Virtual Private Network, also abbreviated by VPN is not exactly a new term. But what is it really? It is merely a channel that offers a secure connection between two or more computers on the internet. This access appears to be that of computers working on a local network. The initial idea behind the development of VPNs was for companies that had remote branches to connect. Also, the goal was to ensure that moving employees remained connected to the company’s network. Today, however, things are a bit different.
Consumers are increasingly using VPNs to protect themselves from the increasing rate of cybercrime as they connect to public networks. So an AWS CSA certified professional is well-versed with cloud computing and matters to do with VPN. Some interesting facts about VPN that are good to know:
1. Not all VPNs are the same
One may think that the VPNs are created equal while that is not necessarily the case. There are tons of VPN technologies that have been created using different types of encryption. The protocols used include OpenVPN, TLS or Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol. They all have different encryption strengths.
What does that mean? The different technologies are designed for different users. For instance, organizations may require more protection than individual users. With that, they will be required to use ones with stronger encryption. Also, it is worth noting that the stronger the encryption, the slower the speed of the connection. With that knowledge, you should be able to choose a VPN that best suits you.
2. They are great for privacy and security
One of the primary reasons that people use VPNs is because of data protection and security. How does it protect you? For instance, if you are using public networks, the chance is high that you can get a man-in-the-middle attack. Also, it is essential to remember that not all the ads you see in the pop-up and genuine. Some are from malicious sources intending to track your activities or even location. Therefore, if you are visiting a website that lacks HTTPS security protocol, you will be a soft target.
Unfortunately, you may not always know if a website is secure., as we are not the professionals. To become a professional in this, you need to clear some certification exams like the Aws certified cloud practitioner exam. It is for this reason that users opt for VPNs as it protects their computers from hacking attempts and local tracking without having a very deep knowledge in cloud computing.
3. VPNs can be used to bypass geoblocking and firewalls
There are times that you notice that you cannot access a particular website. The issue is not usually a result of crawl errors or weak connection: you have simply been blocked from accessing the site. You can bypass all that. VPNs will allow you to access content from any corner of the world. If you are in countries like China, you might have been restricted from several websites due to political reasons and so on. With VPNs, that shouldn’t be a problem.
4. There are paid and free VPN services
You might have felt restricted from protecting yourself from attacks in fear of having to spend to get VPNs. The good news is that you can access these services for free too. If you are not a corporation, using free VPNs should be okay. However, you need to note that they often come with tons of ads, slower connection speed and a limited number of servers.
For organizations, commercial VPNs should be a better pick. You do not have to acquire the most expensive solution. Most of the service providers have several packages designed to meet different needs. Pick a subscription that best suits you. As technology continues to advance, so does the rise of cyber-attacks. It, therefore, needs to protect your computers through the use of VPNs.
