A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows users to securely connect to a private network over the public internet by encrypting data packets. It works by routing internet traffic through a private VPN server rather than the user's internet service provider. This disguises the user's true IP address and location. VPNs use encryption protocols like OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec to encrypt traffic within a private "tunnel," protecting users from hacking and surveillance when connecting over public networks. While not foolproof, a VPN is a good method for maintaining online privacy and security, especially when using public WiFi. Different protocols offer varying levels of encryption and compatibility.

1. VPN
VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK

2. What is a VPN?
1. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure way of connecting to a
private network using the internet or any unsecure public
network to transport the network data packets privately, using
encryption
2. A VPN allows you to connect to the internet anonymously. Various
protocols create a private network that hides your internet traffic
over public Wi-Fi, preventing spying and hacking. In a world
where “online privacy” is becoming the biggest oxymoron of our
time.

3. How does it work?
1. A VPN works by routing your device’s internet
connection through your chosen VPN’s private
server rather than your internet service provider
(ISP) so that when your data is transmitted to the
internet, it comes from the VPN rather than your
computer.
2. A VPN can be used to send any kind of network
traffic securely, including voice, video, or data.

6. How does encryption work?
1. Encryption hides information in such a way (basically transforming it to
gibberish) that it cannot be read without a very strong password, which
is known as a key. This key essentially breaks the complicated code
that your data has been turned into. Only your computer and the VPN
server know this key. The process of decoding your data is known as
decryption, which is the process of making encrypted information
readable again through the application of the key.
2. Example: when you enter your credit card details into a website, that
information is encrypted and rendered unreadable until it reaches its
end destination.

8. Check on learning
1. Q: A VPN can be used to send what kind of internet traffic?
2. A: A VPN can be used to send any kind of network traffic securely, including voice,
video, or data.
3. Q: What is a key?
4. A: A key breaks the complicated code that your data is turned into so that only your
computer and the VPN service provider can read it.
5. Q: What is an ISP?
6. A: Internet Service Provider.

9. How does it protect you?
1. By disguising your IP address and geographic location
2. It does this by creating a data tunnel from your local ISP and placing you onto the
web from a completely different gateway city or country. Even if your VPN provider
is based in the United States, you can appear to be in places like Canada, Australia,
Germany, Turkey, or even the Bahamas.
3. By encapsulating your internet traffic inside a hidden tunnel
4. A VPN protects your online traffic by encapsulating any data packets you send
inside a secondary, encrypted packet.
5. As your data travels through a private VPN tunnel, it’s scrambled via encryption.
Common encryption includes OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec (Layer 2 Tunneling
Protocol) and IKEv2/IPSec (Internet Key Exchange version 2).

10. Is it perfect?
1. A VPN is not fool proof method of securing your internet traffic on the internet. Such
downsides include your VPN service can see your IP and what you are doing and if
hacked or owned by someone who wants to find you, they can.
2. They can install malware that is hard to detect and can be installed without you
knowing, which means your info will be leaked from the malware.
3. Your VPN can leak your real IP at times.
4. Clickbait VPN providers.
5. Some companies ban the use of VPN’s

11. PPTP
1. Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).
PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) VPN Encryption: 128-bit
VPN Security: Basic encryption
VPN Speed: Fast due to the low encryption rate
Stability: Very good and stable on most Wi-Fi networks
Compatibility: Most computer, tablet, and mobile operating systems come with PPTP
Least secure method. Developed by Microsoft but not used by them, been compromised before.

12. L2TP/IPsec
1. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol/ Internet protocol security
L2TP/IPsec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol over Internet Protocol Security) VPN Encryption: 256-bit
VPN Security: Highest encryption. This protocol encapsulates and checks data integrity
twice.
VPN Speed: Requires more processing power because of the 2x encapsulation
Stability: Stable on NAT-supported devices
Compatibility: Like PPTP, it is included in most device operating systems
A good VPN solution for non-critical use. However this protocol has been compromised
before. Nevertheless, it remains a good protocol, particularly for mobile phones.

13. OpenVPN
1. VPN Encryption: 160-bit and 256-bit
VPN Security: OpenVPN provides the highest encryption. OpenVPN authenticates the data
with digital certificates and is the most secure VPN protocol.
VPN Speed: This protocol has the best performance. Speeds are fast and are not susceptible
to high latency connections or long-distance transfers. Is your network connection stable and
provide the right speeds?
Stability: Most reliable and stable, even behind wireless routers, on non-reliable networks and
on Wi-Fi.
Compatibility: OpenVPN is supported by most desktop operating systems, Android mobile and
tablet devices.
Across the IT world, OpenVPN is the best all around VPN solution. One downside could be
the need for third party software on all platforms. May require IT to help set up if not familiar
with VPN’s.

14. SSTP
1. Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol
VPN Encryption: 256-bit
VPN Security: Highest encryption. SSTP depends on cipher, but usually very strong AES
VPN Speed: Speeds are fast and can bypass most firewalls
Stability: This protocol is very stable and reliable.
Compatibility: SSTP is primarily used in a Windows only environment, but is available for
Linux, RouterOS and SEIL. Because it is a proprietary protocol owned by Microsoft, it
cannot be independently audited for backdoors.
SSTP offers most of the advantages of OpenVPN; however, it is mostly limited to a
windows environment.

15. Conclusion
1. A VPN is a good method for protecting yourself online and maintaining online security.
2. Different VPN providers and protocols offer different things and it is always a good idea to do
your own research.
3. Especially overseas, the use of a VPN to protect yourself against hackers and other threats is
something to consider.
4. Back home, the use of a VPN over public Wi-Fi will protect you and your information.
5. They are relatively inexpensive, NordVPN offers 1 year of coverage at $83.88.

16. Questions?