What is a VPN and How Does it Work?

In the past, VPN (Virtual Private Network) was only known as a tool to securely connect networks between office buildings or to use office networks from home.

However, VPNs are now more popular as a tool to get a connection to the internet securely and remotely. The question is, what is a VPN?

Well, in this article, you will get a complete explanation of what a VPN is, its functions, and other things that you must know. Let’s see!

What is a VPN?
How do VPNs work?
What Are the Benefits of a VPN?
Is it safe enough to Use a VPN?
- 1. Technology Limits
- 2. Legal Limits
So, When to Use a VPN?
How to Get a Free VPN
Conclusion

What is a VPN?

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a connection service that gives you access to websites securely and privately by changing the connection path through the server and hiding the data exchange that occurs.

Simply put, a VPN connects smartphones, tablets, and PCs to another computer (commonly called a VPN Server) somewhere that is connected to the internet, and allows you to browse the internet using a computer internet network.

So if the computer (server) is in a different country, it will be the country you are using when the internet tries to hit you through that connection and you can access something that you cannot access from your country.

To better understand what a VPN is, let’s review how it works.

How do VPNs work?

After knowing what a VPN is and its function, then you should also know how a VPN works.

The way a VPN works is that it encrypts the data exchange even before the public connection at the coffee shop or internet cafe reads it. Connecting to the internet using a VPN connection is like accessing the internet using a special tunnel, not using the main network.

The VPN server is in charge of forwarding your connection to the site you want to access. So the connection you make will be recognized as a connection from the VPN server network not the network in use at that time.

So when using a network without a VPN, the connection is made directly (direct) without encryption. Meanwhile, if you use a VPN, the connection is encrypted and is passed through the VPN server first.

The following is an illustration of a connection through a network without a VPN and using a VPN.

This connection has indeed become the standard used when we use the internet. There is no encryption and all the data involved in the process of exchanging data between you and applications on the internet can be seen by many people.

It doesn’t matter if the data processing is only data regarding searches on Google, entertainment, or something like that.

This will be a problem if the data being processed is online banking, business email, or anything a little more sensitive. Of course, this would be a different story. To carry out online attacks, hackers usually use the Man in The Middle (MITM) attack technique – this will be discussed another time.

Then, how does a VPN work to secure data when exchanging data on the internet? Let’s look at the image below.

Write a Basic VPN What is a VPN & How It Works-02

When you use a VPN (usually using an application), your data is encrypted by the application and only sent through the ISP and then to the VPN server. The VPN server becomes the third device to connect you with online sites or services. It will be able to solve the problem of data privacy and security when exchanging data. What are the other benefits and uses of a VPN?

What Are the Benefits of a VPN?

There are several benefits that you can get when you use a VPN, such as remote access. Remote access allows us to access the internet using the office network, from anywhere as long as we are connected to the internet.

So even if you use an external network, when you use a VPN, your network can be recognized by the internet using an office network. Apart from that, the following are some of the benefits of a VPN:

1. ByPass

You can bypass geo-restrictions on streaming or video sites. For example by the government to access sites that are considered dangerous, and so on.

2. Data Security on Public Networks

Another benefit of a VPN is that it protects your data exchange from untrusted WiFi or networks. This will be helpful when using public networks in cafes, bars, and the like.

3. Secure Personal Information Anonymously

VPN hides your location in real-time ‘live’. So, not just anyone can find out where you are when accessing. Usually, the detected location is where your VPN server is located.

4. Data Encrypted

When processing data exchange between you and the online web application, your data is encrypted. So even if someone sees what the computer is sending, they only see encrypted information, not raw data.

5. Encrypt Device Information

Someone cannot easily identify the device you are using, or what you are doing.

Is it safe enough to Use a VPN?

Security is sometimes a debate between employees and IT companies.

A VPN can make your connection very secure, but it also depends on the protocol (road) you use to connect.

Security using a VPN is still hindered by two main factors, namely:

1. Technology Limits

Limitations of the technology used to develop a VPN, such as the type of protocol and encryption used.

2. Legal Limits

Legal and policy constraints affect what can be done with the technology. The same applies to the laws of the countries where the servers and companies providing the VPN are located. Sometimes the company’s policies affect the way companies implement this technology in their services.

So you could say that using a VPN is not completely safe. However, at least using a VPN will be safer than using a regular connection.

So, When to Use a VPN?

You can use a VPN when you want to do the following activities:

Help you get a more secure connection when using public WiFi.
Encrypt your activity on websites.
Hide your activity from people who want to try to find out secretly.
Hides your location, and allows you to access geo-blocked content.
Ensures you are more anonymous on the website.

How to Get a Free VPN

What is a Free VPN? Free VPN is a service that provides VPN servers that you can use for free.

Through the sites below, you can get free VPN access. There are several Free VPN provider sites that you can try. These Free VPN provider sites provide VPN application services that can be used on desktop devices. Meanwhile, if you want to use a VPN on mobile or desktop devices, you can try applications such as Hotspot Shield or Tunnel Bear.

1. Hotspot Shield

Is a pretty popular VPN service provider. Although it provides premium services, Hotspot Shield also offers a free version that you can try.

This version can prevent sites that contain malware and lead you to connect to blocked sites. However, the free version can only connect to one device.

2. TunnelBear

Is a pretty simple but powerful VPN app. TunnelBear has an attractive appearance that makes it easier for users to use it. A friendly VPN app for your device. TunnelBear has an attractive and simple UI that makes it easy for users to use it.

There are also two versions offered, free and paid. For the free version, you can try up to 500MB usage.

3. Hide.me

Is an internet provider application in Malaysia and has dozens of servers in the world. The free version of this app allows you to use up to 3GB each month.

Conclusion

A VPN can help you to secure your connection, as well as your identity and personal data. Although there are drawbacks, it becomes an inseparable part of an application.

There are several choices of VPN Server service provider applications, but you can also create your VPN Server on your VPS cloud service or computer device.