This is Part 2 of our VPN guide. Read Part 1 for VPN basics, how it works, and key benefits.
The History of VPN Technology
Throughout internet history, people have sought to protect and encrypt their online activity data. The US Department of Defense participated in online communication encryption projects as early as the 1960s.
VPN Predecessors
These projects led to ARPANET — a packet-switching network that subsequently enabled the creation of TCP (Transfer Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol) protocols.
The TCP/IP model consisted of four layers: link layer, internet layer, transport layer, and application layer. The internet layer enabled connecting local networks and devices to a universal network — revealing user data vulnerability. In 1993, a team from Columbia University and Bell Labs created the first modern VPN version called swIPe.
The following year, Wei Xu developed IPSec — an internet security protocol that authenticates transmitted information packets and encrypts them. Then in 1996, Microsoft employee Gurdeep Singh-Pall created the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, or PPTP.
Early Virtual Private Networks
While Singh-Pall developed his protocol, internet popularity grew alongside demand for sophisticated security systems. Antivirus software already effectively protected computers from malware and spyware. But users and corporations began seeking data encryption solutions to hide their internet activities.
The first VPNs appeared in the early 2000s but remained primarily corporate tools. However, following numerous cyber incidents in the early 2010s, the consumer VPN market began expanding.
VPN Today
According to GlobalWebIndex data, worldwide VPN users more than quadrupled between 2016 and 2018. In Thailand, Indonesia, China, and other countries with internet restrictions and censorship, one in five users employs VPN. In the USA, UK, and Germany, VPN user percentages remain lower but substantial (around 5%) and steadily growing.
A primary driver of recent VPN popularity growth involves increasing demand for geographically restricted content. Video services limit access to certain materials in some countries. Modern VPN services encrypt your IP address to appear as if you're located in another country, enabling content access from anywhere.
How VPN Protects You
Secure connections encrypt your activity. Decryption requires a key possessed only by your computer and the VPN service. Your ISP cannot determine your connection origin. VPN services use various encryption types, but the process typically involves three stages:
- Activate VPN when going online. It functions as a secure tunnel between you and the internet — impenetrable to your ISP and other observers.
- Device connects to VPN local network. Your IP address may be replaced with one provided by VPN servers.
- Browse freely. All personal data remains protected by the secure connection.
Types of VPN Connections
SSL VPN
Not all employees receive corporate laptops for remote work. When the 2020 coronavirus pandemic forced isolation, many companies faced equipment shortages. Personal devices (computers, laptops, tablets, phones) became necessary. Companies turned to SSL VPN solutions, typically requiring specific hardware integration.
Accessing corporate accounts requires an HTML-5 compatible browser — usually compatible with virtually any operating system. Login credentials provide data access.
Site-to-Site VPN
This connection type essentially masks private internal networks (intranets), enabling users across these networks mutual resource access.
Site-to-site VPN suits companies with multiple offices, each having its own local area network (LAN) connected to a wide area network (WAN). It's also useful when two separate intranets need data exchange without granting one network's users direct access to the other.
These connections primarily serve large enterprises. They're complex to implement and less flexible than SSL VPN. However, they most effectively protect data exchange between and within major corporate departments.
Client-to-Server VPN
Connecting via VPN client resembles connecting a home computer to a work network via cable. Employees access corporate networks from home devices through secure connections, working as if physically in the office. This requires installing and configuring VPN client software on the device.
Users connect to the network not through their ISP but directly through the VPN provider. This substantially shortens the VPN tunnel phase. Instead of creating an encrypted tunnel to mask existing connections, VPN automatically encrypts data before sending it to users.
This connection type gains popularity, especially among unsecured public Wi-Fi network providers. It encrypts data throughout the entire chain between client and VPN provider, preventing traffic interception. It also blocks ISP access to any unencrypted data and bypasses user-imposed restrictions.
VPN Installation Methods
VPN Client Software
Secure connection setup requires client software — an independent program configured to user or organizational requirements. During installation, the endpoint device opens a secure communication channel and connects to another device, creating an encrypted tunnel. Corporate network users typically enter company-issued passwords or install corresponding certificates. Employees then log in using personal credentials.
