VPN Serv Prov

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Service provider

A company that provides a virtual private network — essentially routing your connection
through a remote server and encrypting the data.

Simultaneous connections
You probably have plenty of devices connected to the internet at any one time,
everything from your smartphone to your laptop to the desktop computer in your home
office. Many VPN providers now offer protection for all your simultaneous internet
connections with one account. This is important: You might think to log into a VPN
before searching the internet on your laptop. But if your smartphone isn’t protected by a
secure VPN, your browsing activity on that device won’t have protection.

Virtual private network


A VPN gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a
public internet connection. It masks your internet protocol address to keep your online
actions private. It provides secure and encrypted connections to provide greater privacy
and security for the data you send and receive.

VPN connection
A virtual private network connection allows you to access the internet through a remote
server, hiding your actual location and browser history, and encrypting your data.

VPN privacy
This refers to the privacy that using a VPN provides. For instance, a VPN encrypts your
data, disguises your location, and conceals your browsing history and the data you
transmit via the internet.

VPN clients
A VPN client makes it easier for users to connect to a virtual private network. That's
because it is the actual software that is installed on your computer, phone or tablet. The
most common operating systems, such as Android, Windows, and iOS, already come
with VPN client software pre-installed. However, many users choose to work with third-
party VPN clients that offer different features and user interfaces.
VPN protocols
VPN protocols are similar to a set of instructions. VPN providers use these protocols to
make sure that users are able to connect securely to a virtual private network. There are
several VPN protocols available, all with their own strengths and weaknesses.
OpenVPN is one of the more popular protocols. Users like OpenVPN because it is
secure and works with most operating systems. The biggest downside of OpenVPN? It
can offer slower connection speeds than other protocols.

VPN provider
Synonymous with VPN service, this is a service you sign up for that allows you to
connect to a virtual private network by providing a temporary IP address that hides your
actual address.

VPN server
VPN services allow you to connect to the internet through remote servers that they
either own or have access to. This disguises your location.

VPN service
A service you sign up for that allows you to connect to a virtual private network by
providing a temporary IP address that hides your actual address.

VPN tunnel
You might sometimes hear your virtual private network referred to as a VPN tunnel. This
is just another name for the encrypted connection between your device — a laptop,
phone, tablet or desktop computer — and the internet. You can create a VPN tunnel at
home or on public Wi-Fi. Once you are using a VPN tunnel to connect to the internet,
your ISP, private companies, or the government can no longer see the sites you are
browsing or the links you are clicking. A VPN tunnel also hides your IP address. Instead
of showing your real location, the sites you surf will only register the location of the VPN
provider with which you are working.

VPN web browser


A web browser that includes a built-in VPN service, allowing you to hide your browsing
activity on the internet.
Web search history
A record of what you searched for on the internet. Your internet service provider and
your web browser likely have a complete history of your internet search activity.

Wi-Fi
A wireless network using a radio frequency to connect your computer and other devices
to the internet and each other.

VPN Frequently Asked Questions


What is a VPN in simple terms?
A virtual private network, better known as a VPN, protects your identity and browsing
activity from hackers, businesses, government agencies, and other snoops. When
connecting to the internet, your data and IP address are hidden by a type of virtual
tunnel. This keeps others from spying on your online activity.

How does a VPN work?


When you sign up with a VPN provider, you first log onto that service before you
connect to the internet. Once you are connected, others can’t see your activity. Your
VPN provider will encrypt your data, scrambling it so that hackers, government
agencies, and businesses can't see what websites you visit, messages you send, social
media sites you use, or files you download.

Is using a VPN safe?


A quality VPN is a safer way to search the internet. Without a VPN, your browsing and
downloading activity could be visible to hackers, snoops, and cybercriminals. A hacker
could intercept your email messages, mine personal data such as your Social Security
number, or uncover the password to your online banking portal or credit card. Any of
this could expose you to identity theft or fraud. That's why logging onto a VPN, which
protects your privacy, is one of the safest ways to browse the web.

Is a VPN legal?
VPNs are not illegal in the United States. However, not all countries have the same laws
regarding these services. For instance, China, Russia, and North Korea either regulate
or ban VPNs. You should know, too, that if you commit an illegal act online using a a
VPN, that act is still illegal. Customers often use VPNs so that they can stream sporting
events and TV shows that they may be blocked from accessing in their own region.
Using a VPN to pretend that you are logging onto the internet from a different location
might violate the service agreements of streaming services.

Are free VPNs safe?


You can choose from many free VPNs. This could be useful if you are on a limited
budget. Be aware, though, that free VPN services might not provide the same type of
browsing privacy that pay services offer. Free VPNs have to make money somehow.
They might do this by tracking and collecting your browsing data and selling it to third
parties, like advertisers. Others might hit you with a steady stream of online ads. Free
VPNs might be easier on your wallet, but using one might compromise some of your
privacy.

What are the disadvantages of a VPN?


There aren’t too many negatives of using a VPN. A possible one? A VPN could result in
a slightly slower internet connection. That’s because a VPN encrypts the data you send
and receive, which could result in a lag while you browse the internet or download files.

Should I use a VPN at home?


VPNs are especially useful when you are browsing the web through public Wi-Fi,
whether you are at a coffee shop, hotel lobby, or public library. But a VPN can also
protect your privacy when you’re at home, keeping your browsing safe from prying eyes.
You can also use a VPN to access streaming content from your home that might be
otherwise locked in your area.

Does a VPN hide your IP address?


With a VPN, you log onto the internet through another provider. This hides your actual
IP address. If someone is trying to spy on your browsing activity, that person will only
see the IP address of one of your provider’s servers, not yours.

Can you be tracked if you use a VPN?


Your VPN provider should both encrypt the data you send and receiveyour data and
hide your IP address. This means that criminals, hackers, and others won’t be able to
track your online activities. However, your internet service provider — also known as
your ISP — can determine if you are using a VPN by looking at your IP address. If it
doesn’t match, your provider will know that you are using a VPN when connecting to the
internet. Fortunately, your internet service provider still won’t be able to track your
browsing activity if you are using a VPN.

Should I leave my VPN on all the time?


If you want the most protection, you should leave your VPN on at all times. You should
especially leave your VPN on when you are logging onto the internet using public Wi-Fi.
These connections are notoriously unsecure, providing tempting targets for hackers and
cybercriminals. You should also use a VPN whenever you are logging into your credit
card or online banking accounts. You don’t want to expose this sensitive financial
information to online thieves.

Can your internet provider see your history with a


VPN?
If you connect to the internet through a VPN, your internet service provider can’t see
your browsing history and downloads. That is one of the main benefits of a VPN:
keeping your browsing history private from your internet service provider.

Does your VPN drain battery?


A VPN will consume more of your battery’s power when it is on. This can be a problem
when you are using a VPN with your smartphone. Many VPNs do come with a “power
saver” feature, though. This automatically turns your VPN off when your device’s screen
turns off. Then, when you turn your device back on, the VPN automatically turns itself
back on, too.

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