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VPN 101: How It Works and Why It’s Essential for Safe Browsing

What is a VPN? This is an extremely important tool in protecting personal information and safe web browsing in the digital age. This article will give an overview of VPNs, their outstanding benefits, and detailed instructions on setting up and installing VPNs. In particular, with Hidemyacc, you will discover more outstanding features that make VPN easier and more optimal than ever.

1. What is a VPN?

VPN, also known as Virtual Private Network, is a solution that allows devices to connect to each other privately via the Internet. Furthermore, VPNs provide a secure connection between users and the Internet, encrypting data to protect personal information as well as preventing online activity tracking by hiding the user's IP address.

VPN is a solution that allows devices to connect to each other privately over the Internet

2. Benefits of using VPN

Although the Internet is an open environment, many barriers still exist. Got it What is VPN?, users will understand the benefits of the system in helping to overcome these access limitations.

  • Limit tracking from ISPs: Web and app developers often collect personal information to optimize advertising. Most data about user access history and location is collected by ISPs. Using a VPN helps you hide your real IP address and prevent unauthorized information collection.

  • Ensure safety when using personal Internet: To protect your privacy when surfing the web, work VPN setup on the device is required. This process creates a safe environment, preventing illegal information collection.

  • Access to blocked websites: If you are in Vietnam but want to access websites in North America or Europe, or when traveling and cannot access some shopping sites due to geo-restrictions, a VPN allows you to switch your IP address, helping You can easily access regionally blocked websites.

  • Secure public wifi connection: Many public places offer free wifi but do not guarantee safety. Even with passwords and encryption, data can still be leaked. VPN protects your data from the risks of public wifi connections.

  • Secure information when accessing the website: Popular websites often display ads based on user information. Using a VPN helps you protect your personal information and hide your IP address, thereby avoiding tracking when accessing any website.

  • Anonymous download: Downloading software is an essential need, but this process can lead to risks related to malicious code. A VPN acts as a layer of protection to make your downloads more secure, minimizing the risk of being hacked.

Using a VPN not only helps you browse the web safely, but also ensures privacy in all your online activities

3. How VPN works

From concept What is VPN?, Hidemyacc will provide a simple explanation of how the system works. VPNs work by redirecting data packets from your device to a remote server before sending them to third parties over the Internet. Specifically:

  • Tunneling protocol: A virtual private network creates a secure "tunnel" for data between your device and a VPN server thousands of kilometers away. Once connected, the VPN server will be the intermediate point for all your data. This prevents Internet service providers (ISPs) and other third parties from accessing the content of your Internet traffic.

  • Encoding: The VPN protocol encrypts your data before it passes through the tunnel. The VPN service acts as a filter, making data unreadable at one end, decrypted only at the other end. This protects personal information from unauthorized use, even if the network connection is compromised, making network traffic difficult to attack and securing your Internet connection.

The combination of the above factors helps VPN ensure privacy and safety for users when accessing the Internet.

A virtual private network creates a secure "tunnel" for data between your device and the VPN server

4. Advantages and disadvantages of VPN networks

When using a VPN network, users will experience many significant benefits but also need to be aware of some disadvantages that may arise. Below is a summary of the pros and cons of VPN networks to give you a more general overview:

Advantage

Disadvantages

  • Hide your identity online: VPNs allow users to keep their identities secret while surfing the web.

  • Overcome geographical distance: VPN helps access geographically restricted content.

  • Enhanced security: VPN protects your data through secure and encrypted connections.

  • Prevent bandwidth throttling: VPN helps avoid ISPs throttling bandwidth

  • Bypass firewalls: VPN allows access to websites blocked by firewalls.

  • Slow access speed: Using a VPN can reduce your Internet connection speed

  • Privacy Risks: Improper use of a VPN can put your privacy at risk.

  • High cost: Quality VPN services often require high subscription costs.

  • Incompatible devices: Not all devices support the VPN feature.

5. Simple way to set up VPN

Job VPN setup can bring great benefits to users, including information security and restricted content access. Here are two main methods by which you can set up a VPN easily and effectively:

5.1 Use of VPN service providers

Users can connect to the VPN network through the following methods:

  • Web browser: Some VPN service providers allow users to connect directly through the browser. Simply visit the provider's website, log in, and activate the VPN connection right from your browser.

  • Applications, software: Many VPN providers offer dedicated apps for mobile devices, desktop computers, and other platforms. Users can download and install the VPN application for easy management and connection.

  • Register by package: VPN services often provide many service packages for users to choose from. You can sign up for a package that suits your needs. Most VPN services charge per device, with premium plans often coming with many additional features.

VPN services often provide many service packages for users to choose from

5.2 Using a VPN router

Using a VPN router is also an effective method to establish a secure connection:

  • Buy a VPN router: Users can purchase a pre-installed router and VPN connection from the vendor. This router has been configured to automatically protect your entire network through VPN. You just need to plug it in and provide your VPN credentials to activate the connection.

  • Install VPN software on router: If you want to do it yourself, you can install VPN software on your home router. VPN service providers often have detailed instructions for installation and configuration on popular router types. After successful installation, the router will automatically connect and protect your entire network via VPN.

Users can purchase a pre-installed router and VPN connection from the vendor

With these setup steps, you will easily create a safe and secure connection for your online activities.

