There’s a valuable cybersecurity tool that can shield your identity and communications online. Welcome to the increasingly popular world of VPNs. If you’re keen to learn all about VPNs, including what they do, how they work, and why you should use one (but were afraid to ask) then this guide is for you. Also consider a trusted VPN like free Avira Phantom VPN and unlock the many advantages of surfing like a cyberghost.
What is a VPN? What does it do?
So, what is the exact definition of the three little letters that promise to make a world of difference to your online privacy? VPN stands for virtual private network. Imagine two computers connected via a private network. They can communicate only with each other and exist in their own isolated bubble. Nobody else can access the network and see what’s happening. A VPN creates the same protective bubble, but it’s much larger and extends between that one computer and the entire internet. A VPN uses dedicated servers and data encryption (whereby data is scrambled so it’s unreadable) to make your data and your internet connection private and inaccessible to others online. Like the two computers mentioned earlier that “speak” only with one another, when you have a VPN it’s a similar “just you and me” scenario with your computer and the internet existing together in (hopefully) blissful, private harmony.
Now, what does a VPN do? A virtual private network has two key functions:
Encrypting your data: This jumbles your data so it becomes unintelligible to anyone who might intercept it as it travels between your device and the VPN server. It’s the VPN server that encrypts data using a public key. When that data reaches the user, they have their own private key to decrypt the data. It’s like receiving a coded message, where you’re the only one who can crack the code.
Routing your traffic via a VPN server: This makes it look like you’re connecting from the VPN server’s location. So, if you and your laptop are in New York, and the VPN server is in Johannesburg, you’ll look like you’re in sunny South Africa instead of the US!
How does a VPN work?
It’s helpful to imagine the internet as a huge, virtual postal service. Data is divided into packets that are sent at high speeds along an information highway to various online destinations where they can perform functions like loading web pages. When you visit a website without a VPN, your ISP (internet service provider) receives the request and sends your data packets to their destinations. Your data and computer are visible, and anyone can intercept your data, track what you do online, and see the sites you visit.
Now this is what happens when you connect via a virtual private network: It redirects your data packets through a remote server before sending them on and replaces your IP address (the string of numbers that serves as a unique identifier for your computer and is tied to information such as your ISP and geographic location) with a new IP address. Now it looks as if you’re connected to the internet from the location of the VPN server and your “real” IP address can’t give away any information about you. That’s not all: A VPN also uses encryption to turn your data packets into secret parcels so they can’t be opened by snoops — and it sends these parcels through a secure tunnel instead of via the public information highway.
Some think of a VPN as Wi-Fi software security, but strictly speaking it protects only your data. There are many reasons to consider a VPN and so many scenarios where it’s ideal.
Why and when should you use a VPN?
It could be the key to a new world of online privacy and freedom. A VPN can help you:
- Surf more safely on public Wi-Fi
Do you browse or work online in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels, or other public spaces with free Wi-Fi? It’s tempting and highly convenient — but, sadly, equally attractive to hackers. You don’t need an authentication code to access public networks, and their Wi-Fi encryption standards are generally poor. To safely go online on public Wi-Fi hotspots, you really need the services of a VPN so you can divert encrypted data through a secure tunnel.
- Secure your online transactions
Who visits a bricks-and-mortar bank these days? Online banking rules supreme especially on the go, and cybercriminals love it too. To help protect your financial data, use a VPN for all your online banking activities — especially when using public Wi-Fi. Spotted something you want to buy online? Your credit card details and other personal information such as your address and phone number are a treasure trove for online villains. A VPN connection adds an essential layer of protection.
- Browse anonymously
While browsing, you leave digital traces and companies track your activities for targeted advertising or to collect and sell information about you. Establish a free VPN connection to browse anonymously online, help protect your privacy, and prevent advertisers from targeting you.
