What is VPN and how does this technology protect your privacy online?

VPN is a technology that allows creating one or several encrypted connections over another network, such as the Internet. It ensures privacy, anonymity, and secure data transmission.

Simply put, VPN creates a "tunnel" between the user's device (PC, smartphone, etc.) and a remote server through which all traffic passes. The real IP address is masked, and the internet connection is encrypted, which helps prevent data interception, tracking of online activities, and much more.

How does VPN work?

The principle of VPN operation is based on the interaction of three components:

• VPN Client: Software on the user's device that initiates and manages the connection to the VPN server, redirecting internet traffic through that server. Examples: NordVPN, OpenVPN, ExpressVPN.
• VPN Server: A remote server through which all user internet traffic passes. Its main functions include decrypting incoming traffic, sending data to the internet using its own IP address, receiving responses from target resources, encrypting, and sending information back to the VPN client. Examples: OpenVPN Access Server, WireGuard, SoftEther VPN.
• VPN Protocol: A set of rules and instructions that determine how data encryption and routing occur between the VPN client and server. Protocol functions include tunnel establishment, data encryption and decryption, authentication, information protection, bypassing blocks, and connection recovery after interruptions. Examples: IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard, OpenVPN.

The VPN network works as follows:

1. The VPN client establishes an encrypted connection with the server.
2. All data sent and received by the device is encrypted.
3. Data is decrypted at the server's exit point and sent to the final recipient.
4. Incoming traffic from the target resource (website, online service, social network, etc.) is also encrypted and passes through the VPN server.

Thus, the internet provider, hackers, or other users cannot see the transmitted or received data — only the fact of connection to the VPN server can be detected.

What is VPN used for?

 Using a VPN helps solve the following tasks:

• Ensuring privacy: VPN hides the user’s real IP address, preventing tracking of visited websites, search engines, social networks, including search queries.
• Security on public networks: Encryption protects traffic on vulnerable Wi-Fi networks (e.g., in cafes or airports), where attackers might steal user data such as logins, passwords for social networks, banking apps, and more.
• Bypassing geo-restrictions (location tracking): Access restrictions to online content are used to comply with licensing agreements, regional laws, and combat piracy. VPN allows access to content unavailable in the user’s physical region (streaming, websites, services).
• Bypassing censorship: In countries with internet restrictions, VPN is used for free access to information—video content, news resources, messengers.
• Protection of VoIP and P2P: Anonymity during voice calls and file-sharing networks.

Additionally, VPN is needed for secure access by remote employees to corporate resources such as knowledge bases, databases, corporate email, CRM systems, etc.

Examples of VPN Usage

Some examples of how VPNs are used:

• Journalism: Protecting sources of information, work correspondence, and personal data. This is especially relevant during investigative journalism, including cases involving law enforcement officers, politicians, and others, particularly under authoritarian regimes and political instability.
• Remote work: Secure access to corporate networks via VPN (e.g., IPsec, SSL VPN). An employee on a business trip can access corporate email or company websites through a public hotel Wi-Fi network.
• Online shopping and hotel booking: When shopping online or booking a hotel room, users typically use bank cards, entering and transmitting their details over the Internet. Without proper protection, attackers can intercept card data via MITM attacks, DNS spoofing, or Evil Twin attacks. Additionally, VPNs can help save money when booking hotels, hostels, or buying airline tickets, as dynamic pricing often depends on the user’s region.
• Gaming servers and software/game distribution services: Platforms like Steam and PS Store have different pricing policies depending on the region. Using a VPN, gamers can access exclusive content intended for specific regions. In some cases, VPNs can also reduce ping and improve connection stability.

Users in countries with internet restrictions (e.g., China, Iran) can access Google, YouTube, Facebook, Yandex, and other resources banned by authorities. In some European countries, accessing Yandex or Mail.ru email services is blocked, and VPN allows travelers in the EU to freely access email, search engines, and other services.

Types of VPN

There are several types of VPNs depending on their purpose and connection method.

Remote Access VPN (VPN for remote access)

Connecting an individual client to a remote network (for example, an employee connects to an office network). Tunneling in RA-VPN: Full Tunnel (all Internet traffic goes through the VPN), Split Tunnel (traffic to corporate/private resources goes through the VPN, the rest goes directly to the Internet). Use cases: remote access to corporate resources (knowledge bases, CRM, 1C:ZUP, 1C:Accounting), access to equipment and devices for remote control, remote tech support, remote work including from another region or country.

