The basic idea can be explained in relatively simple terms, but if you’re going to spend money on something every month, most people would like to understand it as fully as they can. Here’s a primer into some of the most routine words, phrases, and descriptions into how a VPN works and what makes it tick.

Basic VPN terms

VPNs connect your computer to a remote server, which is just another computer connected to the Internet which can redirect your traffic with a new IP address. The actual VPN that you download to your computer is just like any other program or app that you put on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Encryption

Encryption takes your data and turns it into an unrecognizable series of characters that cannot be decrypted without the proper key The most common forms of encryption seen in VPNs include:

OpenVPN: This is an open-source app that creates a point-to-point connection in a virtual tunnel. Many consider it the most secure VPN protocol because it has mixed and complex security protocol. IPSec: Short for Internet Protocol Security, it can secure data in several ways including router to router; firewall to router; desktop to server; or desktop to router. L2TP: Short for Layer 2 TUnneling Protocol: A tunneling protocol used with IPSec. It is the primary point-to-point protocol (PPP) used to strengthen security and privacy. PPTP: Short for Point to Point Tunneling Protocol, it is the most commonly used protocol. SSTP: Short for Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol, it is used for high-end encryption in Windows.

Security

There are several terms in VPN security that are unfamiliar to novice users. Here are the explanations for them.

Kill switch: A function of the VPN to ensure your true IP address and identity are not exposed. If the VPN connection should drop for any reason, the kill switch servers your overall connection to the Internet. No-logs policy: This means the VPN company does not keep any records of where you go on the Internet or anything you might upload or download while you’re using the VPN. This is as close to true anonymity as you can get on the Internet. DNS leak protection: This security protocol ensures that your true DNS setting does not come through as you are moving from site to site.

Best VPNs for Unblocking DailyMotion in Russia

To get around this censorship takes a strong VPN such as any of the following three.

1NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the top choices for any VPN situation because it has a great combination of available servers, customer service, and security. It has more than 5,500 servers from a huge host of countries and tops the charts with 24/7 live chat and phone support from its customer service. Start Watching Now

2ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is well known for the fastest speeds in the industry but it also has an impressive security detail featuring a kill switch, zero-knowledge DNS, and a strict no-logs policy. Try Now Risk Free

3VyprVPN

VyprVPN is another very fast application with strong security. It has apps for all 10 platforms and more than 700,000 available IP addresses spanning the world. It is based in Switzerland which has powerful laws for protecting individual Internet privacy. Start Watching Now