Last updated: July 27, 2023
Imagine browsing the Internet without the slightest fear of being hacked or spied on. Visualize yourself accessing exclusive content on websites normally unavailable in your country. Thanks to a technology that is as simple as it is accessible, the VPN, all this becomes possible.
This article reveals how a VPN can ensure your online privacy and allow you to access all the content you want, no matter where you are in the world.
Definition of a VPN: Clear and precise explanation
Also called a Virtual Private Network, a VPN is defined as an online security instrument allowing the creation of a secure connection between your machine and a remote server. The purpose of this connection is to encrypt the data exchanged between you and the VPN server.
Also, a VPN hide your IP address, giving you a more anonymous Internet surfing. It also allows you to visit geo-restricted websites and escape online censorship restrictions.
In summary, a VPN is positioned as an online security tool that helps protect your data when browsing the Internet, while providing freer access to the Internet.
How does a VPN work?
It is important to understand above all that the main function of a VPN is to allow encrypted communication. The data you send and receive is hidden to avoid any interception or spying.
Here are the key steps in how a VPN works:
- VPN Software Launch : To use a VPN, installing VPN software on your device is necessary. As soon as the software launches, you have the option to connect to a VPN server located in another country or region.
- Connection to VPN server : After starting the VPN software, you can connect to a remote VPN server by choosing a location. The software then creates an encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server.
- Data encryption : All data that you send or receive on the Internet is encrypted by a security protocol, such as the SSL or TLS protocol. This means that no one can intercept your data or spy on your online activity.
- Hiding your IP address : When you are connected to a VPN server, your real IP address hides and is replaced by the IP address of the VPN server. This implies that your online activity cannot be easily tracked or monitored by third parties.
A web request without VPN
When you enter a web address such as www.funinformatique.com without using a VPN, your computer will connect directly to the corresponding server and send a request to access the index.php page.
After a normal Internet connection, this is what happens:
- The websites you visit have access to your real IP address as well as your precise geolocation.
- Your Internet Service Provider may monitor the sites you visit, emails you send, downloads you make, and more.
- If your WiFi line is not secure, a hacker can intercept the data you send and receive.
A web request with VPN
When using a VPN, the connection process is slightly different. When you enter the address www.funinformatique.com, your computer will first connect to the VPN server, which will then send a request to retrieve the index.php page from the www server.funinformatique. Com.
This means that the VPN server acts as an intermediary between your computer and the destination server, which hides your real IP address and protects your privacy online.
When you use a VPN, this is what happens:
- The IP address of the VPN server and its geolocation are the only information that the curious can see.
- The VPN encrypts all data exchanged with the Internet, preventing your Internet service provider from viewing the contents of your data.
- Data encryption prevents hackers from accessing your information.
Difference between a VPN and a proxy
Un proxy allows you to hide your IP address by providing you with a new IP address and bypass geographic location restrictions. However, it does not encrypt your communications. In fact, these remain open and can be intercepted and read by third parties.
In contrast, a VPN relies on a tunneling protocol that encrypts the data passing between the two ends of the VPN. Encryption makes this data incomprehensible to anyone in between.
In summary, if you want to protect the privacy of your communications while enjoying the benefits of a proxy, a VPN is the most suitable solution.
How to choose a VPN?
To benefit from the advantages of this technology, it is necessary to subscribe to a VPN service. However, choosing a VPN provider can be difficult given the proliferation of offers in recent years. This is a decision that should not be taken lightly.
When you use a VPN, your web traffic is routed through the VPN provider's servers, which implies a certain level of trust. Therefore, it is important to choose your VPN according to the following criteria:
Protection of information
To protect your privacy online with a VPN, you should pay attention to your VPN provider's privacy policy, particularly regarding its management of connection and activity logs.
Before choosing a VPN, make sure you understand how the provider handles this information and check their log retention policy.
Location of VPN provider
When choosing a VPN, it is crucial to check the location of the company and its servers. We recommend choosing one VPN provider located in a country having strict consumer protection laws.
Make sure you fully understand the location of your VPN provider before signing up with them.
Encryption protocols
To ensure the security of your VPN connection, it is important to choose a provider offering modern and reliable encryption protocols. Currently, the safest protocols are L2TP / IPSec et openvpn.
We recommend favoring VPN providers that use an AES 256-bit encryption algorithm. The latter is considered more resistant to brute force attacks.
Before choosing a provider, also check that they use up-to-date encryption protocols. Indeed, outdated encryption algorithms can make your connection more vulnerable to attacks.
Service limitations
Before choosing a VPN, find out about any limitations offered by the provider, such as bandwidth, access time, number of simultaneous connections or possible service blocks.
Check the terms of service to make sure the service suits your needs before signing up for a VPN subscription.
blocking
Before subscribing to a VPN service, it is important to check whether the VPN provider does not block certain protocols, notably peer-to-peer. Make sure the provider allows all protocols necessary for your online activities to avoid any blocks or restrictions.
Benefits of a VPN
- The VPN improves the security of your internet connection.
- It provides a high level of anonymity and hides your IP address.
- It protects your data when you use public Wi-Fi networks.
- It allows you to bypass geo-restrictions.
- It protects you from the HADOPI law by allowing you to connect to a server in another country.
Disadvantages of a VPN
- Some VPN providers may keep your logs.
- A VPN can change the web pages you visit.
- Some VPNs can censor websites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to use a VPN service.
Some of the reasons include:
- Access to restricted sites.
- Maintaining privacy when accessing the Internet.
- And make your online activity anonymous.