Due to the importance of using the Internet and the multiple areas of vulnerability it opens, using systems that protect our identity is advisable. Thus, the possibility of safeguarding our privacy using a VPN has expanded, not only to companies but to all types of users, including both home users and VPS clients.
While this tool has multiple uses, we will analyze the benefits it can provide to our organizations. Additionally, we must consider that it is a tool that can be adjusted to existing services such as managed or unmanaged VPS.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is deployed on the Internet by creating a tunnel between the originating device and the VPN server. This way, it secures all information transmitted internally through encryption. In this manner, it protects the security of user data and their identity from cybercriminals, as well as governments and ISPs (Internet Service Providers).
It is also worth noting that the encryption works only between the device and the VPN server. This is important because when using a VPN service, the VPN server acts on our behalf to make requests to the Internet, such as visiting websites, accessing multimedia services, etc. In other words, the VPN server retains your IP address. For example, when the VPN server accesses a webpage, it is identified by its IP address, and the information is sent to it. This information is then encrypted and sent from the VPN to the user.
Thanks to the operating mechanism of a VPN, we can achieve secure encryption of our information so that, even if it is intercepted, it will not be understandable. Additionally, another benefit is the protection of our whereabouts since the location of the VPN server is used, not that of the user. Thus, identity and location are safeguarded, providing a more secure alternative for data transfer.
In this sense, it is important to highlight that this security system can be used in conjunction with VPS, whether for a managed VPS or an unmanaged VPS. Similarly, to implement this system, it is necessary to check that the VPS provider supports the use of VPNs on their servers. Especially, its installation will be possible with unmanaged VPS systems that allow the VPS user to configure details such as VPN installation. In this regard, the use of VPN on VPS will depend on the programming skills of the VPS user.
Having a VPN associated with your VPS server keeps your connection private and untraceable, allowing you to log into the VPS in this way. For instance, you can use the VPS to open suspicious emails or log into suspicious websites that may install malware or run programs from unknown providers without fear of damaging your machine, thanks to the use of a VPN on the VPS.
Types of VPNs
Due to their utility, the variety of VPNs is broad; however, we will focus on highlighting the three most common types.
- SSL-configured VPN
This type of VPN solution is implemented through a hardware box used mainly to enable employee access to the company’s systems from their devices. This protects access to the internal network.
- Site-to-site VPN
Site-to-site VPNs hide private intranets within a private network, allowing users the freedom to share content securely. They are especially implemented in large companies.
- Client-to-provider VPN
This system implies that the VPN user is not connected to the Internet from their ISP but from the VPN. In this way, the tunnel is eliminated since the encryption is done by the VPN from the user's entry point. This type of VPN is primarily used to access insecure WLAN networks, as it prevents others from accessing the network connection and compromising it, since it encrypts the data up to the provider.
Uses of a VPN
- Remote connection in companies
Due to the massive number of people working remotely during the pandemic, VPNs were one of the tools used for this purpose. This is because they allow employees to connect to the company's services, applications, and folders that could only be accessed from the internal network.
This VPN service creates the tunnel so that a device not located in the company can connect to the internal network, which only authorized personnel can access. Thus, the possibility of remote work is guaranteed.
- Secure browsing on public networks
While many public spaces, such as cafes, parks, and airports, have free Wi-Fi services, these places are also favorites of cyber attackers due to the increased vulnerability of information. Although some of these networks may have passwords, this does not guarantee security.
- Content blocking (ISP)
ISPs track user activity on the Internet. It is also possible for content blocking to be established. By using a VPN, we block access to content by ISPs and can access blocked content.
- Government censorship
Some governments have established content blocking systems in their territories. To avoid being affected by this censorship, you can use a VPN. By blocking access to your identity and IP address, it allows you to access any content you need.
- Accessing content from other countries
Using a VPN allows us to access region- or country-restricted content. For example, many streaming services manage specific catalogs based on their customers' locations. Thus, you can access this content as they capture the IP address of the VPN server.
Disadvantages of using a VPN
Both speed and latency (round-trip time) are affected by the use of a VPN. However, these inconveniences diminish if you choose a paid VPN service, as it provides greater bandwidth and lower latency.
In summary, there are many advantages to using a VPN, as it can allow us to securely access restricted content or operate within our companies normally while remote work is being developed. Furthermore, it highlights the level of security it provides by encrypting our data and IP address so that we cannot be tracked or attacked. Additionally, this system adapts to many operating systems and devices to provide us with the security it handles.
However, we must consider that this encryption system may harm us in terms of speed and latency, as mentioned. Also, being only an encryption system, it does not completely protect us from hacker attacks and malware. Therefore, it is important to complement this system with the use of other available security tools.
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