VPN Explained: What It Is, How It Works, and When You Need One

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. All your internet traffic passes through this tunnel, hiding your real IP address and encrypting your data from anyone who might be watching — your ISP, hackers on public WiFi, or government surveillance.

Think of it as sending your mail in a sealed, armored envelope instead of a postcard. Anyone handling the envelope can see it exists, but they cannot read the contents or see who it is addressed to.

How VPNs Work

When you connect to a VPN, three things happen:

1. Encryption — Your data is encrypted before leaving your device using protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN
2. Tunneling — The encrypted data travels to the VPN server through a secure tunnel
3. IP masking — The VPN server forwards your requests to websites using its own IP address, hiding yours

When You Actually Need a VPN

Definitely Use a VPN

• Public WiFi — Coffee shops, airports, hotels. These networks are inherently insecure and VPNs provide essential protection
• Accessing sensitive information remotely — Banking, work systems, medical records
• Preventing ISP tracking — Your internet provider can see and log every website you visit without a VPN

A VPN Won't Help With

• Protecting against malware — VPNs do not scan for viruses or block malicious downloads
• Making you anonymous — Websites can still track you through cookies, browser fingerprinting, and account logins
• Speeding up your connection — VPNs typically add slight latency due to encryption overhead

Free vs Paid VPNs

Free VPNs have a critical problem: they need to make money somehow. Many free VPN providers log and sell your browsing data — the exact thing you are trying to prevent. Some inject ads or even malware.

Paid VPNs (typically $3-12/month) can afford to operate without selling your data. Look for providers with independent security audits, no-log policies, and a track record of transparency.

Choosing a VPN Provider

Look for these features:

• No-log policy — Independently audited, not just claimed
• Modern protocols — WireGuard or OpenVPN support
• Kill switch — Blocks internet if VPN connection drops
• Server locations — More locations provide more flexibility
• Speed — Minimal impact on your connection speed
• Multi-device support — Protect all your devices with one subscription

The Bottom Line

A VPN is one tool in your privacy toolkit, not a silver bullet. Combine it with strong passwords, careful browsing habits, and tools like our metadata remover for comprehensive privacy protection.