- Get access to more content
When you mask your IP, you’ll appear to be accessing a service from a different location. Movie lovers, box-set devourers, and gaming addicts love this feature as it helps them:- Listen to music from other locations
- Watch TV shows and movies from anywhere the VPN service is available
- Access a wider selection of social media networks and other content
- Check for better deals like cheaper air tickets
- Keep your home office more secure
VPNs are crucial to helping keep confidential data secure while you’re working from home. In fact, this was the motivation behind developing VPN technology! In 1996, Gurdeep Singh-Pall, a Microsoft employee, laid the basis of VPN technology by creating the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) to enable people to work securely and effectively from the privacy of their homes. Remote working can be risky: Attackers can intercept data from unencrypted connections. When you use a secure VPN connection with advanced encryption to connect to your company’s network, the sensitive data you send and receive is better protected.
- Save money when shopping online
If you’re looking for a cheap flight, for example, a VPN can help you get a better deal. That’s because the prices you see when shopping online may differ drastically depending on your location, how much interest you’re showing, and even the type of device you’re using. By changing your virtual location and hiding your activity, a VPN could help you grab a bargain.
Does a VPN make you 100% anonymous?
No, but you should use one anyway! While a VPN can increase your anonymity, it can’t guarantee that your identity will be erased entirely. There are other factors that influence your privacy online. For one, your internet service provider (ISP) might still know your IP address and that you’re using a VPN. Also, as soon as you log in to a VPN service, you’ll have to give away your personal details. Plus, the owners of websites are able to collect data from users, including what pages they look at, how long they spend there, what links they click, how long they hover, any purchases they made, etc. And if you log in to sites like Google and search while connected to a VPN, Google can still record your search history. Similarly, social media platforms can track your online activities as you use their sites.
If you’re truly serious about shielding your data and activities online, you’ll need to use a combination of tools and practices. Regularly clear your cookies as these small files are stored by the websites you visit and keep track of your activities and preferences. They’re stored and used by your web browser and are beyond the reach of a VPN. Also browse in private or incognito mode and be mindful what you share online! Although it’s so tempting to share a wealth of personal information on social media, anyone, depending on your privacy settings, who views your profile can see this information.
What else can a VPN not do?
While it’s often hailed as a privacy champion, everything has limits and it’s important to remember that VPNs are not designed to protect you from cyberthreats like malware, viruses, and phishing. VPNs don’t screen the data coming to your computer, phone, tablet, or any internet-connected device and won’t stop suspicious links from showing up in your emails. When you use a VPN, you’re concealing your IP address and helping to secure all the data you send and receive — but you’re not scanning or blocking malicious software or protecting your computer from the security loopholes in outdated software. That’s why a multi-layered approach to online security is essential: Avira Free Security blends Avira Phantom VPN with an antivirus solution, software updater, password manager, and other tools for more effective online protection and privacy.
Is it a firewall? What is a VPN not?
There’s an array of technology that offers some of the functionality of VPNs but is not identical. A virtual private network and a firewall are both powerful security tools with different approaches. A firewall watches traffic on your network and acts as a filter. You can set your security preferences, so you help control what it blocks automatically. What about a proxy server? No, a proxy server re-routes your traffic to mask your IP address but can’t offer an encrypted tunnel. And a VPN is also not a DNS (domain name system) server which translates domain names (like www.avira.com) into IP addresses (like 192.0.3.1). You can give silent thanks to DNS servers, as without them you’d have to type in long, difficult IP addresses. SmartDNS is extra-clever DNS technology that helps users access otherwise unavailable content online. So, here there is some overlap with a VPN, but once again the VPN wins with more security and encryption. If you’re tempted by the Tor browser — which is popular among those headed into the depths of the dark web — it’s considered highly secure but tends to offer a slow browsing experience.
How to pick a VPN provider
Whatever your reasons for choosing a VPN, there are several important considerations to bear in mind:
- Security and reputation: Will it keep my data safe? Your VPN provider has full access to your data, so be sure to choose a reputable and well-known brand.