Site-to-Site VPN (gateway-to-gateway VPN, inter-network VPN)

Connecting two or more local LANs into a single secure space via the Internet. Often used in business to connect separate departments, branches, offices, and in government agencies. One VPN gateway initiates a connection to another by IP address. After authentication using a pre-shared key, X.509 certificates, or RSA/DSA keys, a tunnel is established (IPsec, GRE, IKEv2, or OpenVPN protocols). Traffic is routed directly between local networks through the VPN. Encryption in inter-network VPN: AES, ChaCha20, HMAC.

Cloud VPNs (connection to cloud servers), mobile VPNs (VPN on Android, iOS phones), VPNs with proxy servers, double VPNs, and others can be distinguished separately.

Main VPN Protocols

The table below presents common VPN protocols.

How to choose a VPN?

 Main criteria for choosing a VPN service:

• Transparent privacy policy: no logs, good reputation, availability of real user reviews (information on specialized forums, informational services).
• Reliable protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard.
• Encryption: AES-256, ChaCha20.
• Speed and stability: low ping, reliable connection with the ability to recover in case of disconnection.
• Support for required platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as Android, iOS, if VPN access is needed on a smartphone and not only on a computer.
• Location: availability of servers in countries from which VPN addresses are needed.
• Additional features: Kill Switch (automatic internet disconnection when VPN drops), Split tunneling (selective traffic via VPN), obfuscation (VPN traffic masking), multi-hop (connection through multiple servers), anti-phishing, ad blocking.

Well-known VPN services: NordVPN, Mullvad, ProtonVPN, IVPN, Surfshark, Tailscale (mesh VPN), OpenVPN Access Server.

Risks and limitations

When using a VPN application or service, the user must be aware of all risks and limitations, including legal ones. Examples of restrictions and risks:

• Trust in the provider. A VPN service can see your traffic, so it is important to choose reliable service providers. It is highly discouraged to use free VPNs.
• Reduced internet speed. This occurs due to encryption and routing.
• Ineffectiveness against cookies and browser fingerprinting. A VPN does not protect against tracking through digital device fingerprints (browser fingerprinting) and third-party cookies.
• Some websites block VPNs. This especially applies to streaming platforms, subscription services, software and games, and government resources.

Strict restrictions or full bans in some countries – Belarus, North Korea, Iraq, Oman, Turkmenistan. Formally, in Russia, VPN use for personal purposes is not prohibited (see Federal Law of 27.07.2006 No. 149-FZ “On Information, Information Technologies and Protection of Information”), but dissemination of information about bypassing blocks and advertising VPN services is prohibited. Specific VPNs may also be banned in the Russian Federation if deemed a threat to online security.

How to set up and use a VPN

VPN setup and usage vary depending on the specific service and operating system.

Windows/macOS

Most VPN services for Windows and macOS offer their own apps. The basic steps are:

1. Download the client.
2. Install it.
3. Log into your account and choose a server.
4. Click “Connect.”
5. When finished, click “Disconnect.”

Example for OpenVPN:

• Install OpenVPN GUI.
• Import the .ovpn file provided by your VPN provider.
• Connect via the graphical interface.

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

Via terminal (OpenVPN):

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openvpn
sudo openvpn --config path_to_file.ovpn

Via NetworkManager:
sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn-gnome

Then you need to:

• Open "Network Settings" → "VPN".
• Import the .ovpn file.
• Enter login/password.
• Connect.

For WireGuard:

sudo apt install wireguard
sudo wg-quick up wg0 # if the configuration file /etc/wireguard/wg0.conf exists

Android

For mobile devices, the steps are as follows:

1. Download the client from Google Play (for example, OpenVPN Connect or WireGuard).
2. Import the configuration file or use a QR code.
3. Tap "Connect".

For Android 10+, VPN support is also available through system settings if using IKEv2/IPsec.

iOS

The procedure is the same as for Android – install the app, import the configuration, connect. Many clients use Apple’s NEVPNManager API (for example, ProtonVPN, StrongSwan).

Conclusion

Using VPN for work, browsing, and online shopping is not a whim but a vital necessity to ensure cybersecurity and sometimes even the physical safety of users. Most services offer ready-made solutions with a high level of protection. If an advanced configuration level is required (for example, a personal VPN server on a VPS), you can install OpenVPN, WireGuard, or Tailscale on the server and use their configurations on clients. This is especially relevant for those who want full control over the VPN connection without intermediaries.