A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet by routing your internet traffic through a remote server. This process hides your real IP address and encrypts your data, making your online activities private and secure from hackers, ISPs, advertisers, and government surveillance
. Specifically, a VPN does the following:
- Encrypts your internet traffic in real time, turning your data into unreadable "gibberish" to outsiders
- Masks your IP address by assigning you a new IP from the VPN server, which hides your actual location and identity online
- Creates a secure "tunnel" through which your data travels, protecting it from interception on public Wi-Fi or insecure networks
- Allows you to bypass geographic restrictions and censorship by making it appear as if you are browsing from a different location
- Protects your browsing history and prevents your ISP or other third parties from tracking or selling your data
VPNs are widely used for enhancing privacy, securing data on public Wi-Fi, accessing blocked or region-locked content, safe streaming, gaming, and safer file sharing
. In summary, a VPN safeguards your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address, enabling you to browse the internet more anonymously and securely
