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VPNs are usually suggested to be used in case of blocking sites or to connect to the network in dubious places. However, the application is not limited to this – there are many options for using a VPN.
What is a VPN and what is it for?
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a virtual private network with closed access. A kind of “Internet on the Internet” that protects and masks your data on the way to the server. The general principle of operation of VPN services is as follows – a closed tunnel with special parameters is created, through which information from the user is transmitted to the “big Internet”. The closed nature of the system allows you to avoid data surveillance, and special parameters allow you to mask the data for the needs of the user (for example, pass him off as a resident of another country).
Why bother with using VPN services for ordinary network users?
Primarily private networks use to access blocked sites. It often happens that quite decent resources, not related to something illegal, get into the block for formal reasons. For example, popular social networks or online libraries. In this case, the VPN impersonates you as a resident of another country, in whose territory there are no restrictions. The site continues to work as usual.
See also: basic principles of Internet security
Another way to use a VPN is data protection. The fact is that when using free Wi-Fi in public places, crooks can effortlessly intercept user data and impersonate other people on the Internet. With the proper experience of a fraudster, this can lead to “hijacked” mail or even theft of money from bank accounts. VPN due to its closeness does not allow outsiders to connect to your data. Also, when using private networks on the Internet, there is no data of a particular user about the behavior on the Internet (search queries, history of site visits, etc.). This is used by those who do not want to be followed by advertising companies.
VPNs can be used in business. Actually, the service was originally designed for this. Surely in many offices they use their own servers with data that cannot be connected from the outside. Through a VPN, they can be combined into one network with the devices of employees who are at remote work.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
Of course, you can use a VPN for purposes not related to something prohibited. In fact, the user still sends data through (albeit through a private network), but the regulatory authorities will have problems with their decryption. But here the issue will be decided at the level of the VPN provider, and not the end user of the Internet.
How to enable VPN?
It all depends on what you want to use VPN services for. Tunnel data transfer can be configured both for the browser individually, and for the entire PC or smartphone as a whole.
On desktop
Applications
In order for all PC applications to work over a secure connection, a small program needs to be installed. The user must register on the VPN provider’s website, pay a fee for the use (usually, new customers are offered a free trial), and download the service’s application. Further installation will take place automatically – you will only need to enter the login and password that you specified during registration. The interface of such programs is as intuitive as possible – in the middle of the window there is a huge “Enable” button, pressing it again turns off VPN for PC.
Browser plugins
In this case, installing VPN services will be even easier. The user needs to open the browser extension store and find a suitable data tunneling plug-in there. After a simple installation of the plugin, you will need to register in the system and pay (most services have a trial period). Now all data and traffic from your browser will go through the private network.
On mobile phone
On Android
Search and install VPN services for Android only in the official Google Play store – this reduces the risk of running into rogue programs. Now installing and configuring a VPN on Android takes place automatically, and the smartphone owner does not need to manually enter the server addresses. The only thing is that you need to register in the system and enter your username and password. After these manipulations, all smartphone Internet traffic will pass through a secure VPN connection.
See also: how to protect yourself and loved ones from phone scammers and get rid of spam calls.
On iOS
Installing a VPN service for an Apple system is no different from Android. You need to select a VPN provider, download the application from the App Store and register in the system. Then the system will set everything up by itself.
How much does a VPN cost?
As everyone knows, completely free things are only in rare exceptions reliable and safe. Therefore, if you need a VPN for work or other important tasks, it would be wiser to purchase a paid subscription. The cost of a monthly subscription is very democratic – from 200 to 900 rubles. Before paying for a VPN subscription, be sure to use the free trial period – so you yourself find out all the pros and cons of individual services.
How to set up a VPN?
As a rule, from the settings, the “regular” user of VPN services on Windows, Android or iOS systems is only offered to select the country under which his IP address will be masked. You can also enable or disable promotional offers from the VPN provider.
What types of VPNs are there?
There are several varieties of VPN services. Let’s talk about the most popular among ordinary network users.
PPTP
This protocol has long been considered one of the most common, as it does not require the installation of additional software. It does not provide 100% decryption protection, but it can mask the user’s IP address and is fast to use. It was developed about 20 years ago, so it is supported by all operating systems.
L2TP/IPsec
A protocol with a more advanced security system that, if properly configured, cannot be hacked. However, due to the increased level of security, data transfer speed is seriously affected.
OpenVPN
A popular protocol, with decent data transfer rates and good data security. Its main disadvantage is the need to install additional software. Now used in most VPN services.
Popular questions and answers
Why are VPN services blocked in Our Country and in the world?
There are many reasons. In some cases, government agencies need to know what actions a citizen has performed on the network. For example, when investigating crimes. If the creators of the VPN service refuse to cooperate with the police, their work on the territory of the state begins to be blocked. VPN services also provide unlimited access to sites prohibited in the country.
Do VPNs provide complete anonymity?
A VPN service will not be able to completely hide all traces of your presence in the network. In any case, the data will be available to the service provider – unscrupulous companies can analyze or even sell them. Therefore, you should not choose free or too cheap services to work on an ongoing basis.
Is it safe to use free VPNs?
The question is moot. It all depends on what you are using the VPN for. If you need to change your IP address several times a month to access a blocked site (on which you will not enter personal data), then there is no need to purchase a monthly subscription. In any case, it is better to use solutions from popular VPN providers. In most cases, they offer a free trial period, which is enough for short, non-trivial tasks. Using free VPN services on a regular basis is still dangerous.