{"id":159859,"date":"2022-04-04T10:37:47","date_gmt":"2022-04-04T17:37:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=159859"},"modified":"2025-07-30T20:06:42","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T03:06:42","slug":"whats-the-meaning-of-vpn-vpn-defined","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/tips-tricks\/whats-the-meaning-of-vpn-vpn-defined\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Meaning of VPN? VPN Defined"},"content":{"rendered":"

A <\/span>virtual private network<\/span> (<\/span>VPN<\/span>) is a tool that enables users to <\/span>protect their privacy<\/span><\/a> while using an <\/span>internet connection<\/span>. <\/span>VPNs<\/span> create an <\/span>encrypted tunnel<\/span> \u2014 a private link between your device and the <\/span>VPN server<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Essentially, this private link or tunnel keeps external influences out and allows your data to travel in an encrypted manner, enhancing security. The network\u2019s privacy also makes sure your <\/span>Internet Protocol<\/span> (IP) address and <\/span>browsing history<\/span> is hidden online.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[Text Wrapping Break]VPNs use<\/span> several <\/span>VPN protocols<\/span> like <\/span>OpenVPN<\/span>, <\/span>IPSec<\/span>\/<\/span>IKEv2<\/span>, <\/span>PPTP<\/span>, <\/span>SSTP<\/span>, and WireGuard to protect you. In particular, <\/span>McAfee\u00ae Safe Connect <\/span><\/a>VPN<\/span><\/a> supports the <\/span>OpenVPN<\/span> protocol, which is an <\/span>open-source<\/span> and highly <\/span>secure protocol<\/span> running on TCP or UDP <\/span>internet protocol<\/span> and used by many <\/span>VPN providers<\/span> globally. <\/span>[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Read on to know more about how <\/span>VPNs work<\/span> and learn to install one.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What does a <\/span><\/b>VPN do<\/span><\/b>?<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

The best way to stay secure online is to minimize your digital footprint. A <\/span>good VPN service<\/span> allows you to do exactly this, acting as an additional layer of protection for your <\/span>online activities<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>primary <\/span><\/a>function<\/span><\/a> of a <\/span><\/a>VPN<\/span><\/a> is encryption<\/span><\/a>. Most websites and online browsers already have some form of encryption. For example, when you purchase something on Amazon, you have to enter your credit card details and address. Encryption creates a private tunnel for data transmission between your device and Amazon to make sure no one else can watch what you\u2019re doing.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>VPN app<\/span> does the same thing with an added level of security. The data that you pass to a <\/span>VPN server<\/span> is anonymized before it goes to the internet. In short, your device establishes an <\/span>encrypted connection<\/span> with the <\/span>VPN server<\/span> instead of connecting directly through the internet. So, the encryption protects your data and digital footprint from anyone outside the \u201cprivate tunnel\u201d between you and the <\/span>secure VPN server<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, <\/span>VPNs<\/span> allow you to change or hide your <\/span>IP address<\/span>. An <\/span>IP address<\/span><\/a> is a number linked to a particular computer and network. Changing your <\/span>IP address<\/span> can trick the servers into thinking you\u2019re connecting from a different geographical location. This can help improve security and provide additional benefits discussed below.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also use a VPN to hide your IP address. This may be helpful if you\u2019re trying to access content from other countries (for example, Netflix may have different content in different countries) or trying to keep your internet search history away from the prying eyes of a third-party like your internet service provider or a government.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using a <\/span>VPN<\/span> can help improve your online security. Nearly every <\/span>internet activity<\/span> \u2014 website and <\/span>social media <\/span>browsing, paying bills, online shopping, data sharing, and more \u2014 can be tracked by others. <\/span>[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Read on to learn about who typically uses a <\/span>VPN<\/span> and understand whether you should consider installing one.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who typically uses <\/span><\/b>VPNs<\/span><\/b>?<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

Given the extra security that <\/span>VPN connections<\/span> provide, you can gain something from using a <\/span>VPN client<\/span>. So, if you\u2019re an individual concerned about your online privacy or just want to browse online anonymously \u2014 consider using a <\/span>VPN<\/span>. A VPN enables you to use the internet without third parties seeing your identity or identifying you via your search history since they don\u2019t know what you were searching about or using the internet for.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Big tech has had a long history of tracking private data for their gains. These companies regularly bundle data into coherent profiles and sell it to third parties. Additionally, they use private data to demonstrate targeted advertisements or manipulative content that makes you more likely to purchase their products. <\/span>[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]So, it\u2019s worthwhile to use a <\/span>VPN<\/span> if you regularly shop online or bank online. A <\/span>VPN<\/span> gives you that additional protection that can help prevent <\/span>hackers<\/span> or malicious third parties from accessing your information.<\/span>[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]VPNs<\/span> are excellent mechanisms for you to protect your privacy online. And you should consider your personal context and conduct thorough research to find the <\/span>best VPN<\/span> for your needs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

VPNs are particularly helpful if you travel a lot, either for business or for leisure. While traveling, it\u2019s inevitable that you connect to random or unknown Wifi networks and it may be the case that these networks are spying on you. However, if you\u2019re using a VPN to browse the web, these WiFi networks can\u2019t track you or your search history. This ensures you maintain anonymity and are safe while using the internet.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Should you use a <\/span><\/b>VPN<\/span><\/b> on your personal computer?<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

Yes, an additional layer of protection to your <\/span>online activities<\/span> is always good practice. A <\/span>VPN<\/span> allows individuals using a personal computer to stay vigilant, protect their data, and maintain anonymity while allowing them to still enjoy their online experience.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of <\/span><\/b>VPNs<\/span><\/b> for personal use<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

VPNs<\/span> provide more benefits than just serving as an additional layer for cybercriminals to pass through.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n