What is a VPN and how does it work?

The online world is full of many joys, such as social media sites that keep us connected with our loved ones, streaming sites and games that ensure we’re never bored, and cute cat pictures to put a smile on our faces. 

But there are also lots of prying eyes and other dangers lurking in all corners of the internet. For starters, your broadband company may actively monitor your online activity.

Meanwhile, cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to hack into your online accounts to steal your data and sell it to the highest bidder on the dark web. Then you have companies increasingly using your browsing history to spam you with targeted adverts. 

While tackling these issues may sound complex, there’s a simple remedy in the form of a trusty virtual private network. A VPN is essentially an online tool that conceals your internet protocol address, the number assigned to any device connected to the internet, and browsing activity from all these pesky eavesdroppers.  

However, apart from providing increased online security and privacy, VPNs can also be used to unblock geo-restricted content and services, improve the speed of streaming and gaming, find the best deals online, and much more. But how do they work, and why do you personally need one? We explain. 

RELATED: The ultimate guide to the best VPNs

What is a VPN and what does it stand for?

Also known as a virtual private network, a VPN  is a software application that establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your connected device and a private server owned by a VPN provider. 

Also known as a VPN tunnel, this connection serves as a safe passage for your web traffic and personal data as it travels across the internet. 

It’ll bypass your internet service provider (ISP) in the process, meaning they cannot see the websites and online services you access. Using robust encryption methods like AES-256, VPNs will scramble your internet data so that it’s unreadable to third parties like ISPs, cyber criminals, advertisers, and government agencies. That way, they can’t track your online activity or intercept your personal data. 

As well as encrypting your web traffic, a VPN service will hide your device’s original IP address and instead show one assigned to the VPN server you connect to. This will help prevent third parties from knowing where you live, allowing you to browse the web safely and securely. 

By connecting to a remote VPN server in a country of your choosing and obtaining a new IP address, you can also appear to be in a different country and circumvent geo-restrictions to access content that isn’t available where you live. 

Who should use a VPN?

VPNs are useful tools for many different types of people. More generally, they’re ideal for anyone concerned about online security and privacy. Using one of these services will provide an extra layer of online protection by encrypting your web traffic and concealing your IP address.

But because VPNs conceal users’ IP addresses and encrypt their data, there’s no realistic way for ISPs to track customers’ online activity.

VPNs can also improve your online experience by allowing you to access geo-restricted online content. By connecting to international VPN servers, you can also shop around for the best online deals and grab a bargain. 

It’s also worth downloading a VPN service if you regularly use public Wi-Fi hotspots, whether for remote working or simply checking your online accounts when you’re out and about. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are notoriously insecure and can be easily breached by cybercriminals. However, VPNs boost public Wi-Fi safety through strong encryption and IP masking. 

VPNs can benefit students by allowing them to bypass firewalls used by their academic institutions and access online resources that are blocked on campus. They’ll also be able to use library and campus internet networks without worrying about their school tracking their web activity or hackers seeing their online activity.

VPNs are handy for globetrotters, too. When you go abroad, you may be unable to access online content from your home country due to geo-restrictions. However, using a VPN server located back home, you can make it look like you’ve never left the country and don’t need to miss out on your favorite TV shows or sports. You’ll also be able to use public Wi-Fi networks more safely and securely during your travels. 

Many businesses and organizations are also increasingly investing in VPNs. With these tools, companies can enable remote workers to access corporate IT systems, applications, and data securely. They will also prevent cybercriminals from stealing sensitive corporate data and using it to extort businesses through ransomware campaigns. 

What are the different types of VPNs?

Today, there are many different types of VPN services available on the market, accommodating all user needs by offering varying functions and implementation methods.

• Personal VPN: This VPN helps people protect their personal Wi-Fi networks and devices. It’s targeted at individuals rather than businesses. 
• Mobile VPN: This VPN is aimed at mobile phone users who want to stay secure when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Mobile VPNs, which are always on, will also protect your data if your internet connection drops or if you turn off your device for a short period. They’re ideal for people who spend a lot of time on the go.
• Remote access VPN: This type of VPN allows people to access corporate and private networks from an off-site location. It’s handy for remote workers or professionals who travel frequently for meetings. Organizations that opt for remote access VPNs will typically own on-site servers and networking equipment. 
• Cloud VPN: This VPN, deployed in cloud environments, helps users securely access their organization’s cloud-based services and systems. Compared to remote access VPNs, these VPNs are highly scalable and can be cheaper for businesses because they are run over the cloud.
• Double VPN: With one of these VPNs, your internet traffic will pass through two different servers rather than a single connection. It effectively provides twice the protection you’d get with a standard VPN. 
• Site-to-site VPN: This VPN facilitates secure communication between multiple networks located in different geographic locations. It’s an excellent option for businesses with multiple sites and branches. Site-to-site VPNs can be used with corporate intranets and extranets. 
• Secure Sockets Layer VPN: This VPN uses the SSL protocol and its predecessor, the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, to provide users with secure access to corporate systems and applications through a simple web portal. Because SSL VPNs do not require additional installation software, they are a more user-friendly alternative for organizations with remote workforces. 

How do you install a VPN?

You can install VPN services on virtually any device, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, game consoles, and Wi-Fi routers.

If you want to use a VPN on a cell phone or tablet, you can download the VPN provider’s app from the Play Store on Android devices or the App Store on Apple devices.

Once the mobile app is installed, you can log into your account and connect to a VPN server within seconds. 

On a desktop computer or laptop, you’ll typically need to download the VPN software from the provider’s website and undergo a short installation process. Mac users can download most VPN apps straight from the App Store. Setting up a VPN on a computer isn’t much different from using a mobile VPN – just sign into your account, and you can begin using VPN servers all over the world.

With most major operating systems, it’s possible to set up a VPN service manually. You can do this by going into the connectivity settings on your device and adding a VPN profile. You’ll be asked to enter your account, password, and server information. 

Something to bear in mind is that not all devices, such as smart TVs and game consoles, support VPNs natively. 

Whichever device you install a VPN on, you’ll benefit from clear installation guides and 24/7 customer support by choosing one of the top VPN providers on the market. Our choice would be Norton VPN. 

Does VPN drain your battery?

VPNs use a range of complex processes, including strong encryption and data routing methods. These require a significant amount of CPU power, which can potentially drain your device’s battery. 

Using a VPN also generates more internet traffic on your device, which can lower its battery life. Factors like weak signal and regular streaming make VPNs work even harder, requiring more battery from your device. 

Of course, how quickly your battery drains due to VPN usage will depend on your device’s battery size and how often you use your VPN service. Modern phones are generally better suited to the intense power demands of VPNs. 

But you can limit VPN battery drain through a few simple steps. These include using Wi-Fi rather than cellular networks and choosing a battery-friendly VPN protocol.

Whatever the case, given VPNs’ profound online security and privacy benefits, sacrificing a bit of battery life doesn’t seem like a massive tradeoff. Just remember to keep a charger in your bag or pocket when you plan to go out and have a VPN constantly running on your device.

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