Virtual Private Network (VPN)

What

System that creates a direct link between remote computers, isolating their exchanges from the rest of the traffic taking place on public networks.

Why

• Security: VPNs encrypt data to make it unreadable to unauthorized users.

• Privacy: VPNs hide the IP address of the user, making it difficult to track the user's online activity.

• Geo-spoofing: VPNs can make it appear as if the user is located in a different country, allowing to bypass geo-restrictions.

How

• Tunneling: VPNs use tunneling protocols (IPSec, OpenVPN, etc.) to create a secure connection between two devices.

• Encryption: VPNs use encryption protocols (AES, RSA, etc.) to encrypt data and make it unreadable to unauthorized users.

• VPN server: computer that routes traffic, assigns IP addresses to users & encrypts/decrypts data from clients.

• VPN client: software that connects to VPN servers & encrypts/decrypts data for the user.

Encryption algorithms, protocols & settings must match on both the client and the server.