DeepDotNet 
When it comes to online privacy, a VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network.” It is not a long-winded acronym. Basically, it’s a service that makes your internet connection look like it’s coming from another location.
In this article, we’ll answer the 7 most frequently asked questions that people have about VPNs.
First Question: “What are the benefits of VPN?”
Benefits of using a VPN include increased security and privacy, better performance on public WiFi, and increased freedom to access the internet. Some people may also use a VPN to access region-restricted websites.
Second Question: “What are some of the risks associated with using VPN?”
Some risks associated with using a VPN include blocked or throttled connections (especially when doing BitTorrent), third-party tracking and monitoring of browsing habits data, lack of transparency in providers’ logging policies (which could leave users vulnerable to less reputable firms), and high prices.
Moreover, many free public WiFi hotspots have been shown to be insecure and unsafe through leaked personal information such as passwords.
Third Question: “What are the different types of VPNs?”
There are both application-specific and general-purpose VPNs. Application-specific VPNs, such as those based on OpenVPN, allow a computer or mobile device to connect to a network and encrypt all traffic to and from it using an industry-standard technology such as AES. Many application-specific VPNs also provide some level of machine-to-machine (M2M) encryption, which allows devices to exchange data without having access to the endpoint’s public IP address.
General-purpose VPNs are designed for use by individual users and are typically used to maintain privacy on home networks. General-purpose VPN connections will usually run over TCP port 443, the default port number for HTTPS. When using a general-purpose VPN, a client will usually have to register with the VPN service provider and pay fees for both the connection time and usage of the VPN service.
Fourth Question: “What is a virtual private network?”
A “VPN” (short for virtual private network) is a network that uses dedicated connections between computers so that users can benefit from decentralized network resources without necessarily being physically located next to each other. VPNs thus allow employees to access their company’s intranet while at home or traveling outside the office, for example
Fifth Question: “What is IP blocking?”
Many VPN providers state that they will not log a user’s actual IP address, but instead will only record the IP address of the connecting VPN server. This policy is meant to add an extra layer of protection against online snooping by governments and your ISP, but this claim has been proven false.
A VPN provider might tell you that it doesn’t access your data because all traffic is routed through its servers and no logs are kept. However, logging (in one form or another) is practiced by most VPN services, including paid ones.
Sixth Question: “What is a ‘kill switch’?”
A “kill switch” is a piece of software that can be set to automatically disconnect the VPN if the connection drops. This can be extremely useful in environments where you want to ensure secure VPN access. Some non-PPTP-based VPN virtual private network (VPN) products include a kill switch feature. A kill switch stops all network traffic when the main connection drops. It ensures that all data sent over the virtual private network is safe from prying eyes and out of reach of malicious users.
Seventh Question: “What does a VPN do?”
A VPN (a virtual private network) encrypts data in such a way that only the intended recipient can decipher it. This prevents third parties from seeing what you are doing online, accessing your private information, or using your Internet connection without permission. A VPN service encrypts all of the data that passes through its virtual connections. In this way, using a VPN helps ensure privacy and security throughout the Internet.
The use of a VPN also prevents unauthorized users from tapping into your network or intercepting emails and passwords as they are encrypted at every step along the way.
Bonus Question: “What is OpenVPN?”
OpenVPN has become the best-known and most popular VPN protocol. Developed by OpenVPN, Inc., it uses SSL/TLS for encryption and authentication while using a custom security protocol called IKEv2 for key exchange and other functions. The latter is a re-implementation of IPSec that followed IKEv1.
in place of a certificate or trust chain, thereby avoiding the need to trust any single CA or enable “exceptional user” status (for WebRTC)
The advantages of OpenVPN include high-security standards, commercial support, and openness. Notably, it also provides for two layers of authentication through the use of either passwords or certificates.
So these are the most frequently asked questions about VPN s. If you have any other questions, please leave them in the Comment section below.
Read Part 2 of 7 Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About VPN Here
