What is a VPN?
A virtual private network, called a VPN, enables you to use the Internet with enhanced security and privacy. A VPN imitates a private network over a public network.
A virtual private network, called a VPN, imitates a private network over a public network. It enables you to use the Internet with enhanced security and privacy.
A VPN hides your Internet protocol, or IP, address. It does this by encrypting your Internet traffic. Encryption makes your web browsing more private and secure. A VPN also enables you to bypass restrictions and access more Internet content. A VPN also hides your Internet protocol, or IP, address.
Why are VPNs necessary?
A VPN becomes necessary when you consider what makes your data valuable. Without a virtual private network, both your Internet Service Provider and other websites can see where your IP address goes.
This information is important. Advertising brokers and other service providers want to learn all they can about you. This information includes your IP address, location, Internet browsing habits, and Internet traffic. They also want to learn your email address, Googling habits, and social media information. They can learn this information if you are not part of a private network.
Some people think they are mindful about the sites they visit. They might think that what they share is innocuous, and it doesn’t matter who sees it—what they had for dinner last night, for example. But if such information leads to targeted but unwanted ads for a particular restaurant, that might not be desirable.
Other instances might occur where someone visits a website he or she would just as soon keep private. But that information can become known, too.
Does a VPN make you anonymous?
There’s no way to be anonymous on the web. A VPN doesn’t change that. But it does enhance your online privacy.
A VPN helps you protect your privacy through encryption, which encodes and secures your data.