VPNs are an online security solution. But they aren’t as mysterious as the crowd makes them out to be. Many users believe that it is too complicated to be involved with a VPN. However, that’s not true. Even if you are a total beginner to the digital world, you can easily employ one. It is for that reason we have prepared an article to burst the mysterious shroud surrounding this technology. We have prepared the write-up with the most burning questions a user might have regarding VPN and their answers.
These VPN questions range from a simple introduction to operations and identifying the optimal vendor. Without further ado, let’s delve into this unique Q&A session, discussing VPNs to absolve the mysteries surrounding this decades-old tech. Given below are lots of questions (yet still few in the greater scope of things) people find themselves asking before employing or deciding to buy a VPN. Let’s try to answer each to your satisfaction.
1. What is a VPN? Do I need one?
The first of many questions, right off the bat, is an introduction to VPN technology. While you can find out more about what VPNs are in detail, we’ll answer it concisely. A VPN (a virtual private network) is the type of network that can run over any communication channel to connect VPN clients to VPN servers. Doing so would grant the user access to the internet remotely via a server hence leaving the user hidden. Furthermore, a VPN can also encrypt the data traffic to and fro the servers thus ensuring your security on the web.
Anyone who cares about online privacy or the security of their data can employ a VPN. It can conceal them on the internet as numerous prying eyes target user data, such as your ISP, the government, large corporates, and cybercriminals. Also, a remote corporate worker can use the VPN to securely connect to the central management network to share resources safely over the net.
2. How can a VPN protect my information?
VPNs use the latest security protocols and encryption methods to secure data traffic. They also keep users hidden behind remote servers. A VPN uses a server to connect to the target website instead of the user. Hence, the web has the server IP instead of the user IP address. Also, they employ VPN tunneling to establish a connection between clients and servers, and this tunnel is virtually impenetrable. Why? Because it encrypts data traffic.
3. Am I really anonymous with a VPN?
Sadly, there is no such thing as total anonymity on the internet. However, using a VPN can get you real close. The service hides your IP and DNS address and prevents WebRTC leaks to ensure privacy. But VPNs aren’t foolproof. They are also prone to failure, bugs, exploits, and so on. Further, some VPNs are mediocre at what they do. Contrarily, other services implement additional features to ensure your protection. They offer things like Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and Stealth mode. A VPN may not keep you 100% anonymous. But with a healthy internet habit and positive outlook combined with a VPN, you can prevent most potential threats.
4. What is a VPN protocol, and which is the best?
A VPN protocol decides how to connect the client to the server and represents the core of the VPN technology. It augments decisions like authentication, identification, exchange of keys, selecting encryption profile, virtual handshake, and so on. A protocol can be fast, slow, secure, or a mixture of all. Depending on your need, you can select an apt protocol for your use. For example, PPTP is the fastest VPN protocol but lacks protection, while OpenVPN is the most secure yet slower.
WireGuard is the optimal balance between speed and security, though. That brings us neatly to the question, “what is the best security protocol?” This is arguable but WireGuard ranks first in security protocols. We recommend choosing VPNs that have OpenVPN with both TCP and UDP for the best user experience, as it is more stable. Proprietary protocols based on WireGuard are also worth looking into.
5. What is encryption?
VPN encryption is the process of encoding decipherable data into indecipherable gibberish. It uses a cipher and sharable key to encode and decode data. A VPN encrypts any data going out of the client, and the server then decrypts it using a key. Afterward, the server encrypts the data coming to the client. It then undergoes decryption. The standard encryption that VPNs practice today is the AES-256.
6. How can I trust my VPN vendor?
VPNs are a trust-based model—you are handing over your data to the VPN provider. Thus, you’d have to worry about the legitimacy of the vendor and the safety of your data. But how to ensure this? You can’t see what the vendor does to your data. Hence, it is here where the logging policies come into play. Any trustworthy vendor will employ a strict no-logs policy to ensure users’ peace of mind. A no-logs policy dictates that, even if collected, no user data will remain with the vendor. To further validate this claim, a provider can employ an independent audit.
7. Which devices can run a VPN?
Today, most VPN vendors ensure that their services can run on multiple platforms. Hence, any popular device, including IoT (Internet of Things) devices like a Smart TV or a gaming console, can run a VPN. There are even routers available that come preloaded with specific VPNs. Conversely, the top operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux have VPNs.
8. Can I use multiple devices on a single subscription?
This is a popular one amongst all the VPN questions, and we have answers. Yes, you can use multiple devices simultaneously on a single VPN subscription. How many? It depends on the provider. Most VPN providers offer several simultaneous device connections. The number varies from 5 to 10 to unlimited.
9. Are VPNs costly? Why don’t I get a free VPN?
Yes, VPNs have a price tag but not all VPNs are costly. The cost varies. Some offer services at as low as $1.8 monthly, while some charge around $10. However, we don’t suggest going for a free VPN. There are only a few free VPNs that don’t harm users. Most are traps. They use user data to earn profit by selling it to third parties. They also infest devices with adware and malware. You can learn more about paid and free VPNs in our article.
10. I am not tech-savvy. Can I still use a VPN?
Another one of the VPN questions that haunt users is whether they can safely use a VPN. Many believe that they have to be proficient in IT or tech-savvy to employ a VPN successfully, which is untrue. Most VPN services are easy to use. All you need to do is download the app suitable for your device and install the package. Afterward, you can initiate a VPN connection with a single touch/click.
11. Will the VPN slow down my internet?
A VPN needs to encrypt data before sending it out. It also takes a longer router to transfer data. Hence, it will slow down the net. However, good VPNs offer numerous servers to curb latency and bandwidth issues. Although, you should beware of below-par products. We already analyzed how to increase VPN speed and whether VPN use can boost your Internet speed.