Hiding in Plain Sight: VPN benefits for college students
Olivia Hupfauer, Staff Writer
Over the past 30 years, the internet has overtaken the world by storm. Its usefulness is within everyday life. We communicate through it, we are entertained through it, we shop through it and many use it to work. In 2022, internet safety is just as (if not more) important than when the internet first came around in the 1980’s. Internet security may come in different forms, but one of the best options to stay safe while browsing is a VPN.
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that creates a secure connection to the internet. VPNs encrypt the IP address associated with a connected device so that data and information cannot be stolen or accessed by third parties such as criminals or internet service providers.
There are four types of VPNs:
- Site-to-site
- Remote access
- Mobile
- Personal
Site-to-site VPNs were first created and used in the 1990’s by companies and governments for the purpose of keeping its information safe and secure while allowing multiple office locations to access the business’ server and information.
Remote access VPNs began similarly to site to site, however remote access differs in it is for sole employees needing to connect to a business’ private network and software.
Nigel Basta, a professor and director of North Greenville’s cyber security program said, “VPNs first gained popularity decades ago as a way for remote workers to gain access to their corporate network for private data and secure communication. On the other hand, VPN services now give a straightforward option for everyday internet privacy and online freedom.”
Mobile VPNs are much more helpful than remote access VPNs if an employee has an unstable internet connection. According to topvpn.com, a mobile VPN is a great option for someone who travels around frequently but needs to maintain connection to a business’ private network.
The last type of VPN is a personal VPN. Now that the internet is becoming more and more accessible to everyone, personal VPNs are becoming more popular. A personal VPN is different from the previous VPNs mentioned. A personal VPN does not give the user access to a private network. Instead, a personal VPN connects a user to a VPN servicer. Data and personal information are encrypted through that server and then sent back out when finishing a web search. These VPNs are for personal, everyday protection when browsing the internet.
Internet searches without VPNs can be incredibly unsafe. During an internet search, data is available to anyone with the ability to hack — especially if a device is connected to an unsecure network. Internet search history and personal information like device location, IP address and the type of operating system is also available.
With a VPN, that personal information is locked up, packaged and encrypted. Once the information arrives at the destination, the information is jumbled and unable to be interpreted by third parties. Thus, the user’s information is safe.
Internet security is not the only thing a VPN is good for; VPNs allow users to change their virtual location. In other words, although the user is physically in the United States, a VPN will allow that user to change his/her online location to any other country. This can be useful when using a streaming service like Netflix.
Depending on location, streaming content may differ. Some TV shows or movies may be available, for example, in Australia but not in the United States. With a VPN, the user will be able to change the location of the device and stream content from any country.
A VPN is not free and must be purchased. ExpressVPN, SurfShark and NordVPN are three of the most popular service providers and usually have deals and discounts going on frequently. But these are not the only options on the market. There are hundreds of VPNs available for those who want to protect and secure their data and personal information while carrying on with everyday life.
