What is a VPN?

A VPN or a Virtual Private Network is a service that keeps you secure and anonymous while you’re browsing improving internet safety. VPN technology provides secure, encrypted connections between endpoints, that's the science bit. A VPN is a secure intermediate point in a connection. When you log into your VPN, the VPN then connects to websites on your behalf – hides your IP address, all your identifying information from websites, ISPs, advertisers, governments, everyone.

What does VPN mean?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.

Why use a VPN?

People use VPN to protect their security and privacy. Businesses use them as a secure means of remote access and to protect intranet and extranet site-to-site connections. Private individuals use them to enhance their privacy when surfing the internet, to mask their IP addresses, to stream entertainment or access otherwise-unavailable content privately. 

What do VPNs do?

VPNs serve as an intermediate point in the middle of a connection. A user logs into the VPN, which then uses one of its IP addresses from one of its servers to connect to websites or internet services for online safety. This masks your IP address, encrypts your communication and generally protects your privacy. VPNs can also help you stay secure on public WiFi and stream content from other parts of the world as if you were living there.

How do VPNs work?

VPN act as huge hubs for internet traffic. They set up hundreds, even thousands of servers all around the world and allow their customers to log into those servers directly. Once logged in, the customer is assigned one of the VPN’s IP addresses and can then begin surfing the internet anonymously. An ISP or third party could see you are connected to the VPN, but they can’t see the other half of the connection and know what sites you’re visiting or what content you’re viewing.

What are VPN protocols?

Owing to the nature of networking and the internet, there are a broad number of different connection types. Connection types vary by devices, TCP/IP layer, operating system – you name it. One thing all of those different connections types have in common though is that there is a VPn Protocol that corresponds to all of them. Whether you’re connecting the browser to a server or network to network, there’s a protocol that will facilitate the secure, encrypted connection you desire. The trick is knowing what protocol you need.

Why should I use a VPN?

For starters: privacy and security. Your ISP – and anyone else eavesdropping on your network – can see everything you look at, everything you click. If you’re streaming a movie – they know. VPNs obfuscate that so nobody knows what you’re doing, and – if it’s a good VPN – who you are. This is especially important in countries that lack internet freedom, but it’s also useful in more developed countries, too. VPNs can help with video streaming, security on public WiFi – anywhere that encryption and anonymity would come in handy.

What can I use a VPN for?

You can use a VPN for:
    •    Masking your IP address
    •    Hiding your online behaviour
    •    Tunneling into other locations
    •    Public WiFi protection
    •    Get around NetFlix blocking
    •    Remote access

Can I use a VPN with my normal browser?

Yes, VPNs work on all modern desktop browsers and mobile browsers.

Can I use a VPN with my normal browser?

Yes, VPNs work with all modern desktop browsers and most mobile browsers. Once you log into the VPN, simply use the browser. Go explore the internet in private!

Can I use a VPN on my tablet?

Much like with mobile phones, not every protocol plays well with mobile devices, though the most popular protocols like OpenVPN certainly do. 

Will a VPN affect my internet connection?

VPNs only affect virtual network connections, not the actual local connections in your home or office. Regardless of whether you’re using a VPN at the local level and installing the VPN on your router, or if you’re deploying it on the application layer, your VPN will connect easily.

How do I set up a VPN?

Read the instructions. RTFM. Usually, it is pretty simple

How do I use my VPN?

Download your VPN client, make sure you’re registered and active, then use your login credentials to sign in. It will make all the connections automatically. Hey presto, you are good to go in VPN silence.

How much does a VPN cost?

It varies, some are completely free, others cost as much as $100 per month. You get what you pay for with VPNs. If you don’t mind slow speed and performance issues, free is fine. If performance matters, you will have to pay.  Our advice is never to use a free VPN. Read our story 'Does Chine own your VPN too!.

How can I tell if my VPN is working?

Check the status button, it will say 'On'. They like to show off usually how safe they’re keeping you. If the VPN STOPS working, you will know fast. 

Are free VPNs worth it?

In short, they are essential, on phone, laptops everywhere especially during he COVID19 with online crime at new highs in 2021. We recommend VPN for online shopping, watching streamed content like BBC or US Netflix. They are not 100% perfect but a hell of a lot better than doing nothing to disguise your IP address and defend your online privacy and bank account and most importantly family