Why VPN Is Important in 2021?

The digital world was different just ten years back. The internet has reshaped our lives for the better, but it has come at the cost of privacy. VPN offers functionality that provide unrestricted private access on the web, which is truly private and safe. VPN technology has been around for two decades. But it has become popular in the consumer space from the last decade.

It has gained interest from entertainment enthusiasts and privacy-conscious people so far. But given the current scenario, every person holding the web in our palm through mobile device are in real threat of losing data security and data privacy.

Moreover, the threat of hackers is real. Public Wi-Fi hotspots (e.g. Airports, Railway Stations, etc.) are particularly unsafe for browsing due to weak security. It’s very easy for someone on the same network to create a fake access point and act as a proxy. By connecting to this fake access point, you are revealing your browsing history as well as sensitive information like bank account details. By using a VPN, you can be sure of protection from these threats and yet use the public Wi-Fi hotspots without any worry.

Now comes the questions are VPNs safe to use? Do they steal our data or privacy? The answer is “No”. Because, the purpose of personal VPN is to use the internet anonymously and data is protected by encryption. But, as much as VPN is accessible and simple to use today, its functionality is still a mystery to many. Let’s understand how a VPN protects you from hackers and maintains privacy and security.

(Before moving further on to this topic, I request you to take a look at my earlier blog on “How risky is your internet usage?”. It will be helpful to understand better on this subject.)

How a VPN protects you from threats?

You need protection on the web for all the devices through VPN. VPN for Android, VPN for iPhone, VPN for Windows PC, VPN for Mac, VPN forChrome and it goes on.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a private network between one or more devices and a VPN server. It’s a centralized layout where a VPN server acts as a host to connect users and devices on the network.

The internet, as we know, is a public network that can be accessed by anyone. A VPN is a private network that only people with credentials can access. A VPN can establish a network between users, and it can also be used as a proxy.

A VPN allows you to use its remote servers around the globe to spoof your location and connect to the internet in a secure way.

How VPN Encrypts Your Data?

Encryption is on the web, it’s on your phone – it’s everywhere. Encryption is a complex process, yet the takeaway is simple to understand. It hides your data. It applies mathematical algorithms to convert plain-text into cipher-text, thus making it unreadable.

The process is known as encryption. It’s done with a key that is mathematically created, and only that key can decrypt the data. And in the case of Asymmetric Encryption, a private key decrypts the data encrypted by a public key. The algorithm involved in the encryption and decryption is unique to each instance and cannot be manipulated by hackers. AES 256-bit encryption is one of the strongest and highest asymmetric encryption standard used for VPNs. What it means for you is highest security and privacy online.

Online Protection and Zero Logging

Your online behavior such as what websites you visit, what you search online, your likes, reactions on social media platforms – molds a digital persona against which advertisers target you. One way to gain such data is by working with ISPs or services such as free proxy websites and free VPN services. Since every visit is noted, the service can sell that data to advertisers.

Although with HTTPS today, much of the internet is secure from such intervention, these Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks can redirect users to fake login pages to steal information easily.

VPN’s encryption is a fundamental pillar that keeps your data and online activities private.

Most of the leading personal VPN services do not log your digital footprint. Hence you are protected online and enjoy safe browsing and online presence with data security and privacy.