VPN is short for virtual private network. It is a secure tunnel between your device and internet. In other words, it is a secure and private network connection through public internet. It is called secure because it protects you from online snooping, interference and censorship. It keeps your online identity private. Here it connects you to a secure VPN server. Thus your internet traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel. Hackers, governments and your ISP do not see you.
Consumers use VPNs to keep their privacy. Companies use VPNs to connect far flung employees (as if they were all using a local network at a central office). Employees are able to work-from-home as if they are physically present in the office. Corporate VPN protects the privacy of the company.
When you use VPN, it changes your IP address which is a unique number that identifies you and your location in the world. When you connect, you select a location. The new IP address will make you appear to be at that location. VPNs thus shield your identity from websites, apps and services that want to track you. It protects you from security breaches.
It is good to use VPNs when
o privacy is important
o while travelling
o while relaxing
o while on public wi-fi
o while gaming
o while file sharing
o while shopping.
Without VPN, ISP connects you to the site. Each one has a unique IP address. ISP can see which sites you visit. VPN establishes a secure connection with a VPN server. Traffic passes through ISP, but it no longer reads it or can see its final destination. Websites you visit cannot see your IP address.
VPN server acts as a proxy for your web activity. It uses clever math to establish a secure connection called authentication. Tunneling is a process of encapsulating data packet inside another data packet. Data inside the tunnel is encrypted. Only a recepient can decrypt it.
VPN protocols are the methods by which your device connects to the VPN server. Some protocols are for speed, some for security, and some are under certain network conditions.
There could be a self-setup VPN. Or you can use a VPN service available commercially. There is an alternative to VPN called Tor or The Onion Router. Another alternative is proxy services.
SDP is also an alternative to VPN. SDP is Software Defined Perimeter. It has secure global access. It is not just encryption, but 2 FA, SSO etc. It offers visibility where access occurs. It adds complementary security tools. It is one centralised, integrated solution that automates access rules based on IdP. It gives superior privacy.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home affairs has suggested banning of VPNs. The Committee felt the VPNs allow criminals to launch attacks on the targets using the anonymity they provide. The countries which have banned VPNs are Russia, China, Belarus, Venezuela, Turkey and the Gulf states.
Actually, there is a lack of understanding of the whole thing. On balance, VPNs enable, rather than hinder, security. VPNs are essentials to the proper functioning of modern business. They are required for remote working. The employee devices are segregated from open internet. Then they get access to company servers. It ensures corporate security. Stock market traders work from home with VPNs. Trading platforms require in-house VPNs to connect and make trades.
Blocking VPN is a Herculean task. Even China has not succeeded to block all VPNs except those with low reliability. It slows down the Internet, e.g. in Iran. It has a negative impact on telecom efficiency.
In order to get VPN app on your device, you have to sign up for a VPN service. Next, you have to choose a VPN server closest to you. Then you have to test whether VPN is working. And last, you have to enable a kill switch which terminates your connection if VPN connection stops unexpectedly to protect your privacy.