In today’s connected world, you can never have enough privacy and security. Any tool that can help you protect your sensitive data and internet traffic against intruders and eavesdroppers is welcome. One of the most popular tools for improving privacy and security on the internet is a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN creates a safe and encrypted connection over less secure networks, such as public Wi-Fi. A VPN application encrypts data you send, and decrypts data you receive. Both the sending and receiving network addresses are also encrypted for an added layer of protection and security. The encrypted data is also routed through servers that make it virtually impossible to track the source and destination of your traffic.
In order to use a VPN, the person must be authorized and provide a password or a security token to the service provider. People often use VPNs on their mobile phones to protect their data transmissions. A VPN allows you to perform any online activity while protecting your personal data and information from others. VPNs can also help you access websites that are region restricted, such as streaming services or censored websites). VPN also shields your browsing activities from anyone with prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, protecting you against some of the most dangerous cyberthreats such as man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. Mobile VPNs are very commonly used on cell phones for security and protection.
How Does VPN Work?
In simple terms, a VPN allows you to connect your smartphone, PC or tablet to another computer on the internet to allow you to browse the internet using that other computer’s internet connection. It can even be used with a computer in another country to appear as if you are in that other country and allow you to access some information that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
What are the Types of VPNs?
There are seven different types of VPNs.
Remote Access VPN
A remote access VPN involves a client connecting to a VPN gateway server on the network. The gateway requires the user to authenticate their device before it will grant access to file servers, printers and intranets. It relies on either Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or IP Security (IPsec) to provide a secure connection.
Site-To-Site VPN
A site-to-site VPN uses a gateway to connect an entire network in one area to another one in another area. The gateway handles all the connections so end users don’t need to be a VPN client. They use IPsec to connect over the internet, or they may be cloud based.
Mobile VPN
A mobile VPN server sits on the edge of the company network to authorize VPN clients. However, it is not tied to physical IP addresses, but instead uses a logical IP address that sticks to the mobile device even when it’s roaming. The best VPN for android gives continuous service to the users and it can seamlessly switch across multiple private and public networks.
Hardware VPN
Hardware VPNs have enhanced security and it can provide load balancing in the case of a large client load. The administration is managed through a web browser interface and since this option is much more expensive it is usually only realistic for large corporations.
VPN Appliance
A VPN gateway appliance is a device for networking with enhanced features. It has SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) appliances, which are a router that provides authentication, authorization, protection and encryption for VPNs.
Dynamic Multipoint Virtual Private Network (DMVPN)
This type of VPN exchanges data between two sites without going through the VPN of an organization’s VPN server or router. It involves each remote site with a router configured to the company’s VPN to provide all the resources available. For example, if someone were to make a VoIP telephone call, the speaking person contacts the hub to obtain the necessary information on the other end of the call and it creates a dynamic tunnel between the two parties.
VPN Reconnect
A VPN reconnect is a feature in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. It allows a VPN connection to stay open even during a brief interruption of the internet service. Normally, when internet service is interrupted then you have to reconnect to the VPN. This service keeps the tunnel open for a certain amount of time so the VPN connections is automatically restored in parallel with the internet connection. This was designed for use by mobile employees.
Any device that uses a VPN for access to an isolated network has a risk of inflicting that network with malware, unless the VPN connection assesses the state of the connecting device before granting access. In an organization, if a VPN doesn’t have these security checks and inspections, then attackers with stolen credentials can have access to network switches and routers.
You might consider a mobile VPN for personal use because it has many uses for you in everyday life. You can watch streaming media, such as Netflix and Hulu while protecting yourself from snooping on any public Wi-Fi hotspots. You have the added protection of gaining some measure of anonymity online because it hides your true location and you can bypass geographic restrictions on streaming audio, video and websites.
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