The Power of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) in Privacy Protection

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By Sunwoo Adela Cho • March 28, 2024March 28, 2024

What Is A VPN?

A VPN establishes a secure connection between you and the internet, acting as a protective shield against malicious hackers by anonymizing the online traffic and location of the user. The key functions and benefits of a VPN include:

Online Privacy: VPNs encrypt – concealing data by converting it into code– all internet traffic to ensure the security of sensitive information so that no one, including your internet service provider, can monitor your online activities.
Protection on Public Wi-Fi:  VPNs encrypt your connection, preventing hackers from monitoring your online activities through public Wi-Fi networks that have a higher potential to make security vulnerable, making them prime targets. Although in the past, public Wi-Fi was notorious for its lack of security, technological developments have increased security. To ensure the encryption of your connection and overall security of your browsing, check for a lock icon next to your search bar and protect your online identity by using strong passwords and avoiding scams.
Privacy: Although a VPN alone doesn’t guarantee full anonymity online, VPNs hide your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to trace your location or identify you online.
Blocking Malicious Ads and Websites: Some VPNs have built-in features that block malicious websites, ads, and trackers to blacklist harmful sites before they can cause damage.

How do VPNs Work?

The Power of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) in Privacy Protection | Office of Information Security (1)

VPNs route all your internet traffic through one of its servers, where it is encrypted. The server then forwards the traffic to the website which acknowledges the VPN server’s IP address rather than the user’s device IP address. Redirecting the IP address allows the user’s identity and location to remain private.

Can VPNs be Bad?

Although VPNs are meant to protect the user, unless the VPN is open source, you can’t be 100% certain of its security. It is crucial to be cautious of any software especially when it is pertinent to your safety.

Slow Internet Connection Speed: Some less-reputable VPNs can potentially slow down internet speed due to the additional time required to encrypt and decrypt data. Because traffic goes through the VPN server, rather than traffic directly between website and browser, internet browsing can slow down. 
Untrustworthy VPNs: Some less-reputable VPN providers may not uphold user privacy, sharing browsing activities with third parties.
Blocked Websites: Some websites may block access to VPN users; however, this can sometimes be overcome by connecting to a different server in the same region.
Account Security: Certain online services like PayPal may flag account security breaches when notified of a foreign IP address to protect against international fraudsters.

What Should I Look for In A VPN?

Strict no-logs policy: A strict no-logs policy will not “log”, or collect and save, any personal information from your network while you are browsing.
User-friendly apps for devices: VPNs should be able to provide proper guides, tips, and instructions about how to best use their service.
Large server coverage: Premium VPNs will allow you to connect you to any location with servers across the globe.
Multiple Simultaneous Connections: Premium VPNs will allow you to be able to use the VPN on multiple devices.
Automatic kill switch: An automatic kill switch temporarily disconnects you from the VPN connection when it becomes unstable to prevent data leaks.
256-bit encryption: This is the highest-level encryption currently available that will protect personal information and browsing activity
Customer Support: Whenever there is an issue or question, reputable VPNs should have a 24/7 customer support line that can help.

Why Should a person Use VPNs?

Remote Access: This is the best and most important reason to use a VPN. WashU VPN allows off-campus access to the university’s network, resources, and databases. You can read more about the WashU VPN athttps://it.wustl.edu/items/connect/
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: VPNs allow students to change their virtual location, allowing access to educational websites, resources, and streaming services that are geographically restricted.
Privacy: Those working on sensitive, private topics can remain anonymous and safeguard their identity and location. VPNs also provide a secure and encrypted environment for sharing sensitive documents so that your data remains confidential.

VPNs are versatile tools and play an important role in online privacy for some users. They are also a critical tool for accessing important resources from remote locations. At WashU, please read more about the WashU VPN to learn about remote access to resources https://it.wustl.edu/items/connect/

Sources:

Cobalt.io. (2023, December 8). Top Cybersecurity Statistics for 2024. Cobalt. https://www.cobalt.io/blog/cybersecurity-statistics-2023

Electronic Frontier Foundation. (n.d.). Learn. Cover Your Tracks. https://coveryourtracks.eff.org/learn

GOOSE B.V. (2023). 9 facts about VPN that you probably didn’t know. GOOSE VPN. https://goosevpn.com/blog/9-facts-vpn-probably-didnt-know

