The real VPN meaning
The history
The era of VPN technologies started in early 1996 when a Microsoft employee developed a peer-to-peer tunneling protocol (PPTP). The protocol functioned only as a precursor to the VPNs we have today, yet, the VPN meaning remained the same - to provide a private connection between a device and the world wide web.
Originally, VPN came to life for big organizations to secure their communications and remote file-sharing. Businesses needed to create a safe online environment, and it was a milestone event that set the fundamentals for the evolution of the VPN. It didn’t take long for internet users to realize they need to protect their digital privacy. Pretty soon, the VPN's had to a new level - third-party VPN providers appeared on the market granting security for every human online.
VPN connection meaning
Virtual Private Network is a term that perfectly defines itself. Virtual, because it establishes a remote connection. Private, because it encrypts your traffic through a secure tunnel. Network, because it creates a collection of devices and servers that allows encrypted data to flow. Understanding the technical side of how VPN works can be hard due to the complexity of it. Luckily, it is enough to be familiar with the VPN basics if you’re willing to secure your life online and be confident about it.
VPN vs. Internet
The Internet is a very sensitive place when it comes to online privacy. Every time you access the world wide web, you risk being a victim of data theft or surveillance. What’s worse, some countries are censoring the internet at an alarming rate, manipulating peoples’ ability to access information and communicate freely. That’s where VPNs kick in.
A VPN is a piece of software that creates a secure tunnel between your device and a remote server. It forwards your traffic through a private server before reaching the endpoint - website or application you want to visit. By encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a private tunnel, a VPN keeps your browsing activity secure. Your IP address changes and your actions online are no longer attaching your real location. Due to specific VPN configuration, the data flowing through the VPN tunnel becomes an unreadable gibberish code that cannot be deciphered. The true VPN meaning is that neither your Internet Service Provider (ISP), government, nor any hacker can snoop your online activity. What does VPN stand for? Internet freedom and digital privacy, that’s for sure.
What VPN meaning is for you
Now that you know what is a VPN, perhaps you think, why do you need to care about it?
The truth is, each year, billions of people are affected by various cyber-attacks. You can be a victim of a massive data breach without even knowing it. With the scope of leaks and hacks that continue rising, it’s clear that taking cybersecurity into your own hands is a necessity.
Did you know that VPNs are not only about security? You can access streaming and entertainment content which has geographical restrictions, a bonus on top of it. You can virtually transfer yourself to any country by connecting to a secure VPN server. Easy as that! This is also how to bypass various censorships, including governmental ones.
If you deal with sensitive personal data or regularly use public Wi-Fi, a VPN should be your best buddy. There are many other important reasons why use a VPN, but the true VPN meaning can be seen only when you try it with your own hands.
Choose to bind with a trustworthy, reliable VPN service provider - the one that has a strict no-logs policy - the traceable chain between you and your internet activity brakes. Privacy is your fundamental right, not a privilege. This is why Atlas VPN was built - to provide 24/7 online security, military-grade encryption, and fast connection speeds. All this - completely free of charge.
If you are already asking “How do I get a VPN?”, that’s a good first step! A second step is to download the Atlas VPN application, hit the button Connect, and get to know the purposeful VPN meaning yourself.