GLOSSARY
What is a VPN?
You've likely heard of the acronym VPN. So, what exactly is a VPN? Before we get into the details, let’s take a look at how it all started.
Brief History of VPN
The genesis of VPN is heavily tied to how we utilized the internet back in the mid-90s. The internet, at the time, had not yet fully matured. It was in the phase of evolution where people were figuring out other ways to take advantage of it aside from just surfing the internet. Plus, there was a growing demand within the corporate structure, where employees needed to access company data or information without needing to be physically in the company facility. In other words, people needed to gain access to company files remotely for convenience and to improve work efficiency.
And so, the first VPN protocol was created, called Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, or better known as PPTP. Microsoft engineers developed it and enabled their employees to access the internal network securely from remote locations. Since then, VPN has become a primary tool for corporations to utilize not only within their local networks, but also anywhere in the world. Thanks to layers of security measures, such as data encryption, people can access company-sensitive information safely, as if they were in the company’s local network.
So, as briefly mentioned above regarding what a VPN is, it stands for Virtual Private Network. In short, it is a technology that allows your electronic device, such as a PC, tablet, phone, or any Wi-Fi device, to connect to a server securely to access data remotely. The use case example provided earlier, which is a remote work solution, is the best example of why VPN is such a vital tool for many, if not all, corporations around the globe. However, there are other applications that utilize VPNs that you probably see every day but didn’t realize that VPN is the engine behind them.
You also have to keep in mind that even though VPN use the internet to move information or data from server to your device and vice versa, it is very secured because of the fact that it creates a special tunnel within the internet pipeline that only authorized personnel or devices are allowed to access by using an advance encryption protocol to protect your data from unauthorized access. It also masks your IP address to help you stay anonymous online, ensuring that advertisers and other websites can't access your personal information. This way, your sensitive data stays safe and protected.
VPN Applications
Aside from using a VPN at work to access the company server remotely, there are other applications where VPNs are utilized.
If you play online games, you will notice that different servers have varying levels of latency. Some servers have high ping, which means there is a delay or, better known as, in-game lag, while others have lower ping, indicating a faster, more responsive connection.
To enhance their online gaming experience and minimize in-game latency, many gamers opt to use a VPN. This helps prevent lag, which can be really frustrating, especially in competitive settings where every second counts. Plus, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection against online threats like DDoS attacks, which can really disrupt gameplay. With that added security, gamers can focus more on enjoy the game and improving their skills, instead of worrying about potential cyber threats.
VPNs are also very useful for streaming on various online platforms. They work by bypassing location-based restrictions set by streaming services, which limit users to content available in specific regions. Using a VPN allows you to avoid these restrictions and access a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, live events, and more, so viewers can enjoy their favorite content without regional limitations.
Image credit to PC World
A good example of this is for travelers, especially those who often travel outside their home country. VPN allows you to browse and stream your favorite content with confidence, knowing that your online activities are kept private and not tracked by third-party entities.
Another great use case for VPN is when accessing public Wi-Fi networks, which, I am sure, many of us have done in one way or another. When using public Wi-Fi, although convenient, there is a risk involved, such as exposing private information to those trying to intercept personal data, which could potentially lead to identity theft and financial loss.
Using a VPN while on a compromised public Wi-Fi network is one of the strongest security measures you can take to protect yourself from online attacks, as it utilizes advanced encryption protocols to safeguard your data from unauthorized access.
In this day and age, VPNs are as vital as the device you use on a regular basis in terms of reliability and security. The last thing you want is someone or something accessing your personal data and exploiting it for malicious purposes. Protecting your sensitive data from cyber threats, such as hackers and identity thieves, should always be a priority, whether you are in an office setting, out in public, or in the comfort of your own home.