What is a VPN?

Published on: February 27th, 2015

VPN, Virtual Private Networking, is a establishing an encrypted tunnel over the internet between two sites or a client workstation to a site.   It allows you to use shared network resources (files stored on a server) over the internet but more securely.   It works by sending everything between the two points encrypted.   In many ways it is like extending your local area network (your home or office) to another location over the internet.  There several ways and protocols to choose from in setting on up. Like most encryption most involve haves some sort of pre-shared key but some can use a user id and password.   In many senses VPN was and is the first “cloud” base file storage solution.   The difference between a VPN and most Cloud file share solution is all files stay on your devices, on your property, and under your control.

There is another use for or “advertised” VPN

You might see the term VPN used as an anonymous VPN or a “Private Internet VPN”.  These services offer you a way to access the internet Anonymously without being tracked.  This is a big load of horse hockey! They are using a part truth in selling you as services that does not do what they claim.  Remember a VPN is an encrypted tunnel from Point A (your computer) to Point B (some other end of the tunnel).  If something tries to intercept your data in the tunnel in between the two points, it is un-readable. That part is the true part.   However that data is readable at both points A and B. Once it is decrypted at point B and passed on to another point, it is still decrypted.  In other words, if you are using one of these in hopes that it will hide your search history from Google, you’re wrong.  What you searched on is readable on your computer – passed through an encrypted tunnel to a middle point – than passed on to Google unencrypted.
They might also try and claim that you have an “assigned, tractable IP address” by use this private VPN it gives you an untraceable IP address.  Again horse hockey – unless you are at a business that has a need for a static IP address in most case both home and small business typically are not given a single Static IP.   The majority of IP address are dynamic and change.  At best your IP can be tracked to your city and internet service provider but not you.  Regardless all IP address are traceable – how do you think information gets back to you.   Do not let these guys convened you otherwise.

Do not get the two confused – A VPN for a Business where Point B is the end and final point is a great solution to help protect the company propriety assets while using the inexpensive Internet to broaden company shared resources.   If you have a company that a VPN solution might be right, give us a call we can help.