What Is A Virtual Private Network (VPN) And Why Do I Need One?
By: Paul Gust, Partner DBC Netwerks
The term “VPN” gets bounced around a lot, and most people seem to have a vague understanding that it “has something to do with a private connection between computers.”
How about a five minute lesson? When your computer, or any other device communicates over a network, it does so by sending coded signals of zeroes and ones grouped together into data “packets”. Packets get passed around whatever network you are connected to until they reach the intended destination. Each time they reach a device (a switch, an access point, a server, a cable modem, or a router) the packets are repeated and passed along like a big game of “telephone”. Most of the time this is not a concern – especially within the trusted confines of your own office and building. However, it’s important to consider those packets CAN be read by any number of devices as they pass by any number of connections. If you are sending a message across country, even something as benign as a Google search, your request can (potentially) be viewed a dozen different times.
No big deal, right? Well, usually. Most of the time, network traffic is boring and tedious. Unfortunately, we don’t often consider that our daily internet traffic may sometimes include login passwords, banking information, credit card numbers, personal information, and even trade secrets.
You may or may not worry about the system administrators at your business, your service provider, the phone company, or even the government viewing your communication. But we all should appreciate that it’s not just corporate info from large companies that hackers want. Your simple personal data is worth actual money. Here is a sample of some current values of personal information on the “Dark Web”.
Clone of a Mastercard with PIN – $25 Credit card account info – $240
Banking account login – $120 Gmail account credentials – $80
Facebook login – $65 Healthcare record – $250
Other login credentials – $1 Social Security Number – $.53
Question: If bad actors are willing to spend that much, how much are they hoping to recoup?
When you are using your mobile phone, computer, or tablet, and the free wifi at the local coffee shop, fast food restaurant, library, hotel, or airport, how do you know that someone isn’t “listening” to your device’s packets? The truth – you don’t. Our recommendation is that you assume EVERY network outside of your home or office is “bugged”. What’s a responsible person supposed to do? You need a “Virtual Private Network” or VPN!
To keep it simple, let’s try this explanation: When you open a VPN connection, you are establishing a secure, private, encrypted connection between your device and another. A VPN can be established between two computers, or your device and another network, or even between two networks across the globe. When the VPN is opened, the traffic (packets) passing along that connection are completely scrambled to anyone outside of the secured connection. Someone could “listen”, but all they would take away is computer gibberish.
There are many benefits to VPNs. Citizens in countries with authoritarian leadership can use VPN’s to connect to random (anonymous) servers; their search for information or communications go “nowhere”. It isn’t possible to know what sites they searched, what e-mail they sent, or what information they requested. Business people working remotely from home, restaurants, or hotels can safety transmit banking information, trade secrets, and e-mails, knowing that nothing can be decoded by prying eyes. Individuals can seek private material and information. They can send and receive personal communication without fear of someone “overhearing”. Any time you’d prefer to block someone else from seeing your info, a VPN is a solution.
VPNs are often referred to as “tunnels”. This is because a VPN connection is like a communication tunnel between two devices. The info transmitting back and forth is hidden.
Our technology consultants at DB&C NetWerks strongly encourage our clients to set up VPN connections on any smart phones, tablets, and laptops that leave the safety of their home or office. There are many options available at a variety of price points. We recommend a product called “TunnelBear“. TunnelBear costs $ 40 per year and allows you to protect 5 devices per account. It’s easy to install and works simply.
If you have any questions, please contact Paul Gust at our Holland office. We’d be happy to help you with your VPN decision making and installation.
