Best VPN Services: Top 10 List of Virtual Private Network

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a way of extending a local area network (LAN) over an existing connection, a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, with maintaining confidentiality. A VPN makes it possible to share data between physically separate networks via an existing network, such as the Internet. For example, an employee can log in to the employer’s network via VPN at home. The best known and most common protocol is IPsec. Although nowadays, especially by modern VPNs, the OpenVPN protocol is also frequently used.

The internet connection is fully encrypted. It is not possible for third parties to eavesdrop on internet traffic. Unencrypted internet traffic via an unsecured Wi-Fi network (e.g. a catering business) can be tapped, but this is not possible with a VPN connection. In certain countries such as the US, the internet provider can also analyze and market the surfing history of users (this is not possible in Europe), a VPN prevents this.

A user can easily switch IP addresses through a VPN. A user can thus avoid geoblocking or a firewall. Concrete examples are viewing series that offer streaming services exclusively in one country, and avoiding an IP-based blockade.

There are also disadvantages to a connection via VPN. Internet traffic slows down due to the additional detour, and it is an additional attack vector (VPN companies can also spy or get hacked). Company access via VPN is often additionally secured.

The underlying network used will either be ‘trusted’ or ‘not trusted’ by the VPN. It is advisable to simply not trust the underlying network, especially if it is the Internet. The VPN protocol must then provide technologies to provide security. If one nevertheless trusts the underlying network, it is referred to as a trusted VPN (or an Actual Private Network). In this case, security is completely handled by the underlying network, without its own control options.

In the first place, the private network will have to be separated from the underlying network by means of a firewall. This module will analyze both incoming and outgoing traffic and stop it if necessary: ​​the module can be considered as a filter. The firewall must be strategically placed in the connection between the private and public network. A firewall provides hardware isolation of the private network to prevent unwanted visitors. It is imperative that openings in the firewall for VPN purposes do not undermine overall security.

Encryption is used in numerous protocols to ensure data secrecy. With encryption, the data will be transformed into an unreadable form, the so-called cyphertext. By means of a key, the recipient can then perform a reverse transformation, making the text readable again. This is comparable to a letter written in cipher. Anyone who manages to intercept him will still not be able to read what has been written. The most performing encryption techniques today are 3DES and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). AES is always preferred for its stronger crypto properties compared to 3DES. 3DES is obsolete and should only be used if there are no options to use AES.

A VPN connection causes the IP address to change. As a result, hackers and criminals cannot trace who is on their website. Incidentally, changing an IP address also makes computers less easy to hack, so that passwords are less likely to be publicly disclosed.