Okay, so, what is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is kinda like putting that letter inside another, secret envelope. This outer envelope… it encrypts your data (makes it unreadable to snoopers, basically). managed services new york city It also makes it look like the letters coming from a different address – a VPN server somewhere else, maybe even in another country!
So, instead of your internet activity going directly to websites and services youre using, it first goes to the VPN server. managed it security services provider Then, that server sends your request on. managed service new york The website only sees the VPN servers IP address, not your actual one. Its a way to, like, mask your identity online.
Why would you wanna do that? Well, maybe you dont want your internet service provider (ISP) tracking everything you do. managed it security services provider They can see what sites you visit, and they might even sell that data. Or perhaps youre using public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, which isnt always secure. Hackers could potentially intercept your data there. A VPN adds an extra layer of protection, see?
It doesnt mean youre invisible online, no way.