VPN: simple definition and utility of a virtual private network

When you use a public Wi-Fi network

What is a VPN ?

VPN is the abbreviation of Virtual Private Network, a virtual private network in French, a service that protects your Internet connection and your online confidentiality. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel for your data, protect your identity online by masking your IP address and allow you to use public Wi-Fi access points.

• Benefits of VPN
• Why do you need a VPN ?
• Principle of a VPN
• Operation of a VPN
• VPN servers
• VPN tunnel
• VPN types
• VPN protocols
• Choose the best VPN
• VPN configuration
• Faq

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Benefits of VPN

The use of VPN applications makes your life digital life safer, more practical and more fluid.

Online confidentiality

Change your IP address, hide your virtual location and encrypt your connection allow you to improve your online confidentiality.

A VPN protects you against cyberrencies, such as Man-in-The-Middle attacks, packet sniffers and dangerous Wi-Fi networks.

With a VPN, you can protect yourself from censorship and online restrictions and enjoy a free and open internet.

Secure data sharing

Share files safely at home or at work. A VPN figures your connection so that no curious people can see the data that you transfer.

Why do you need a VPN ?

No one likes to be observed or watched, even when we have nothing to hide. This is why it is important that you strengthen the protection of your confidentiality. Here is under what circumstances you need a VPN:

When you use a public Wi-Fi network

VPN is used to secure your connection to public Wi-Fi networks, so that you can browse in complete confidentiality. Pirates have many methods to steal your data on public hotspots, but with a VPN, your online activity is invisible to them.

During your trips

If you want to access your usual content while traveling around the world, a VPN is useful. Install NordVPN on your device and never miss your friends’ publications on social networks.

During Internet browsing

Government agencies, marketing specialists and internet service providers would all love to follow and collect your navigation history, your messages and other private data. The best way to hide them ? Use a VPN so that your data remains confidential.

During your online games

You like to play online ? With NordVPN, you can forget the DDOS attacks and the limitation of the bandwidth. Take advantage of our mesh network functionality to organize secure virtual lan in local networks with your friends.

During your shopping

Avoid targeted prices, false websites and lure attacks with a VPN. Make your purchases safely, knowing that the details of your bank card are immune to prying eyes, even on public Wi-Fi networks.

During streaming

Watch your favorite TV shows without slowdowns. NordVPN can save your cinema evening by preventing your ISP from limiting your connection.

Principle of a VPN

A VPN redirects your data through a remote server, encrypting it in passing. In general, when you try to access a website, your ISP (Internet service provider) receives the request and redirects you to your destination. But when you connect to a VPN, it redirects your Internet data through a remote server before sending it to your destination.

First of all, a VPN allows you to hide your data in the eyes of the curious. Encryption is important when you want to protect your data and minimize your online footprint. Thus, your Internet access provider will not be able to sell all of your browser history to the most offering.

Your IP address (and, therefore, your virtual location) is also masked and you receive a new one that belongs to the VPN server to which you are connected. This guarantees additional security and considerably increases your online confidentiality: no one knows from which city or which country you sail.

These are common VPN features, but NordVPN has more ambitious objectives. We want to protect your data not only, but also your devices. This is why we have developed the anti-menace protection functionality to keep your devices protected from the current dangers of the Internet: malware in downloaded files, web trackers, tape-to-eye advertisements and malicious links. You don’t need to be connected to a VPN server to use it: just activate it to protect your device 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

VPN: simple definition and utility of a virtual private network

VPNs are applications that are now part of the daily life of millions of Internet users around the world. Since the health crisis and the gradual introduction of telework, their use is up. So what is a VPN and what is it for ? Why is this tool so acclaimed in 2023 ? In this article we give you the simple definition of a VPN and the explanations on its usefulness.

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Our opinion : A very good VPN for safety and anonymity

What is a VPN ?

VPN is the abbreviation of Virtual Private Network, which results in virtual private network in French. It is a service that sees the user’s web traffic to a secure remote server before redirecting it to the initial request (website, applications, etc.). Normally, without VPN, the web connection is directly transported to the site through the Internet access provider (ISP). A VPN is thus as an intermediary between the user and the Internet network.

There are several types of VPN: staff, remote access (mainly for professionals) and self-configured. We will talk here about personal VPNs offered to individuals. They materialize by an application which is generally available on most connected supports such as PCs, tablets, smartphones or smart TV.

The operation of a VPN

To better understand the meaning of VPNs, it is essential to look at their operation. This is the slightly more technical part.

When activating the VPN, a connection to the VPN server is established. All incoming and outgoing data from your device then transit in a encrypted tunnel via an encapsulation process. Encryption makes it possible to secure the connection by making your traffic illegible. The data is actually indecipherable – except for those who have the encryption key. However, the algorithms currently used by VPN suppliers are so robust that even super computers would not manage to break encryption. This is generally the AES advanced standard of 256 bits.

The connection to the server is carried out by different secure methods called protocols. There are many, we can cite OpenVPN, IKEV2, IPSEC, PPTP or WIREGUARD. Some VPNs have even developed their own protocol.

