VPN: What Is It & How Does It Work?

As Internet Security becomes an integral component of modern life, the stakes for small businesses cannot be overemphasized. Ensuring the protection of both their information and clients' data is of utmost importance in today's digitalized society, with even minor breaches leading to lawsuits or contract losses which could ultimately close down operations - potentially having serious repercussions including lawsuits and potential closure of operations.

As soon as you step online, entities are watching your activity and monitoring its progression. While companies such as Google may use your browsing information to improve their advertising algorithms, other entities and individuals might gather this data for malicious reasons - leaving behind digital footprints that reveal information such as websites visited, searches performed, and even your physical location.

You understand the importance of security as a small company. You take great measures to protect your company information as well as the data of your clients. This kind of information can result in lawsuits, loss of contracts, and even closure of your company if you let it out. Some people watch you when you use the Internet. They can track your every move, including what sites you visit and what searches are made. Google may monitor you to improve their advertisements. But other times, internet sleuths will watch and gather this information.

What can you do to secure both business and personal data in this complex digital landscape? One effective option is utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

But, what exactly is a VPN, and how does it function to protect online activities?

What is a VPN?

Your computer is assigned an IP address when you use the Internet. Imagine this as your home address. You can follow it everywhere. The IP address can be used to identify you if you have visited a site before (even if cookies or other traces left by websites on your computer are removed). You may be prevented from accessing certain information by other services based on the IP address. If you are trying to view a Canadian-only program, but the website determines that your computer is located in the United States and blocks you, the website will not allow you to see the information.

The websites you visit can see your browsing and computer. Not only can they see your IP address but also your location, Internet browser, operating systems, and other information. This all adds up to a web presence that's hard to shake.

A VPN can hide your IP and other data associated with your browsing. Your information is routed via a VPN server which blocks all your data. It cleans up your Internet presence so that your IP address and browsing data are hidden. It is now much more difficult to track what you are doing online.

How Does A VPN Work?

You can find a few websites that claim your Internet data is blocked by the VPN website. This is usually not the case. Although your computer data does pass through the server of the website, it won't block your data like VPN client software.

Log on to your VPN client software. It will start encrypting data as soon as you open the Internet browser or access the WiFi. You can only do so much to protect your data when you use a "VPN" website. Your IP address is still used to access the website. You can protect and encrypt your Internet access by installing VPN software on your computer.

Why Would You Want to Use a VPN?

You might ask yourself "Why should I use a VPN?" I don't do anything wrong on the Internet and I am not trying to access content from another country. "What would be the purpose of using a VPN?" This is a great question, but it's not as good as this answer.

You probably have information that you do not want the world to know. You need to protect your online banking information if you use it. Anyone could gain access to your banking data if your login credentials or password are revealed. You probably don't want your Social Security Number to be public when you enter it in a loan application. Protect your passwords on social media because, if someone gets your information, and posts something negative, you might never be able to recover from this.

What you do online doesn't matter. You probably have information that you don't wish to be shared. With a VPN, you can accomplish this. VPN is for individuals as well as businesses. As a small business owner, your information, your employees, and your clients are at risk.

Different VPN protocols

There are many different VPN protocols. Each one works differently. What you want to achieve will determine the best VPN for you (our team at Charlotte IT Solutions can help you with this).

There are several options, including the older Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol, Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol, Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2), and OpenVPN are all options. If you are a business owner, it is important to choose the right VPN.

Start Setting Up a VPN Today

Internet security has never been more important. It is important to protect yourself and your business by investing in a virtual private network. You'll be able to better understand why you should use a Virtual Private Network now that you know what it is and how it works.

Charlotte IT Solutions can help you with all your questions and concerns. You can send us an e-mail or call us at your convenience. We will answer all of your questions and assist you with your IT needs.