Tech

Essential Role of VPNs in Online Security


Introduction 

A virtual private network (VPN) is a mechanism that establishes a secure connection. It usually can be between a computer and another computer network or between two networks. In other words, this service allows users to secure internet access when connected to their private network. It uses encryption to create a secure network over an unsecured internet infrastructure. Thus, only authorized parties understand the information shared between the entities on that virtual network. Encryption transforms readable data so that it appears scrambled to attackers.

All devices connecting to a VPN set encryption keys used to encode and decode all information exchanged between them. VPN networks remain private even when used over public internet infrastructure. When a user utilizes a public network, their data is secure thanks to the VPN, and malicious users can’t intercept data through the network because it is encrypted. Using VPN improves security and should always be employed whenever there is a need to send or receive sensitive information. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi to prevent others from stealing shared information. It creates a secure tunnel between users, concealing their online activity and location. 

How VPN operates

To utilize a VPN, it is initially necessary to activate the previously installed VPN software, which connects our computer to the VPN server and acts as an intermediary. When the VPN application is active, it establishes a secure connection, forming a tunnel between the device and the private VPN server.
This secure tunnel is created before directing web traffic to the intended website or application.
Routing traffic through VPN servers prevents some third parties from monitoring the user’s online activities, thereby preventing hackers’ attempts to intercept the user’s Internet data transmission and steal or alter it.

A VPN operates by concealing information about the user’s IP address through the establishment of a secure tunnel between the user’s device and the VPN service provider’s servers. When attempting to access a site, the user’s data is transmitted through this tunnel, ensuring encryption and enhanced security.

VPN providers typically offer the option to select the country or city of the server to browse local content. The VPN server encrypts all the data downloaded or uploaded, transmitting it through a secure VPN tunnel, where the VPN server accesses all servers and utilizes end-to-end data encryption to send or receive data from our VPN client. Subsequently, the client decrypts the data, displaying the location or content accessed. Although the data travels through the ISP, it remains encrypted, rendering it invisible to the ISP, which can only facilitate its transmission through a VPN server.

Importance of VPN

A VPN plays a crucial role in enhancing our security by offering various benefits:

Ensuring Online Privacy: VPN encrypts our data, ensuring that it remains private and secure, especially when transferring sensitive information online or using public Wi-Fi networks.

Anonymous Browsing: By masking our IP address, VPN safeguards our privacy, making it impossible to determine our actual location.

Blocking Malicious Content: Some VPNs can block malicious ads and websites, reducing the risk of malware infections.

Enhanced Security for Remote Work: With the rise of remote work, VPNs provide added protection against cyber threats and hackers, making them essential for a secure remote work environment.

Access to Geo-Restricted Content: VPNs allow us to access content and websites that may be geo-restricted. That is done by changing our virtual location to anywhere in the world where our VPN provider has a server.

Preventing ISP Tracking: VPNs prevent ISPs from tracking our online activities and logging our data. ensuring a higher level of privacy and security.

The Power of NordLayer VPN Unveiled

NordLayer stands out as one of the premier VPNs for businesses. It enables organizations to establish secure site-to-site connectivity across diverse geographical locations. This facilitates remote workers’ access to company resources, enhancing overall security.

Considered a robust VPN solution, NordLayer incorporates top-tier security measures to safeguard business data and communications. Its global network of servers ensures reliable and high-performance VPN services, facilitating smooth and uninterrupted business operations, particularly for remote teams. The user-friendly interface enhances the overall experience, making VPN setup and management straightforward.

NordLayer’s scalability makes it adaptable to businesses of varying sizes, complexities, and operating models. The VPN’s ability to prevent ISP tracking and data logging enhances privacy, keeping sensitive business information confidential. With the growing trend of remote work, NordLayer provides an added layer of security, protecting against potential cyber threats and ensuring secure communication.

The availability of 24/7 live chat support enables businesses to promptly address any issues or requests related to NordLayer VPN, ensuring optimal functionality. Beyond concealing real IP addresses, NordLayer offers a plethora of features. They include multi-factor authentication, virtual private gateways, IP allowlisting, custom DNS, threat blocks, and more. Operating in over 30 service locations worldwide, it allows businesses to securely connect to local and global networks.

NordLayer provides robust user authentication through features like MFA, biometric authentication, and single sign-on (SSO), with the recommendation of using dual authentication via SMS or authentication applications.

Notably, NordLayer prioritizes safety, employing AES-256 encryption, and maintains high-speed performance through the implementation of the fast NordLynx protocol, preserving approximately 96% of the original speed for both downloading and uploading.

In summary, NordLayer offers a comprehensive security package with an impressive array of features. Flexible pricing plans, and a user-friendly design, make it a reliable choice for businesses.

Conclusion

Utilizing a VPN ensures that the internet service provider cannot monitor the user’s online activities. Once the user’s device connects to the VPN server, its internet traffic is routed through the VPN provider’s network, concealing browsing details and preventing potential attackers from gathering confidential data or surveilling the user’s online behavior.

In today’s digital world, where cyber attacks and threats are increasingly common, the use of a VPN has become a necessary solution for both individuals and businesses to maintain a safe and private online experience.

There is a wide variety of VPN solutions that have much to offer. The best one to use is the one that meets your needs and the price range you are willing to pay. Numerous online security and privacy issues are addressed by VPNs. Many of them also check downloads for viruses and block hundreds of online trackers and ads. Importantly, VPNs are adapted to be used by both advanced users and ordinary internet users.

Anđela Milenković


Anđela Milenković

I am a Cybersecurity Engineer with professional experience since 2018, dedicated to protecting organisational computer networks and systems against a diverse range of threats. Holding a master’s degree in cybersecurity and numerous certifications, I am dedicated to perpetually enhancing my skill set and expanding my knowledge base. My passion for sharing knowledge with others has led me to embark on a writing journey, where I aim to impart my cybersecurity insights and expertise to a wider audience.

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