What is a VPN?
In a world where data security and online privacy have become major concerns, VPNs are proving to be essential tools. Find out how they meet the increasing demands of protection and flexible access in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
VPN: definition and features
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a technology that secures your internet connection by creating an encrypted "tunnel" between your device and a remote server. This method hides your IP address, guaranteeing anonymous browsing. In addition to security, VPN offers features that meet users' needs for privacy and access to a variety of content.
Security and data protection
The VPN encrypts your data, making it unreadable to anyone without permission. This encryption is essential, especially on public networks, where your personal information (credentials, passwords, banking data, etc.) is often exposed to cyber threats.
Privacy and anonymity online
By hiding your IP address, the VPN protects your identity and prevents websites, advertisers and internet service providers from tracking your activities. This way, you can surf anonymously and maintain your privacy online.
Access to georestricted content
With a VPN, you can bypass geographical restrictions by connecting to a server in another country. This gives you access to content that would otherwise be unavailable in your area, such as streaming platforms or censored sites.
Work and work from home
For businesses, a VPN is essential to secure connections for employees working remotely. It ensures secure transmission of internal data and provides secure access to the company’s resources, facilitating remote working and collaboration.
Paid VPN vs. Free VPN
The choice between a paid VPN and a free VPN depends on your security, privacy and performance needs. Each of these options has pros and cons that are important to understand before making your choice.
The advantages of paid VPNs
Paid VPNs usually offer better security and superior performance. They use fast and reliable servers, ensuring a stable connection and high-level encryption to protect your data. Furthermore, they often offer a policy of non-retention of logs, thereby guaranteeing total confidentiality for the user. With a paid VPN, you also get access to a wide variety of servers in different countries, which is ideal for bypassing geographical restrictions.
The limits of free VPNs
Free VPNs, while attractive, have several drawbacks. They usually offer slower connection speeds and a limited choice of servers. In addition, they can impose restrictions on the amount of data you can use each month. In terms of security, free VPNs are often less reliable and can collect and sell your data to third parties to generate revenue, compromising your privacy and online security.
Which option should I choose?
If you are looking to secure your data and ensure a smooth browsing experience, a paid VPN is recommended. For occasional use or to test the service, a free VPN may be an option, but it is essential to choose a trusted provider and check its privacy policy.
The main VPN use cases
VPNs can be used in a variety of contexts, whether for personal or business needs. Below are some of the most common uses to better understand how these tools can meet your security and privacy needs.
Using a VPN for Remote Access
Remote access via VPN is one of the most common applications. This configuration allows users to connect to a private network from anywhere, as if they were physically present on the local network. This use case is often adopted by individuals to secure their connection on public networks, as well as by companies to allow their employees to telework securely.
Using a VPN to Connect Networks (Site to Site)
The VPN can be used to interconnect multiple remote LANs , creating a single private network over the Internet. This scenario is typically used by large companies to connect their offices located in different regions. It allows secure sharing of data between different sites, optimizing internal communication. Configuring a site-to-site VPN on a VPS can also be done using tutorials available online, such as this community guide , which offers detailed instructions.
Using a VPN to Protect Individuals
VPN services for home use are designed to protect online privacy and bypass geographical restrictions. They allow users to connect to various servers around the world, ensuring secure and anonymous access to the internet. These services are often paid for, and are appreciated for their quality, high performance, and advanced features such as encryption and log retention.
Using a VPN for multi-cloud environments
VPNs can be used to securely connect multiple cloud environments when companies rely on different cloud providers . This approach ensures secure communication between clouds, facilitating data integration and management, while ensuring service interoperability. Specific connectivity solutions, such as those offered by SecNumCloud, offer additional security guarantees. To learn more about these options, you can read this dedicated help article, which details concepts and implementation.
The advanced features of VPNs you need to know
Modern VPNs are not limited to encrypting a connection. They offer advanced features that can significantly improve the experience and enhance online security. Here are some of the more interesting options to consider.
Kill switch
The kill switch is an essential feature that automatically cuts off the internet connection if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly. Without this protection, data can be exposed, especially on public networks. Enabling the kill switch ensures that the IP address and traffic remain protected in all circumstances, even if you disconnect.
