What is VPN?

VPNs create an encrypted connection with the internet to improve your data security and privacy. 

VPN is short for “Virtual Private Network.” In 1996, Microsoft employees developed a peer-to-peer tunneling protocol (PPTP). This enabled them to create a secure connection by encrypting data and transferring it through a “tunnel” over a LAN or WAN connection. 

VPN services such as Verizon’s Business VPN-encryption help keep communications and data safe, even when transferred over public networks, by isolating and protecting it.

There are different types of VPN technology, including Secure Socket Layer (SSL), Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) and mobile VPNs. Basic VPN technology has a minimum of three steps:

1. Connecting two computers through a “tunnel”.

2. Encrypting the data before transmission.

3. Authenticating the user before decrypting the data.

Some types of VPNs have additional layers of security, such as IPsec, which also authenticates the origin of the data and has some steps to make sure the data was not tampered with in transit.

You’ve probably seen SSLs when shopping online.Websites with SSL encryption show a padlock on the far left in the address bar. This form of VPN protects your payment information by ensuring the seller has an SSL certificate installed. Without the certificate, your computer will not connect or send sensitive information. 

Packets of data are protected by authenticating both the source and destination of the data before allowing them to be read.

Be wary of any internet searches that turn up a “free VPN” offer. These may be scams posing as legitimate offerings and instead give away your data or inject malware into devices. 

Instead, consider an option like the Verizon Protect app. It’s affordable — just a few dollars a month — and provides a number of digital security measures, including a VPN.

For business customers, Verizon Wireless Private Network offers data encryption for remote workers and essential network devices to keep information secure.

VPNs help protect your information while in transit. Once it’s delivered and stored on your server it’s only as secure as your connection or local server is.

Wi-Fi is not necessary to use a VPN. You can establish a VPN connection through any stable internet connection.

iPhones can use mobile VPNs to secure your info