Virtual Private Networks (VPN)-Encrypted Connection Over Internet

Virtual private networks VPNs have become basic, a must-have tool, which increasingly are used by individuals, businesses and governments to protect vital assets, remain very private on the web, and to secure the privacy and security of their conversation. In this article, I’ll explore the main features of VPNs pointwise, how they work, and as Cybersecurity tools, why they are important in the connected digital world of today to secure our privacy.

Overview of VPN

Virtual private network (VPN) is secure technology that lets users to access a private network via the internet. VPN provides an encrypted connection between users and the private network that is accessed through the internet. It creates a data tunnel identical to the real one and then hooks it up to protect data from hackers and outside eavesdroppers.

VPN applies the most advanced encryption methods to the data which is transmitted between the user’s device and the VPN server, like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). A cybersecurity principle, encryption, applies complicated security algorithm standards that ultimately give the assurance that data will still be unconfirmed, even if it is intercepted, without the associated keys required for its decryption. VPN masks the user’s IP address with the IP address of the VPN server thus it is very hard for the stalker to track the user’s location. This is the act of shunning any intrusion from outside and therefore it protects our privacy making the act of web based activities.

VPNs further protect user’s web navigation and online activity from being captured and kept by ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and any other third parties. If you don’t use VPN, your system will be exposed to few vulnerabilities which can be brought automatically.

VPNs (the Virtual Private Networks) are amongst the tools that are used by workers to access the company’s inner resources in a secure network by connecting to the corporate network through a secure connection. The users will be able to join the VPN server which is located in a different country to have the access to the restricted content and services. This feature works particularly hard with blocked domain when people trying to access websites or streaming services in certain region.

At times, when we are using public wi-fi network, it is better to use VPN to secure our mobile or laptop data from the hackers. VPN creates an extra layer of safety for the users since the data is encrypted all the way, avoiding any potential risks that public hotspots may bring. VPNs take care of many of common security threats that might drop by on public networks, which include the man-in-the-middle attack. VPNs do this by transmitting the data through a secure tunnel.

To secure communication between the head office and remote workers, and mobile devices, VPNs are the best option for enterprises to protect sensitive and proprietary data from interception and unwanted access.

VPNs are the simplest solutions with a great number of server locations from where you can choose plus some features of the commercial VPN services are offered to you additionally. VPNs do serve privacy but the selection of proven and reliable providers should be taken because all VPNs aren’t promoting user privacy and some countries have banned the use of VPNs.

Once you decide to use the VPN service, you need to choose the service providers who have a good image with regard to security, openness, and respect for the privacy of their users. It is worth knowing that some VPN providers store their logs, so in this case you should look for a different provider that does not keep traffic logs.

Types of VPNs

1. Remote Access VPNs

Cater for encrypted links for individual users to get a private network whereby they can access all through the remote connection. This VPN is a good choice by the IT person who is working from home or traveling and need to have a secure access to the company’s resources.

2. Site-to-Site VPNs

Create a network covering an entire system, from linking all the branch offices with the central office or corporate network, to making it safe over the internet. It is usually used by companies with several offices to assure a proper and secure interconnection which is natural in the case of multiple offices spread over the city and outstate.

3. Client-to-Site VPNs or Endpoint VPNs

Similar to VPNs when it comes to remote access but it function exactly on client devices that connect to corporate networks. Its use is appropriate in cases when particular equipment, for example, IoT devices or partner networks, need to obtain access to an enterprise’s system resources.

4. Intranet-Based VPN

It links the parts of an organization through an intranet to provide secure communication. It is most suitable among organizations that have many branches that are willing to set up a secure and private networks with their own business infrastructure.

5. Extranet-Based VPN

Such platform, incorporating VPNs as a complementary component, will bridge the gap in infrastructural security between internal and external networks, thereby connecting intranets of business partners or suppliers. Additionally, this technology ensures the safe communication and collaboration between an organization and its external partners.

6. Mobile Virtual Private Networks

Although its shape and size are small, it was constructed so that mobile device communication over the internet is secured. With lesser chances and no appropriate security tools, remote workers mostly use their mobile phones to access industry data, hence creating opportunities for cyber attackers.

7. SSL/TLS VPN

It is built on the SSL/TLS protocols that are used to establish a secure connection over the web browser, so that there is no need for an additional client software. Several representative applications, primarily online service authentication, associate with this implementation.

8. IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) VPN

The system is a set of protocols that is used to protect the internet communication at the IP layer level. It has the ability to act either as the Tunnel mode or as the Transport mode. It is used in site-to-site VPNs and remote access VPNs. It has suite of security features that are excellent.

9. PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol)

It is older open VPN method that ensures secure tunnel with the end point but is considered less secure than newly developed versions. With this day, modern technologies are not used because they may be in danger. However, they can be found in some old systems.

10. L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol)

We are also often utilizing it to strengthen security with altogether IPsec. That is secure tunnel for information transmission is provided by it. L2TP/IPsec is mostly used in remote access VPNs, especially on devices that have the native L2TP/IPsec client support.