Connection to VPN also implies a change of IP address against that of the server. This induces a modification of the virtual location of the user. Its user source IP address is then hidden and the geographic location also becomes private.

To summarize, as long as you are connected to the virtual private network, your traffic transit by the VPN server in a quantified tunnel. The data that reaches websites and those returned to your device are secure and anonymous.

Why use a VPN ?

VPNs are used for several things, these are versatile tools. Internet users use VPNs for several reasons here are the main ones:

Secure your connection and not expose your data

For obvious reasons of respect for privacy, no one wants their online activities to be watched. Even if you do nothing wrong on the web, you don’t necessarily want hackers to grab your personal information or your ISP know what you do.

Indeed, during a connection to a public access point without VPN protection, cybercriminals use different methods and use all network flaws to steal data from Internet users.

And when you are at your home, you are nonetheless vulnerable. Despite the reliability of your ISP, the latter is obliged to maintain the activity registers of its customers for several years and to provide their navigation history on government request.

Thanks to the VPN encryption process, all your data and online activities are invisible. It is valid both outside and at home. These tools therefore constitute real shields against all types of threats. Note that it is essential to choose a secure VPN to be 100% protected.

Anonymous

Many Internet users are looking for a certain anonymity when they connect to the Internet. And as long as their IP address is visible, it is impossible because this identification number is unique. The activities are traceable and the websites visited can easily go back to them.

The use of a VPN allows you to remedy it simply since this tool hides the IP address and the geolocation of Internet users and provides them with another loan. Good VPN suppliers generally have thousands of anonymous IP addresses, shared between a multitude of users, which compromises monitoring and online monitoring, in particular by coupling this with encryption.

A VPN therefore makes it possible to preserve its confidentiality on the web by masking its identity.

Change your virtual location

Other people use a VPN to change their virtual location. VPN software is able to modify the geographic location of Internet users when they connect to a server.

It must be understood that VPN servers are located in several countries of the world. Each VPN server has an IP address. The latter is recorded in the country of the server. For example, if you choose a server in Canada, it is an IP address and a Canadian location that will be assigned to you. Your traffic will seem to come from Canada. Thus, you will have access to all the contents of this territory, like any other person there being.

Changing your source IP address and thus its geolocation is also a great way to guarantee additional protection by leaving no trace.

You now understand why using a VPN is interesting on a daily basis. There is no doubt that VPNs have attractive advantages from a point of view of confidentiality and online freedom.

When to use a VPN ?

If you know what a VPN means, you may be wondering when to use such an application. There are many everyday situations in which VPNs prove useful. Here are some concrete examples.

On public WiFi

The safety of public Wi-Fi access points often leaves something to be desired, which makes it the privileged place of computer hackers and malicious individuals. A Virtual Private Network will encrypt end -to -end traffic and hide sensitive information such as banking contact details, passwords, professional exchanges, etc. The use of a VPN in this scenario is therefore essential in order to shelter your data.

At university or workplace

In general, companies and universities use shared internet networks. When you connect your devices to these networks, you have no guarantee that they are secure. In addition, they limit internet access, especially on social networks, entertainment platforms and e-commerce sites, for example.

Thus, a VPN makes it possible to secure your data by encrypting it, but also to offer you more freedom online by bypassing the firewalls established by the school or business network.

Abroad

When you leave your country of residence for a more or less prolonged period, you also lose access to local sites since your geographic location has changed, and therefore your IP address. The blocking can also be linked to the web censorship implemented by certain governments.

A VPN allows you to remedy it by allowing you to connect virtually wherever you want in the world. By opting for the suitable server, you will then have access to your usual platforms.

During streaming activities

Online, streaming is subject to rules of geographic restrictions. In other words, depending on the location of Internet users, access to a site can be limited. This is the case on TV channel platforms. In addition, the contents of the same site can also vary from country to country. This is the case on Youtube for example where the available videos and series are not the same all over the world.

To expand content and not undergo geo-blockages, many Internet users use VPNs. By modifying your location, these applications actually make it possible to navigate as if you were in the United States, France, Japan or elsewhere, and access all streaming services. We recently established a ranking of the best VPNs for streaming in 2023.

During downloads

P2P file sharing is not without risk. Between IP leaks and download data, there are many dangers.

By going through a VPN, users are certain that their real IP address is not disclosed. In addition, their traffic is blurred thanks to encryption. No data can be stolen by ill -intentioned persons. This is why a VPN is used during torrent downloads.

How to use a VPN ?

The definition of VPN is complex from a technical point of view which could predict a certain difficulty of use. Fortunately, it is not. VPN applications designed for the general public are easy to use.

The first step is to create an account with the VPN service and take out a package. You can then get the application by downloading it to your supports. The configuration is done in a few fast steps. Everything is self -guided. When it is done, then enter your account identifiers and password to access the reception interface.

The start -up of the VPN is simple as hello. Just click on a country to connect to the server. Most of the time, an indicator indicates that the VPN is activated.

What VPN to use ?

After giving you the definition of VPNs and a few examples of use, it is time to present three high -performance VPN service providers, which combine reliability and speed.

ExpressVPN, the greatest expertise

ExpressVPN is the first highly recommended VPN because it is suitable for most profiles. Users looking for good speeds and optimal security will be won over.