Kitboga. (2020, May 26). VPN Companies Are Lying To You. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNRdHQJ9AMk&t=561s&ab_channel=Kitboga

vpnMentors.com. (2023). What’s A VPN? & Why You [REALLY] Need One in 2023. https://www.vpn-mentors.com/popular/vpns-101-vpnmentors-vpn-guide-newbies/?keyword=what%20is%20a%20vpn&geo=9022860&device=&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=14985651282&cq_term=what%20is%20a%20vpn&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuqKqBhDxARIsAFZELmL5_uDO2KNMQsg6aFGILkKFvkYpjYgn6FQqlIkL7BNxWr-88ACcP-

FAQs

The Power of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) in Privacy Protection | Office of Information Security? ›

Protection on Public Wi-Fi: VPNs encrypt your connection, preventing hackers from monitoring your online activities through public Wi-Fi networks that have a higher potential to make security vulnerable, making them prime targets.

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What is the role of virtual private networks (VPNs) in network security? ›

A VPN protects its users by encrypting their data and masking their IP address, leaving their browsing history and location untraceable. This greater anonymity allows for greater privacy, as well as greater freedom for those who wish to access blocked or region-bound content.

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What is a virtual private network VPN and how can it help protect your online privacy? ›

VPNs use encryption to create a secure connection over unsecured Internet infrastructure. VPNs are one way to protect corporate data and manage user access to that data. VPNs protect data as users interact with apps and web properties over the Internet, and they can keep certain resources hidden.

What benefit does a VPN or virtual private network provide? ›

If you use a VPN, it can stop people, software, and web browsers from gaining access to your connection. This keeps the information you transmit and receive secure and anonymous.

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Do VPNs actually protect your privacy? ›

Using a reliable virtual private network (VPN) can be a safe way to browse the internet. VPN security can protect from IP and encrypt internet history and is increasingly being used to prevent snooping on by government agencies. However, VPNs won't be able to keep you safe in all scenarios.

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What is the main function of VPN? ›

A VPN, which stands for virtual private network, protects its users by encrypting their data and masking their IP addresses. This hides their browsing activity, identity, and location, allowing for greater privacy and autonomy.

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What is the purpose of virtual private networking VPN quizlet? ›

What is the purpose of Virtual Private Networking (VPN)? - It is a method to detect intruders at the edge of a network boundary. - VPNs are also called access control lists, or ACLs, and they limit network access.

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How does VPN provide security? ›

A VPN creates a private connection between your computer and a remote server, owned by the VPN provider. This digital connection, or tunnel, encrypts your data so that no one else can see it. It also masks your IP address so that no one else can trace you.

What is the biggest advantage of a VPN? ›

The main benefit of using a virtual private network (VPN) is data privacy. But a VPN offers much more than that: Privacy. Using a VPN masks your real IP address and location, making your online activity more private.

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Are there any downsides to using a VPN? ›

While VPNs have a lot of perks, there are potential downsides, too. A VPN can reduce internet speed and increase latency, which slows down online activities. Using a VPN can get your accounts blocked by social media sites for suspicious activity.

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Do you really need a VPN? ›

Do I need a VPN? Yes, you need a VPN to protect your online activity, hide your IP addresses, and keep your data safe. A VPN should be the cornerstone of your online privacy and security at home, work, or public places.

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Can your VPN spy on you? ›

Any VPN service can monitor your browsing history, but reputable ones won't and will ensure they have no logs of your browsing history that could be handed over to third parties. That way, if they receive a court order to share information, it's impossible for them to comply.

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Can a VPN owner see your history? ›

Technically, all VPN companies can see your traffic and history. However, most of them choose to discard that information by directing it to a null file or folder – by doing so, they're adhering to so-called strict no-logs policies.

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Does a VPN keep you from being tracked? ›

VPNs are useful for many things, and when used properly, can protect you from being tracked in several ways: Websites can't track you using your real IP address. Your internet service provider (ISP) can't track what you do on the internet. Your government can't track what you do on the internet via your ISP.

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How does a VPN help with security? ›

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What is one of the purposes of virtual private networks VPNs in a business environment? ›

A VPN makes an internet connection more secure and offers both privacy and anonymity online. Organizations, governments and businesses of all sizes use VPNs to secure remote connections to the internet for protection against data interception.