What Is a VPN, Anyway?

Everything you type in the browser carries clues to your identity. This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) works like a gatekeeper by guarding your privacy. They’re also used to unblock geo-restricted content and avoid censorship.

So what exactly is a VPN, how does it work, and why do you need it to safeguard your browsing?

How does a VPN work?

VPNs are privacy tools with robust encryption protocols to mask your data and location so your ISP or any other third party cannot see it. As soon as you switch on the VPN software, it opens the connection to its servers and sends your encrypted traffic to its rightful destination while avoiding your internet service provider’s (ISP) servers. It’s as if you’re browsing via a private tunnel shielded from everyone else.

Because a VPN service provider uses its chain of servers from start to finish, it can mask your IP address, thus gifting you some (not all) anonymity. Your computer or phone still has an IP address, but it’s a temporary one from the VPN and can be in any country where its servers are. And yes, that’s precisely how you get around geo-restricted content by choosing the server you want to use.

Why use a VPN at all?

Because your data is so valuable, there’s more than one reason to use a VPN service.

• Lockdown your privacy: A VPN uses the strongest encryption to cloak your internet traffic and helps protect your online privacy. This prevents third parties from snooping on your online activities.
• Adds a layer of security: Using a VPN makes it harder for hackers to intercept your data or gain access to your device.
• Safer public wifi: Public wifi networks, such as those found in coffee shops or airports, are often insecure. A VPN can help protect your data from snoopers waiting for you to log on to such networks.
• Access geo-restricted sites: Some websites and online streaming services are region-specific. With a VPN, you can bypass these geo-restrictions by connecting to a server in a different location.
• Bypass government censorship: Using a VPN with an anonymous browser like TOR can sidestep any form of online censorship. But this can be risky, so proceed with caution
• Make peer-to-peer work safe: Though the best collaboration services feature encryption, a VPN can be another safety layer if you exchange sensitive information. Good VPNs can even mask your use of torrents and make them less prone to speed throttling by ISPs.
• Make your browsing history less sellable: As encrypted data passes through the internet, an entity like your ISP cannot scrape your data and sell it to advertisers.
• Save money on shopping: Flights, hotels, and shopping websites, among others, often use your location data for dynamic pricing. Try switching your VPN location to find cheaper prices.

What a VPN can’t do

Despite the promise of infallible security, there are some things a VPN cannot do.

It doesn’t guarantee absolute secrecy: Your VPN service provider retains some information about your browsing traffic. Some countries (like India) require all service providers to store user names, IP addresses, and browsing patterns to curb cybercrime.

While legal in the U.S. and U.K., countries like China and Russia allow VPNs but with heavy restrictions. A few countries have banned them outright. Your best chance at privacy is to pick a VPN with a no-logs policy.

It can’t protect you from malware: A VPN can hide your identity, but it can’t protect your computer from a malware attack or a phishing attempt if you click on a bad link. That’s where a firewall and antivirus softare come in. Some VPN companies offer these extra protections as add-ons. Examples include Surfshark Antivirus and Threat Protection from NordVPN. However, a dedicated antivirus solution is still the best solution for protection.

Credit: Credit: Saikat Basu

It won’t block all ads: A VPN cannot remove embedded ads—you’ll still see ads but not based on your location or IP address.

Some VPNs like Surfshark offer extra ad-blocking tools like CleanWeb, while NordVPN and TotalVPN come with in-built ad-blockers.

It won’t hide your activity inside logged-in accounts: VPNs can hide your IP address from your registered accounts, but they can’t conceal anything you do on them. For instance, Google will still have your search history.

Also, VPNs cannot remove cookies or your browser history.

It won’t protect you from illegal browsing: Someone looking carefully can tell if you are using a VPN. In many countries, authorities can also access your data with a warrant. Even behind a VPN, cyber sleuths can track you online, as website registration information, browser fingerprinting, and DNS leaks can break the veil of privacy.

Getting started with a VPN

Don’t go for free VPN services; they make money with intrusive advertising or by selling your login information. Picking the right VPN is all about balancing your needs and budget. And there are many excellent services to choose from. First, consider these factors:

• What information does the VPN collect? Check the VPN service provider’s privacy policy.
• What protocols does the VPN use for encryption? OpenVPN and WireGuard are two recommended tunneling protocols; a good VPN allows you to switch protocols.
• How many servers and server locations worldwide does it provide? Check the server list and the country locations, as they can help you get around geo-restrictions.
• What are the claimed speeds on offer? Review the speed and reliability of the network in peak and off-peak hours with a trial subscription if possible.
• What optional add-ons does it provide? Extras like virus protection, ad-blocking, a kill switch, dedicated IP addresses, Tor compatibility, etc., sweeten the deal.

While these are some primary checks, you should review the VPN providers against your needs. For instance, a specific VPN may be better for Netflix, while another might be great for torrenting. Another VPN could have optimized servers with low latency for online gaming. But these shouldn’t come at the cost of speed, security, and reliability.