Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN)is a service that creates a secure connection between a device and a network over the Internet. VPNs encrypt data, mask IP addresses, and can help users bypass firewalls and website blocks.

VPNs can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Securing online activity - VPNs can help keep browsing activity private from internet service providers and other data snoops.
  • Accessing restricted content - VPNs can help users access content that is restricted by geography.
  • Connecting to company networks - VPNs can allow remote employees to connect to their company's internal network or restricted applications.
  • Avoiding censorship - VPNs can help users evade internet censorship and access communication tools in countries with repressive regimes.
  • Connecting to public Wi-Fi - VPNs can help users stay safe when connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots.

VPN topology

Virtual private networks can be classified depending on the purpose of the virtual environment, providing different tunneling strategies and topologies:

  • Remote Access - a host-to-network configuration is analogous to joining one or more computers to a network which cannot be directly connected. This type of extension provides that computer access to local area network of a remote site, or any wider enterprise networks, such as an intranet.
  • Site-to- Site - a site-to-site configuration connects two networks. This configuration expands a network across geographically disparate locations. Tunneling is only done between two devices (like routers, firewalls, VPN gateways, servers, etc.) located at both network locations.

VPN security

Sending your data to a third-party server may seem scary, especially if you've never done it before. How can you tell if a provider is delivering on its promises? Just how safe is a VPN?

Although it may sound like something you'd find on the dark web, VPN technology is entirely legal, safe, and accessible to anyone who might want to safeguard their data. Organizations use VPNs to add an extra layer of privacy to their network, while individual users may use one to prevent fraudsters from stealing their information, especially over a public Wi-Fi network. With the rise of identity theft and other forms of cybercrime, that extra layer isn't just a nice bonus, it's necessary for staying protected.

A VPN may boast strong protocols and military-grade encryption, but that doesn't mean it's infallible. It can't prevent cookie tracking, viruses, or malware, and it can't protect against phishing scams. Data leaks could occur. But most pivotally, a VPN is only as secure as the company that runs it. A VPN provider that uses out-of-date protocols, leaks IPs, and logs your data isn't one you can trust. No VPN can guarantee absolute security, though choosing a reliable one and being proactive with securing your systems can bring a world of difference.

Even the Tor network has some vulnerabilities:

  • Encryption - Tor's onion routing protocol encrypts your data and hides your IP address. However, the final part of the data relay is not encrypted, which can allow third parties to monitor your traffic.
  • Exit node - The person operating the exit node can monitor your traffic and intercept sensitive data.
  • Compromised nodes - Bad actors can run their own node and spy on users.
  • Bugs - Tor is vulnerable to security bugs, and obsolete versions may have vulnerabilities that allow malicious actors to impersonate the user.
  • Fingerprinting - Third parties can use fingerprinting to identify users, for example, if they use Tor to access compromised websites with enabled.
  • Torrent file-sharing applications - These applications can ignore proxy settings and make direct connections, which can deanonymize your torrent traffic.

Guarantee

By using a VPN or even using the Tor network is not a guarantee that you cannot be tracked. In fact your use of a VPN can be detected and some online services can prevent your access to prevent fraudulent activity. By using the Tor network you could be attracting unwanted attention by the authorities and when it comes to it, no service provider can withold your information when suspected of a crime.

 

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