Dual VPN connection
Also known as ‘double VPN’ or ‘multi-hop’, this feature allows data to be encrypted via two different VPN servers, making data interception more difficult. While this may result in a slight drop in connection speed, the dual VPN connection adds an extra layer of security, which is useful in high-risk environments.
Split tunneling
Split tunneling allows you to define which applications or sites pass through the VPN and which directly use the standard internet connection. For example, it is possible to secure bank transactions via the VPN while accessing local services without going through the VPN tunnel. This feature optimizes performance while providing greater flexibility.
Obfuscated servers
Obfuscated servers are designed to hide the use of a VPN, which is particularly useful in countries where VPN use is restricted or monitored. By hiding VPN traffic, these servers bypass firewalls and ensure uninterrupted internet access.
Protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks
Even with a VPN, DNS and IPv6 leaks can compromise privacy. A DNS leak exposes browse requests, while an IPv6 leak can reveal the actual IP address. Quality VPN services include leak protections to ensure all traffic remains encrypted and anonymous.
Block malicious websites and advertisements
Many VPNs now include a blocker to filter ads, trackers and malicious sites. This feature not only improves the browsing experience, but also enhances security by blocking dangerous scripts and phishing attempts before they reach the device.
Create your secure website with OVHcloud
At OVHcloud, we know that online security and network performance are essential. That’s why we offer a full range of solutions, from network services to advanced protections, to guarantee the security of your data and the continuity of your services.
Network solutions
Improve the resilience and performance of your infrastructure with OVHcloud network solutions. Benefit from a range of services, including interconnection, peering, and VPN options to ensure optimal, secure connectivity to your cloud resources.
Advanced security
Strengthen your data protection with the OVHcloud security suite. Whether through our firewalls, DDoS protection, or VPN services, ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your applications in a constantly evolving environment.
VPN Layer 2
Discover the OpenVPN VPN VPN Layer 2, available on the OVHcloud Marketplace, to create a direct and secure connection between your remote networks and your cloud infrastructure. Perfect for multi-site businesses, this solution offers increased security and flexibility for your data exchanges.
Your questions answered
Does a VPN slow down my internet connection?
Yes, using a VPN can slow down your internet connection slightly, as your data and traffic is redirected via a remote server and encrypted to ensure security and privacy. However, with a quality VPN provider, this difference is often minimal. Some servers are optimized for high speed, perfect for streaming, online games and web browsing. Choosing a server that is close to where you are can also improve performance. Finally, a VPN can sometimes increase speed by avoiding the limitations imposed by some Internet service providers (ISPs).
Does a VPN protect me from viruses and malware?
No, a VPN is not designed to protect against viruses or malware. It keeps your connection private and secure, but it doesn’t prevent malware from installing on your device. For complete protection of your data and online activity, we recommend using an antivirus program in addition to your VPN service. However, some VPN providers include additional features, such as ad blockers and malicious sites, that can help protect your browsing experience and reduce the risk of infection.
Is a VPN legal?
Yes, in the majority of countries, VPN use is perfectly legal. However, some countries, such as China, Russia, or Iran, restrict or prohibit the use of VPNs that are not authorized by the government. It is essential to check local regulations before configuring a VPN connection in these regions. In addition, even though a VPN is legal, its use for illegal activities, such as downloading copyrighted content, remains prohibited. Users should be aware of local laws and comply with restrictions imposed by VPN service providers.
Do VPNs work on all devices?
Yes, most VPN providers offer apps that are compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux. You can also configure a VPN on some routers to protect all devices connected to your network. Make sure your VPN provider offers clear configuration guides tailored to your specific needs for optimal protection and maximum coverage for your connection and web browsing.
Can I use a VPN to save money online?
Yes, a VPN can often help you save money when shopping online. By changing your virtual location via a server in another country, you can access different regional offers and compare prices for various services like airline tickets, hotel reservations or even streaming subscriptions. Some platforms adjust their pricing based on your IP address, and using a VPN can allow you to bypass these dynamic pricing practices, optimizing your online savings.