- Privacy: Will it respect my privacy? Some free providers may resort to selling customer data. Check the privacy policy before signing up, and make sure they don’t log or monitor your information (Avira has a no-log policy).
- Speed: How fast is it — and can you keep your data safer without compromising too much on speed? If your VPN is fantastically reliable but slows your browsing down to a crawl, you’re unlikely to put up with it.
- Cost/data allowance: Should you choose free or paid? Free plans tend to come with capped data. If you plan on streaming loads of movies or games, consider an annual or monthly subscription like Avira Phantom VPN Pro.
- Locations: How big is its network of servers? Check that it offers a wide range of countries, so you’ll have the freedom to globetrot if necessary. Avira Phantom VPN Pro allows you to select a custom location from around 150 server sites in 37 countries. It also offers a kill switch: An advanced security feature to help protect your digital data from accidental exposure. If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch will block your internet access until the VPN connection is restored.
To keep or not to keep… Should my VPN always be on?
The short answer is: Yes! Keep your VPN on and never (ever) access free Wi-Fi hotspots without it. You’ll help prevent your personal data, including your web browsing history, physical location, and IP address, from being intercepted by third parties. It can also help safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. Plus, setting up and using a VPN is simple, so you shouldn’t ever be “too tired” to protect yourself online. Bear in mind that if you’re using a limited data plan, keeping a VPN running on your smartphone will increase your mobile data usage.
How do I set up a VPN and use it?
VPN services work in slightly different ways but most offer a similar setup, activation, and connection process. Have you found a reputable VPN provider? Excellent! Typically, you’ll then download an app to your computer and mobile devices. Launch the app and log in to your account. If you’re able to, pick a server location. If you want to stream foreign content, head abroad — or choose a server in your home country to keep your internet search results local. And be sure to check the connection and reconnect if you restart your computer or wake it up after it’s been idle!
You can use Avira Phantom VPN on your PC, laptop, or mobile device, across all major operating systems: VPN for Windows, VPN for macOS, VPN for Android, and VPN for iOS. Once the app is installed, it requires no additional configuration, and you can secure your connection with a few clicks or taps:
- Click the Avira icon to open the Avira user interface.
- Click Privacy in the left-hand menu.
- Click the VPN feature.
- Select a virtual location (if you’re using the Pro version).
- Click Turn on VPN.
How do I know if my VPN is working?
If you already have a VPN, you can find it by going to Settings > Network & internet > VPN on a desktop PC. Any VPNs already configured on your device will show up here and if your VPN is on, the status will be “connected”. To make sure that you’re safely and properly connected, you’ll need to run some checks. Visit websites such as WhatIsMyIP or IP Location and make a note of your original IP address. After connecting to a VPN, check your IP address again. Has it changed? Great! That means your VPN is doing its job.
Are VPNs legal?
As a tool for improving online privacy, a VPN is legal in most countries, including the US, UK, Europe, and Japan. If you choose to engage in illegal activities online while using a VPN, that’s against the law of course (and you can’t blame the VPN). Avira doesn’t endorse the use of a VPN to violate any laws or terms of service. As they say: With freedom comes responsibility!
Some countries restrict or ban VPNs as part of their efforts to regulate internet access, suppress political dissent, and give only domestic companies a presence online. Russia requires all VPNs to be registered to protect national security. Similarly, the Chinese government blocks VPN services to prevent citizens from bypassing its Great Firewall. Using anonymizing technology is banned in Belarus, Iraq, North Korea (where harsh penalties apply), and Turkmenistan (where social media is also forbidden).
Consider being an online phantom
Time to be a truly global citizen? Whether you want to stream a box set in your hotel room more safely using public Wi-Fi or simply surf like nobody’s watching, a VPN is essential. Avira Phantom VPN helps provide private yet unrestricted internet access via a wide range of server locations and utilizes industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption. To shed data limits as well as your IP address and online identity, consider subscribing to Avira Phantom VPN Pro.