Simply stated, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a type of service that provides a secure connection between two parties over a publicly used network such as the internet.
A VPN may be needed for any number of common reasons. Perhaps you wish to download a movie that may be blocked from certain IP address locations or countries. Also, there is a great deal of information companies and individuals can learn from your domestic IP address. In the days when hackers and viruses may choose to target computers in a certain location, a VPN can help safeguard your personal data. Or, you may wish to utilize a VPN to connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot securely without worrying about any communications falling into the wrong hands. These are but a few of the reasons that these gateways have become so popular.
Nonetheless, do not let the popularity of these networks you into believing that they are anything but extremely advanced and effective. Without oversimplifying what is without a doubt cutting-edge technology, you can envision a VPN provider as a trusted middleman. You send your information to this middleman, your data is encrypted with highly advanced algorithms, and the data is then transmitted to a receiver. The primary strength of a VPN is the fact that not only is your sensitive data nearly impossible to decipher, but that it is extremely challenging to intercept while being transmitted. Therefore, any third parties will have a very difficult time obtaining and understanding these communications.
The secure means by which this information is transmitted are known as protocols. There are a number of different formats that depend on the level of security you may require. Some of the most powerful protocols require what are known as “keys”. Essentially, these keys are shared between the sender and the receiver. Only the two parties possess these keys and the data cannot be decrypted without them. This “virtual handshake” can offer stringent levels of security and a form is even included in the Windows operating system itself.
Although the programming and implementation of a VPN can be extremely difficult to comprehend, their basic functionality can be appreciated by those who wish to be assured that any sensitive data is highly safeguarded from the outside world. A quality VPN service is built in such a way that it lets you use the software through a very simple interface, while all the complicated technology is doing its work in the backend.
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