Browser Extensions
VPN extensions exist for most browsers, including Google Chrome and Firefox. Some browsers like Opera have built-in VPN. Extensions enable quick online VPN activation and configuration. However, protection applies only to that specific browser. Data exchange in other browsers and applications remains unencrypted.
Despite limited scope, extensions provide a suitable additional protection layer for occasional internet users. However, these connections remain more vulnerable to breaches. Choose extensions carefully since data hunters may deploy decoys.
Router VPN
With multiple devices on one network, installing VPN on the router proves simpler than configuring each device separately. This particularly applies to internet-connected devices with complex setup requirements, such as Smart TVs. Such networks even enable viewing restricted content in your home theater.
Router VPN installs easily, provides constant protection, and prevents data leaks when unsecured devices connect. However, without a user interface, managing the connection may prove challenging.
Corporate VPN
Corporate virtual private networks represent customized solutions requiring configuration and support. IT departments create secure connections for organizations. Regular users lack administrative privileges regarding VPN, while companies log all activities and transmitted data. This reduces potential information leakage risk.
Installing VPN on Smartphones
VPN services are available for both Android smartphones and iPhones. Fortunately, they're remarkably simple to use. Standard setup steps include:
- Download the application from App Store or Google Play. While free solutions exist, professional providers offer better security guarantees.
- Simple configuration. All default functions are designed for users without specialized knowledge — simply log into your account. Most applications guide you through basic VPN functions.
- Easy activation. In many mobile applications, using VPN is no more complicated than flipping a light switch. The toggle typically appears on the main screen.
- Manual server selection. To mask your location, simply choose your desired country from the available options.
- Advanced settings are available for users requiring higher protection levels. Some solutions offer various encryption protocols and additional features like connection diagnostics. Explore these functions before purchasing a subscription to find the right solution for your needs.
After installation, simply activate the connection through the application to browse the internet securely.
Important: Connection security depends on your provider's data usage and storage policies. VPN routes your data through its servers, which perform internet actions on your behalf. If these servers maintain activity logs, understand their purpose. Reliable providers prioritize your data confidentiality.
Remember that only data transmitted via the internet gets encrypted. If your connection doesn't use cellular networks or Wi-Fi for data transmission, information travels outside the internet. VPN doesn't encrypt regular voice calls or text messages.
Choosing a Reliable VPN Provider
Selecting a trustworthy provider matters greatly. Your ISP cannot track your traffic, but VPN providers can access it. If they're compromised, you suffer too. Choose reliable providers who maintain activity confidentiality while ensuring maximum data protection.
Key factors when selecting a VPN provider:
- No-logs policy — providers shouldn't store your activity records
- Strong encryption standards — AES-256 encryption is industry standard
- Server locations — more locations provide greater flexibility
- Connection speed — encryption shouldn't significantly slow your internet
- Kill switch feature — automatic disconnection if VPN fails
- Multi-device support — protect all your devices with one subscription
- Customer support — responsive help when issues arise
Conclusion
A Virtual Private Network provides a secure connection between you and the internet. Your data travels through an encrypted virtual tunnel that masks your IP address, hiding your actual location from other users. VPN also protects against external attacks. Only you can access the encrypted tunnel data — no one else has the key.
VPN enables viewing regional content from anywhere in the world. Some video services don't operate in all countries. VPN provides access to them. Solutions are available for both Windows computers and Mac devices.
Numerous providers also offer VPN services for smartphones, anonymizing your mobile traffic. However, remember that these applications only protect and anonymize data transmitted via the internet. VPN doesn't protect you from cyberattacks, trojans, viruses, and other malware. Remember the importance of using reliable antivirus software alongside VPN for comprehensive protection.
Understanding VPN technology empowers you to make informed decisions about online privacy and security. Whether protecting sensitive business communications or maintaining personal privacy, VPN remains an essential tool in the modern digital landscape.