Cyber Security Newsletter - February 2023: All About VPN

ICT has been receiving many questions regarding VPN services – this month, we will be sharing some tips and information about VPN.

WHAT IS A VPN? 

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure, encrypted point-to-point connection between your device and a server on the Internet owned by a VPN provider. The VPN server relays information between your device and websites/services that you interact with online.

HOW DO VPNS WORK? 

By using a VPN, internet service providers (like Bell or Rogers, or the company managing the hotel or coffee Wi-Fi hotspot you're connected to) won't be able to see your internet activity. Poorly configured websites may not encrypt personal information and passwords – VPNs help keep the service provider and other devices on a network from spying on unencrypted information.

It is important to note that a VPN doesn’t make you completely anonymous.

VPN providers know what sites or services you’re requesting, even if most claim not to keep any logs of your activity. 

VPNs also help hide your actual IP address and location. If you’re connecting to a VPN server in another country, it will appear as if your web traffic is coming from that country. Disconnecting and reconnecting to VPN will usually give you a new IP address and location.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PERSONAL VPN SERVICE

Important note: ICT does not provide support or troubleshooting for personal VPN services. ICT is not able to recommend specific providers as we do not actively test these services or have a business relationship with personal VPN vendors.

There’s a lot of competition in the VPN provider market, which can make it difficult for first-time VPN users to narrow down their options. Try visiting several providers' websites, and compare the costs and features to find a suitable VPN for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a VPN:

• Select a VPN with lots of available servers – this will give you the best connection speed and allow for additional points of connection in cases where an IP address used by a VPN provider is blocked.
  
• Stick to well-known VPN providers that have been active in the market for a while – some examples of popular VPN providers with good public reputations include Tunnelbear, ExpressVPN, and SurfShark.
  
• Choose a VPN that supports all the operating systems you use – ensure your provider lets you connect on all your devices simultaneously (e.g., Windows, Mac, iOS, Android), and doesn’t limit you to a smaller number of devices than you need. Most VPN services offer software that makes it easy to connect to their servers.
  
• Look for VPN providers that clearly advertise their privacy policy – reputable VPN providers will not keep logs of their customers’ activity apart from the bare minimum required to maintain connections. Providers should be transparent regarding possible security breaches or requests for subscriber information from law enforcement.
  
• Ensure the VPN provider uses MFA (multi-factor authentication) to protect your account – stolen VPN accounts are tempting targets for hackers looking to hide their online activities.
  
• Consider the cost – some VPN providers offer discounts, trial periods, or money-back guarantees that could help you determine if their service suits your needs without incurring excessive upfront costs.
  
• Avoid “free” VPN services – connection speed and bandwidth will usually be poor in comparison to paid VPN services, and as a means of recouping the cost of offering a 'free' service, these VPN providers may collect and resell your browsing data. We hope you've found this helpful! Take time to do a little research, select a reputable VPN service, and stay cyber safe!