ExpressVPN is renowned for the quality and stability of its flows. The recent arrival of its Lightway protocol has only improved the speed of its connection. At the head of more than 3000 servers located in 94 countries, it offers a wide choice of geographic locations. Expressvpn manages to bypass censorship in the strictest countries, including China. However, when it comes to accessing streaming platforms or certain TV channels, it is not always a flawless.

The interface of its application is refined which makes it all the more ergonomic. It has a little less features than at NordVPN but we find the main confidentiality parameters. Special mention for the Network Lock emergency stop (Kill Switch in its competitors) which works very well.

Cyberghost VPN, the excellent value for money

Cyberghost is another alternative to consider for small budgets looking for a quick VPN to be taken in hand and safe. Connection to a server is a little longer than in its competitors and the quality of the flow fluctuates slightly depending on the time of day, but it still offers many advantages, starting with its infrastructure.

The supplier provides no less than 9,000 servers in 90 countries. The servers are classified according to their specificity: streaming, download or gaming (on Windows only). As we checked during our test and review on Cyberghost, the latter also offers constant confidentiality with the Kill Switch option automatically.

The subscription is currently falling at less than 2 euros per month. In return, you have to be ready to engage in three years. With an account, users benefit from 7 connections both to equip several supports.

NordVPN, the most versatile VPN that can be found

NordVPN offers high -quality VPN service, at the forefront of the latest technologies. In terms of encryption, it applies the AES-256 advanced standard which masks your online activities safely. NordVPN is very competent to hide and change your IP address. Anonymity is 100% guaranteed, as evidenced by independent audits. To go further, double VPN or onion over VPN servers are available.

This supplier has 5,800 servers in 60 globe countries. Its systems easily manage to circumvent online geo-blocks and digital censorship. VPN was not detected only once by the reference streaming platform.

We were seduced by the design of its application and its very clear operation. NordVPN also benefits from multi-platform availability (macOS, iOS, Android, Windows and Linux) and allows up to 6 simultaneous connections by user, which is very practical to be covered wherever you are.

NordVPN is therefore the perfect compromise between security and speed. To find out more about its features, you can read our NordVPN review or test it free of charge for 30 days thanks to its repayment guarantee.

Conclusion

Virtual Private Network (VPN) are applications that secure web browsing Internet users. The definition is quite complex but remember that a VPN designates a encrypted tunnel that is placed between your computer (or other connected device) and the internet. This process is made possible thanks to the connection to a remote VPN server from the application interface.

The aim of a VPN is above all to secure the Internet connection of users, but also to guarantee them a better navigation experience, by circumventing blockages (censorship, geo-restriction, firewalls, etc.). VPN suppliers that are most able to provide maximum confidentiality and higher performance are ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Cyberghost.

frequently asked Questions

Although you now know the definition of a VPN and what it is possible to accomplish with them, you are not immune to still having questions unanswered. This is your case ? So continue to read and browse the FAQ that follows.

We hope it will allow you to see even more clearly about software called virtual private networks.

Is it really necessary to have a VPN ?

All is relative. The answer to this question will mainly depend on what you want to do with such software. If you are looking to improve your online safety or anonymity, to enjoy exclusive content on certain streaming or television channels, or you need to change IP (or location) address, then yes, it is very interesting to equip yourself with a VPN.

As for the security and anonymity component, we would like to remember that it is something extremely important, and that even if you do nothing wrong on the internet and that you judge that you have nothing to hide.

Can VPNs be hacked ?

This remains relatively rare but no VPN service is immune to a hack (hacking). Like any other software, VPNs are not infallible.

To limit the impact of a potential hacking (and a flight and/or leakage of data), you must take the time to take an interest in the measures implemented by the service that interests you, as well as commitments taken to maintain your anonymity. This involves in particular points such as: the implementation of a strong encryption of your Internet traffic, respecting a policy of non-logs of logs-activity newspapers (so in the event of a leak, nothing can be Unveiled about your activities on the Internet), and the audit of the so-called Policy of Logs Non-Buildings (to be certain that the commitments put forward are respected).

Also be sure to find out about the supplier’s history in order to see if he has already been the victim of a hacking in the past.

How to configure a VPN ?

Unlike a lot of misconceptions, configuring a VPN is nothing complicated. In recent years, the main players on the market have done what is necessary so that the installation and configuration of their service are simple, and it does not matter the knowledge in computer of everyone.

To summarize, simply subscribe to the service of your choice, create an account on your official website, download the application to the devices of your choice, then follow the indications. That’s all ! On mobile and tablet, it will be even simpler since the installation and configuration process will be done without you. You will only have to wait a few seconds before you can enjoy your virtual private network.

How many devices can connect to a VPN ?

In the field, we generally speak of “simultaneous connections”. The vast majority of VPN suppliers allow between 5 and an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. What is this term ? The number of devices you will be able to protect at the same time with a single VPN subscription.

This therefore does not limit the number of application installations. You can very well install the VPN application on 100 different devices. At this level, there is not the slightest limitation imposed, at least not with services like ExpressVPN, Cyberghost or NordVPN.