When you use a VPN, the short answer is that your data is encrypted between your device and the VPN server. But how does that actually work? We take a closer look at the process in this blog post.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
A virtual private network (VPN) is a private network that uses a public network infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide secure and encrypted connections for remote users and sites. VPNs are often used by businesses to allow employees to securely connect to the company network from remote locations. They can also be used by individuals to securely connect to sensitive information, such as banking or healthcare websites.
There are two primary types of VPNs: site-to-site and remote-access. Site-to-site VPNs connect entire networks to each other, such as connecting an office network with a branch office network. Remote-access VPNs allow individual users to securely connect to a remote network, such as a company’s central network from their home or office.
VPNs use a variety of security protocols to protect transmitted data, such as Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). IPSec is the most common protocol used for site-to-site VPNs, while L2TP and SSL are typically used for remote-access VPNs.
Data Encryption
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a VPN is the level of security that the service provides. A VPN encrypts the data that is transmitted between your device and the VPN server, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. This is an important precaution to take, especially if you are using public Wi-Fi or accessing sensitive information.
There are two main types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric encryption is the most common type of encryption used by VPNs. It uses a single shared key to encrypt and decrypt data. Asymmetric encryption, also known as public key encryption, uses two different keys: a public key that anyone can use to encrypt data, and a private key that only the owner can use to decrypt it.
Generally, symmetric encryption is faster and simpler than asymmetric encryption, so it is more commonly used for data transmission. However, both types of encryption are important for ensuring the security of your data.
Data Authentication
In a virtual private network (VPN), data authentication is the process used to protect transmitted data from being accessed by unauthorized people. Data authentication verifies that the data has not been altered in transit and that it is coming from a trusted source. This is done by using a cryptographic checksum or message digest on the data.
Data Compression
decompression. Data compression is a process where data is reduced in size so that it requires less space to store or transmit. Data decompression is the inverse process where data is uncompressed and returned to its original form.
Compression can be lossy or lossless. Lossless compression doesn’t lose any information when the data is compressed and decompressed, while lossy compression throws away some information to achieve a higher level of compression. When choosing a compression algorithm for a VPN, it’s important to choose one that doesn’t lose any data, so that the security of the VPN isn’t compromised.
There are many different types of data compression algorithms, but some of the most common ones used in VPNs are LZO, LZ4, and Zstandard.
Conclusion
A VPN uses a number of different methods to protect transmitted data, including encryption, tunneling, andauthentication.
Encryption is the most important method used by a VPN to protect data. By encrypting data, a VPN prevents others from being able to read or intercept it. Data encryption is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, as these are often unsecured and unprotected.
Tunneling is another method used by VPNs to protect data. When data is tunneled, it is wrapped in an outer layer of protection before being sent over the network. This prevents anyone from being able to access or read the data as it is being transmitted.
Authentication is the process of verifying that a user is who they claim to be. VPNs use authentication to ensure that only authorized users are able to access their network and that no one else can intercept or tamper with the data.
Overall, encryption is the most important method used by VPNs to protect transmitted data. However, all of these methods work together to create a secure and private connection.