VPN is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network. A Virtual Private Network allows to establish a safe and encrypted connection to access the public internet securely. VPN hides the user’s online identity by real-time encryption of the traffic sent or received over the internet. This makes a VPN more secure than a private WiFi hotspot.

How Does VPN Work?

In order to understand how VPN works, let us first understand the path followed by data when a user accesses the internet.

When a user sends a request to a website over internet, the data is sent or received via Internet Service Provider (ISP). Any request sent by the user is first redirected to the ISP server and then transmitted to the online service or website. Similarly, data sent by the website in response to the user request is first sent to the ISP server, which then sends it to the user. Thus ISP server has details pertaining to user’s identity, browsing history, online communications, etc. Hackers can also gain access to these details by targeting ISP servers.

VPN acts as a tunnel that bypasses ISP server. When user connects to internet via VPN, the traffic between the user and internet is sent via secure server of the VPN instead of the ISP server. VPN server acts as source server for the user. This can be understood in a stepwise manner.

1. User sends data to a website.
2. The data is received by the VPN server.
3. VPN server sends the data to internet.
4. Traffic received from internet is received by VPN.
5. VPN then serves the traffic to user.

As a result of the process, the user has no direct interaction with the internet. This keeps user’s identity and internet surfing history private. Additionally, VPN encrypts the traffic to ensure further security in case the server is hacked.

What Are The Uses Of VPN?

VPN can be used for a wide array of purposes:

1. Staying Anonymous Online: ISPs can keep an eye on your online activity including services or products you search for. This information holds high value on dark web. Using a VPN for online activity helps in keeping your credentials and online activity hidden and secured.
2. Ensure Security On Public WiFi: Public WiFi are not secured and lack data security configurations. Low security makes it easier for hackers to compromise the WiFi and eavesdrop on the traffic moving across the server. Using VPN when accessing internet over public WiFi helps in ensuring data and credentials security.
3. Data Security: Comparable to ISPs, many apps collect user data and sell it to marketing agencies. Using a VPN prevents apps from attributing data to user’s IP address, thus, ensuring data security.
4. Content Access: Content streaming platforms might publish some content for targeted locations only. For example, some shows might not stream outside US. However, users can use a VPN to mask their location and access geo-blocked content irrespective of their physical location.

To know more about VPN or how to securely browse internet, contact Centex Technologies. You can contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 - 4740, Dallas (972) 375 - 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 - 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

Broadly internet is classified into three layers, namely, the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web. Each of these layers represents a different level of accessibility and anonymity. From a cybersecurity perspective, it is important to know what you can do safely on the web by understanding these terms and knowing what they include.

Surface Web

It is estimated that the surface web comprises less than 4% of the entire internet. The surface web, often known as the visible web, is the section of internet that is accessible via search engines like Google and Bing. This covers all web pages that are indexed by search engines and content that is accessible to everyone. An example of surface web would be the common web pages that we see and browse every day (without signup), like Wikipedia.

Deep Web

The deep web is a part of the internet that is inaccessible to normal search engines. Deep web information is not indexed by search engines such as Google as they are restricted from reaching the content using various protocols. Individuals are also restricted from browsing the information unless they have a login (or special access) and/or know the precise path (URL). It is estimated that the deep web comprises approximately 90% of the whole internet.

Some examples of the deep web are:

• Login-required social media/messaging services
• Encrypted or password-protected online banking/financial information.
• Medical records and other sensitive personal data held in systems accessible only to authorized people
• Non-public court records and legal documents
• Private forums and discussion boards that require registration and identification
• Subscription-based streaming services like Netflix
• Non-public government databases and archives.

Dark Web

The dark web is a section of the deep web that is deliberately hidden and requires specific software and protocols to access. The dark web is frequently associated with illegal activity. Browsing the dark web can be dangerous and illegal. It can expose you to malicious code/malware and viruses that can affect your computer and other devices. People should be careful and use the best cybersecurity practices to protect themselves.

It's important to know the differences between these three layers of the internet because they have different levels of risks and opportunity. The surface web is usually safe and open to everyone. The deep web and dark web, on the other hand, can be more dangerous and require more safety precautions.

How To Safely Browse Internet

• Always use a reliable antivirus solution to protect your devices from viruses, malware, and other threats. It is also important to regularly update the antivirus software for protection from the latest threats which were not identified in earlier versions.
• Use strong and complex passwords that are difficult to guess.
• Keep your software and operating system up to date to have the most recent security fixes and features.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails and social media posts. Never give your personal information or click on a link from unknown senders.
• Using a VPN service to browse internet can protect your online activity and encrypt your interactions.
• Avoid accessing sensitive information or making financial transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
• Practice safe browsing by visiting sites that use SSL certificates.

Centex Technologies provides enterprise cybersecurity solutions. For more information on cybersecurity solutions for your business, contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 - 4740, Dallas (972) 375 - 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 - 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

View PDF