The ABC’s of VPN
VPN stands for a virtual private network, which is used to keep your online identity private and protect your internet traffic from prying eyes.
When you connect to a VPN service, your internet traffic is sent through an encrypted channel that no one can see into. No one. This includes hackers, the company that provides your internet service (ISP), and even the government.
VPN’s accomplish this by changing your IP address. When you connect to the internet through a VPN, it establishes a secure connection with its server. This prevents your ISP from being able to see what sites you’re visiting. In addition, the websites you visit can’t see your original IP address. They can only see the VPN’s IP address. (This address is changes regularly and is shared by many other users.) This is how VPN’s protect your privacy.
So, what happens if you don’t use a VPN?
In short, your internet service provider (ISP) gives you a unique IP address that can be used to identify you to the website. Your ISP handles (and directs) all your traffic, so it can see every website you visit. That activity, the sites you visit, the files you access and download, etc. can be linked to you by that unique IP address the ISP gave you.
Another feature of VPNs is the added security that they provide. In addition to safeguarding your privacy, a VPN also protects against security breaches. Especially if you’re using public Wi-Fi.
Utilizing a VPN is One of the most important security tools you can use. OnPoint Resources utilizes VPNs constantly. Our provider of choice and quite frankly the Best VPN service provider on the market for quite some time is ExpressVPN.
A stellar in-depth review of ExpressVPN is given by Tech Radar’s Mike Williams. He explains exactly why Express VPN is the best choice as well as what features it has. The article can be read in full here.
If you don’t have a VPN, Express VPN is an outstanding choice. But no matter what provider you choose, having, and using, a VPN is an internet security essential.
