A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that allows users to create a secure, encrypted connection to another network over the internet. VPNs are commonly used for privacy, bypassing geographic restrictions, and securing data on public networks.
How Does a VPN Work?
When you connect to a VPN, your device creates an encrypted “tunnel” to a remote VPN server. All your internet traffic is routed through this server before reaching its final destination.
Key features:
- Encryption: All data between your device and the VPN server is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping (e.g., on public Wi-Fi).
- IP Address Masking: Your real IP is hidden. Websites see only the VPN server’s IP, not your home or mobile address.
- Location Spoofing: By connecting through VPN servers in different countries, you can appear to be browsing from almost anywhere in the world.
Common Uses of VPNs
- Privacy and anonymity online
- Protecting sensitive data on public Wi-Fi
- Bypassing regional content restrictions (geo-blocks)
- Avoiding censorship
- Accessing work resources securely from remote locations
VPN and Web Security
While VPNs are legitimate tools for privacy and business, they are also used by:
- Attackers and bots to mask their origin and avoid detection
- Automated tools that rotate VPN servers for scraping, brute force, or ad fraud
That’s why security systems like BotBlocker analyze incoming connections for signs of VPN or proxy use, flagging or challenging suspicious requests for additional verification.
VPN vs. Proxy
A VPN encrypts all traffic from your device, affecting all apps and browsers.
A proxy usually only reroutes traffic from a single app (often the browser) and may not use encryption.
FAQ
Is using a VPN legal?
In most countries – yes. Some regions restrict or regulate VPN use.
Can websites detect VPN usage?
Yes. Security plugins and analytics tools can often recognize traffic from known VPN IP ranges or patterns.
Does a VPN guarantee complete privacy?
No tool is perfect. VPNs improve privacy but don’t make you totally anonymous.