11. OpenVPN

It is an open source implementation of VPN protocol working with SSL/TLS and using them as key exchange. It is flexible, and has either good security features or it could be run on a wide range of platforms. Such applications as remote access and site-to-site VPNs make extensive use of it.

Protocols used in Virtual Private Networks

The encrypted data transmission and protocols of virtual private network (VPN) decide the quantity of data protected by group of rules and transactions for those devices that have certain VPN connection. To supply with the feature of private and secure communication in people’s online communication, a variety of protocols were used. Some popular VPN protocols are as follows:

1. OpenVPN

It is an open-source and very flexible VPN protocol which is also known as the most secure in the world. It is based on the secure sockets layer (SSL/TLS) and provides many encryption algorithms. It is comprehensive solution that fits in business requirements, such as enterprise VPNs or site-to-site VPNs.

2. IPsec (Internet Protocol Security)

It is about the demise of internet communication protocols and is the manifestation of the IP security at the IP level. Such a tunneling mode can be either of the types, that is, transport mode or the tunnel mode, and it can provide confidentiality, integrity and authentication. It is the most common type of VPN (Virtual Private Network) used for site-to-site VPNs and remote access VPNs in enterprise environments.

3. L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol)

Generally, this is accomplished by integrating it with IPsec to raise the level of protection it offers.

4. L2TP/IPsec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec)

Its configuration enables it to function as the substitute for L2TP and IPsec simultaneously. Through the tunnel provided by L2TP data packets are secured using IPsec service. It is the most commonly used protocol for remote access VPNs and is also supported by many operating systems.

5. PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol)

It has already been declared obsolete and it is known that it does not have a good authentication or encryption. Although it may give some sort of encryption, it is not considered to be secure enough because it is vulnerable to different security threats. It is not so often encountered in the present day due to its crypto-risk, but may still be exquisite in old systems.

6. IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2)

It is a contemporary and efficient VPN protocol that is used for safe key exchange and is often accompanied by IPsec for encryption and authentication. It is mostly benefiting for mobile VPNs. They are characterized by strong and fast connections when devices switch between networks.

7. SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol)

This is the Microsoft-developed protocol that uses SSL/TLS for encryption. It is very common for web servers that run on Windows, especially where there are firewalls that block HTTP traffic. It is used very often in the network form of VPNs. This is particularly for remote access on the Microsoft Windows platforms.

8. WireGuard

It is a younger and lighter VPN protocol that is famous for its simplicity and efficiency. It should therefore permit gains in speed and code simplicity. It is the most advanced protocol due to its speed and it is straightforward, therefore very good for any types of VPN applications.

9. SoftEther Virtual Private Networks

It is a free and open-sourced VPN software that can work with different VPN protocols, including the SoftEther VPN protocol, SSL-VPN, IPsec, and others. It is versatile and offers a huge choice; remote access and site-to-site VPNs are just among all possible cases.

List of Top VPN Service Providers (Virtual Private Networks)

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is famous for its fast connections and advanced security features such as large server network which makes sure that you are always online and your online activities are always private.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is on the forefront when it comes to privacy and security. It is highly rated in the industry for having strong features like double VPN and a wide server network, thus it is number one among those who are most concerned to protect their online securely.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a low-cost, yet unlimited, device that allows you to connect with other people at the same time. The users of this online portal get a user-friendly experience, as well as for customers a high security level is provided.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is very popular due to its user-friendly interface. Also, they have selected servers dedicated to streaming and torrenting, making this VPN powerful for multiple online actions.

5. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is different from the other VPNs with the Chameleon protocol, which is proprietary and designed to bypass censorship. Encrypting the data exchanged on the web and maintaining the confidentiality becomes its strong point for the secure browser.

6. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield first considers users’ general needs for speed and accessibility. It provides a free version and a premium version, which is a good thing because it makes it available to a lot of people.

7. Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA being its privacy-focused feature and a pervasive server network make it a top choice amongst users. This is the VPN for you if you are looking for a trustworthy and privacy-oriented VPN.

8. Windscribe

Windscribe provides free data limited plan along with a paid version that entails solid privacy. Its dedication to keeping user data confidential earns it recognition within the privacy fan base.

9. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN – This is a product that was created by the team that was also responsible for the development of ProtonMail, and ProtonVPN puts the security and privacy of its users first. That commitments to the confidentiality of its members and the quality of its products are well known.

10. TunnelBear

Being marked as the “easy-to-use” product, TunnelBear provides a free plan with a limited amount of data. It is a good option for those who are not already using VPN services.

11. Mullvad

Mullvad officially incorporates privacy in the policy with no-log method. It gives a direct access to salaries to users, and therefore people who hide their identity pay with cash. It is one of the best choice to anyone who cares about their privacy.

12. Hide[dot]me

Hide[dot]me is a service that gives you the chance to be fully private, including its no-log policy. It is a free offering that comes with some limitations providing the simple users with the much needed security.

VPNs are major contributors to the privacy, secured communications and also to the web access when compared to the public network. VPNs are still the most basic tools for those who want to securely and privately explore the internet world as it changes.

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