VPN – What is a Virtual Private Network?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. VPNs shield your browsing activity from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, and more. A VPN is a web-based service subscription, that channels your internet usage through their encryption and decryption method. Everything stays anonymous; websites you visit, how many ‘likes’ you clicked on Facebook, etc. It keeps your information secure by encrypting and decrypting your data on a constant basis; basically, your internet connection is going through an additional private network channel, making your browser information secure.

When you travel, and you visit a hotel or internet café, you’ll most likely be using their free Wi-Fi service. Many places offer free Wi-Fi for one reason: in their little privacy policy, the things we never really read, in most cases, you are authorizing them to use the data you such as what websites you visit, and any information you fill out to provide to their servers as a product for sale. Many free Wi-Fi spots collect this data and make small bits of revenue here and there by selling that to advertisers. If you are using a VPN you don’t have to worry about your browsing activity being seen, or sold to advertisers.

Uses for VPNs

VPNs are simple to use, here are some ways you can use a VPN:

• Connect to Your Business Network: VPNs are frequently used by business travelers to connect to their business’ network, including all its local network resources while on the road.
• Connect to Your Home Network: This will allow you to access a Windows Remote Desktop over the Internet, use local file shares, and play games over the Internet as if you were at home.
• Hide Your Browsing Activity from Your Local Network and ISP: If you’re using a public Wi-Fi connection, your browsing activity on non-HTTPS websites is visible to everyone nearby, if they know how to look. If you want to hide your browsing activity for a bit more privacy, you can connect to the VPN.
• Downloading Files: Many people use VPN connections to download files for more security.

Using A VPN

• Connecting to a VPN is simple. In Windows, press the Windows key, type VPN, and click theSet up a virtual private network (VPN) connection  Use the wizard to enter the address and login credentials of the VPN service you subscribed to, you can then connect to and disconnect from VPNs using the network icon in the system tray.

Our Recommendations

If you’re just getting started with VPNs and want a basic VPN for using on public Wi-Fi hotspots or accessing work or home networks, there are a few good, simple options.

Private Internet Access 

Privacy: A+ (This company does not log your traffic.)

Encryption: B- (Near top-notch.)

Locations: US (Subject to federal law.)

Countries to Access: 24

Can Access Mobile: Yes

Amount of Devices: 5

Annual Cost: $39.95

 

Nord VPN 

Privacy: A+ (This company does not log your traffic.)

Encryption: A+ (Top-of-the-line.)

Locations: Panama (Safe country to use VPN out of.)

Countries to Access: 49

Can Access Mobile: Yes

Amount of Devices: 6

Annual Cost: $69.00

 

Express VPN 

Privacy: B- (This company notes dates and times when you connect to their service/crash reports.)

Encryption: A+ (Top-of-the-line.)

Locations: British Virgin Islands (Safe country to use VPN out of.)

Countries to Access: 87

Can Access Mobile: Yes

Amount of Devices: 3

Annual Cost: $99.95

VPN keeps your browsing information safe and allows you to connect to secure networks. If you need help setting one up contact us at 904-430-0350.

 

Until next time

Megabite.

 

 

 

Categorised in: Technology Information

This post was written by Karen