as a browser add-on. There are a plethora of add-ons you can install to browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox, while Opera comes with a built-in VPN. The downside of this is that your data will only be protected when you’re specifically using that browser. Other apps will not be protected. Furthermore, browser VPNs tend to be a little more vulnerable and IP leaks can occur.

3. Router VPN

Another way to implement a VPN is through a VPN-enabled router. This is ideal if you have several devices you want to protect as it will protect every device connected to the router, saving you having to install the VPN individually. Furthermore, you’ll only need to sign in once; your router will always be connected to your VPN.

4. Corporate VPN

Organizations often use a remote-access VPN for employees who work remotely. Through this VPN employees can securely access the company’s private network, often by using a password and an app. This is a custom-created solution that requires personalized development and heavy IT resources.

Best free VPNs for Android: