What A VPN Can Do?
A VPN or virtual private network is a system that will encrypt your internet traffic and route it through a server. Its main purpose is to limit the information about you that will appear online.
Even if someone were to intercept your connection, it would be impossible for them to see what you are doing or the sites you are visiting. The ISP broadband cannot spy on you when you choose to use VPN. VPN is a valuable tool that routes all the data you send out and receive through the VPN server which has its own IP address which will protect your local information.
How Does VPN Protect Me?
If you are connected to an unsecured public Wi-Fi, a hacker can gain access to the network you are using and intercept your personal data. If you use a VPN, you will have added protection so intercepted data will only be viewed as scrambled code.
A hacker would have to know your IP address to commit cyberattacks. The only IP they will see is the one provided by the VPN server. You will find your online activities will be more secure keeping hackers away.
DDoS Attacks
DDoS, or distributed denial of service attacks, can be protected with a VPN. These attacks involve flooding a network with artificial overblown traffic by overloading the server and crashing websites. In some cases, they use online gaming sites or communities to kick players out of the game by overloading the network and removing them from competition. As a VPN hides your IP address, without that information the attacker can not target your network with a DDoS attack.
False Wi-Fi Hotspots
When you are on free Wi-Fi, it does come with risks. A hacker can set up a false hotspot pretending to be a legitimate business. They will give it a name that when you connect to it they will be able to view your data as it passes through their network. Using a VPN, your data will be encrypted before it leaves your device. The hacker will not be able to view any personal information.
What VPN Cannot Protect
It’s important to know that VPNs also have their shortcomings. When data travels from your device to the VPN server and back, it cannot stop hackers if the hacker has direct access to your phone or are waiting at the destination when your data arrives. VPNs cannot protect you from basic human error or a compromised device.
There are absolutely no tools that can protect you from your own mistakes. If you click on malicious links by accident or turn your antivirus off when on a high-risk site, the best VPNs cannot protect you.
Malicious programs give hackers a way to gain access to your device. This software is usually downloaded onto a phone or computer if you accidentally click on a pop-up ad or open a suspicious email. Once the malware is on your device, a hacker can monitor your data even if it’s encrypted.
Hacking A VPN
Even though premium VPNs offer and very high level of encryption, a VPN app can be hacked. That can happen if you have a weak password, have experienced a spyware attack, or you have kept your information it’s not secure, a hacker will gain access to your VPN application.
Protecting Yourself From Hacker Attacks
- Always use strong passwords
- Use a two-factor authentication
- Don’t use unofficial apps
- Read all permissions carefully
- Keep your software updated
- Configure a VPN on your router
- Log out of your device