6. How to install and use VPN for Windows 10

Installing and using VPN on Windows 10 is very simple. Below are step-by-step instructions put together by Hidemyacc that you can follow on computers running from Windows 8 to Windows 10:

Step 1 - Open network settings: Double right-click the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and select Open Network & Internet.

Step 2 - Select VPN section: In the interface that appears, find and select the VPN tab to establish a VPN connection.

Step 3 - Add VPN connection: Click Add a VPN connection.

Step 4 - Enter connection information:

  • VPN Provider: Select the VPN service provider you are using.

  • Connection name: Enter a name for the VPN connection for easy identification later.

  • Server name or address: Enter the VPN server address you need to access.

Step 5 - Choose VPN type: In the VPN type section, you can choose the connection type and geographical area to suit your needs.

Step 6 - Enter login information: If necessary, enter the username and password to authenticate the VPN connection.

Step 7 - VPN connection: After completing the above steps, return to the VPN interface, select the connection you just created and click Connect to start using.

Installing and using VPN on Windows 10 is very simple

After completing these steps, you will be able to access the Internet securely and privately through a VPN connection on your Windows 10 computer.

Besides installing VPN via network settings, you can also use VNP apps like NordVPN, Proton VPN,... Just download, open the app and connect to the location and the software will change the IP for everyone. system. 

7. Some VPN networks are for businesses

Businesses often apply VPN in three main forms to ensure information security and optimize resource sharing between different locations. Here are the popular types of VPNs for businesses:

7.1 Site to site VPN

Site-to-Site VPN is designed as a virtual private network for businesses with multiple offices distributed in different geographical locations. This form allows secure connections between internal networks, making it easy for employees to share resources without worrying about security. A good example is AWS Site-to-Site VPN, which creates a secure connection between the office and AWS resources using an IP Security (IPSec) tunnel.

 

Site-to-Site VPN is designed as a virtual private network for businesses

7.2 Client VPN hay Openvpn

In the Client VPN or Openvpn model, the network administrator sets up and configures the VPN service, then releases the configuration file to end users. Users can use this file to establish a VPN connection from their computer or mobile device to the company's network. 

In the Client VPN or Openvpn model, the network administrator will set up and configure the VPN service

7.3 SSL VPN

SSL VPN provides secure remote access through web portals and SSL-protected tunnels, between personal devices and the business network. For organizations with large remote teams, providing devices to each employee can be costly. In this case, SSL VPN becomes an economical and effective option, ensuring data security while still saving costs for businesses.

SSL VPN provides secure remote access through a web portal

8. Some frequently asked questions about VPN

When learning about VPNs, many people have common questions related to service selection, security, and alternatives. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you get a better look at VPN usage.

8.1 Should I choose between free or paid VPN?

Choosing between free and paid VPN depends on your budget. While a free VPN can be an attractive option for those on a budget, there are a few things to consider:

  • Revenue sources: Free VPN service providers often make money from advertising, which can lead to you being tracked and having your personal data collected.

  • Usually does not offer the most modern VPN protocols.

  • Lack of reliable technical support.

  • Limited bandwidth and low connection speed for free users.

  • Disconnection fees are higher when you need to reconnect.

  • Limited number of servers and geographical location.

Free VPN service providers often do not guarantee system and service quality

8.2 Is it safe to use a VPN?

VPNs offer strong security protocols and military-grade data encryption, but there's no guarantee of complete safety. Some things to keep in mind include:

  • VPNs do not prevent websites from tracking through cookies.

  • Does not protect you from viruses, malware or other forms of online fraud.

  • There is a possibility of data leaks even if you are using a VPN.

VPNs do not prevent websites from tracking through cookies

8.3 VPN Alternatives

It can be seen that VPN will change the IP of the entire system, all browsers and applications on the device will have the same IP address, so it is impossible to run multiple profiles with different IPs at the same time. At that time, if you want to have different IPs between profiles, you must turn off the VPN and connect to a new location, wasting a lot of time and effort.

Instead, users can use proxies because they are individually attached to each app and browser to change their own IP and can run 1 IP profile at a time. However, just changing the IP is not enough because the website can still detect your account through the Browser Fingerprint parameters. In short, the most optimal solution for those who need to "feed" a large number of accounts is to use a combination Proxy and Antidetect Browser Hidemyacc. This perfect combination will help MMO makers: 

  • Change browser fingerprint: Combining Proxy with Hidemyacc helps users change Browser Fingerprint, including information about browser, operating system and IP address. This helps you remain anonymous and more difficult to detect when online.

  • Manage multiple accounts: With multiple account support, you can easily manage and switch between different accounts across platforms without the hassle of being locked out due to logging in from many different IP addresses. .

  • High security: Hidemyacc offers built-in security features that help protect your personal data online and prevent third-party tracking.

Combining Proxy with Hidemyacc is an economical alternative to VPN

Hopefully through the above article, readers will have more useful information and understanding What is VPN?. While VPN is a popular solution for protecting online privacy, there are alternatives like Proxy combination and Antidetect Browser Hidemyacc that you can also consider. Both of these solutions offer unique features that help you maintain privacy and anonymity, suitable for different Internet usage needs. If you are interested in Hidemyacc software, please contact us now for a free 7-day trial. 

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