A virtual private network (VPN) extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.
Every home or person has any of these – PC, Laptop, Tablet or Smartphone, with internet connection. Your information is open now and can be accessed by anyone and can perform any harm to your devices. VPN protects you by connecting to a remote server and the connection between you and the websites you visit, the path is encrypted, so no one can access your information. Private and Secure are the catch of VPN usage.
Purpose of use of VPN
IP LEAK
Every computer has a unique IP(Internet Protocol) address. IP address tells a lot about what a person does in the computer, location and what are the websites visited. When you change the Wi-Fi or move to a new location, the IP address also changes.
VPN, Virtual Private Network, actually protects your IP address from being snooped. If the internet protocols IPV4, IPV6 are incompatible, then only the original IP address will be leaked, when VPN is installed.
DNS LEAK
Sometimes, when your IP is well protected there is a chance for your DNS(Domain Name System) leak. DNS can reveal the location. DNS server url is changed to the number of IP addresses. If VPN is not used, your ISP and their servers can see who visited and the list of websites visited. At that situation if DNS leaks anyone in that particular traffic can access your information.
These can be identified and protected by using basic VPN tests easily.
WebRTC LEAK
Web Real-Time Communication(WebRTC) the audio and video chat is built into famous browsers like Chrome, Brave, Firefox and Opera. By inserting a few lines of code, some websites can see your VPN and find out the original IP address.
COMMON THREAT
While using a public unknown free Wi-Fi, you should be careful to reveal your device information. When you are waiting to board a train or waiting to visit a chemist, you tend to use your mobile. If suddenly you have an urgency to use your bank account, it is easy to get all your information, by any person sharing the same common internet.
VPN actually protects your data and the activities done on the internet by connecting to a separate server, by keeping your information private.
Some of the best VPNs
| BEST VPNs | Number of devices could be connected | Number of servers hosted | Number of countries available | Uniqueness | No login Policy |
| ExpressVPN | 7 | 3000 | 94 | YES | |
| NordVPN | 6 | 5400 | 59 | It is used in almost all places | NO |
| CyberGhost VPN | 7 | 7000 | 90 | Posts a quarterly policy | NO |
| TunnelBear | 5 | 1800 | 23 | Annual Independent Audit | YES |
| ProtonVPN | 5 | 1060 | 54 | Security and Privacy policies are impressive | NO |
| IPVanish | NO LIMIT | 1500 | 75 | There is no limit to downloading | YES |
| Surf Shark VPN | NO LIMIT | 1700 | 63 | strong newcomer | YES |
Private Relay Vs VPN
- Apple has released “Private Relay”, which has an inbuilt OS and there is no need to run any application. Just need to sign up iCloud+ and click the check box.
- The VPN server can get your account details with authentication and get to see everything done by you. Unlike VPN, Private Relay has a two server approach, run by two different companies.
- The DNS is encrypted, protected and secured in Private Relay, which does not allow any data leaks. But in VPN it is possible.
- Private Relay protects only Safari, Apple’s web browser and insecure connection only. So in all other places, VPN is the best.