How Virtual Private Networks keep you anonymous and their benefits

Why exactly do you need a vpn

    When surfing the internet, the information you see is often tailored to your specific location, and your IP address can be easily accessed. This poses a serious threat because malicious users can potentially trace your location using your IP and engage in harmful activities.

This is where a Virtual Private Networks (a VPN for short) come in—they provide the anonymity you need for a safer and more private browsing experience. Whether you’re aiming to protect your personal data or simply bypass geographical restrictions to access content from other regions, VPNs have got you covered.

In this article, we’ll explore how VPNs work, why they’re important, and I’ll also recommend some of the best options available. You’ll find useful links at the end, so be sure to check them out if you’re interested.

Personal comment
" To be honest, I never thought I would ever find myself using a VPN, but as my daily web consumption increased, I discovered that the content I received was restricted to my location on some websites. It was then that I realized the need to broaden my scope. Using a vpn helped solve that issue for me."

How Do VPNs Work? 

Now that we understand why VPNs are essential for privacy and freedom online, let’s explore how they work under the hood and why they’re so effective. Think of this as a guided tour through the digital tunnels of the internet—except this time, you're invisible.

1. What Is a VPN, Really?

A VPN—short for Virtual Private Network—is a service that routes your internet connection through a secure server, hiding your real IP address and encrypting all your internet traffic. That means your data travels through a private, encrypted tunnel before reaching the open internet.

Imagine writing a postcard (normal browsing): anyone who picks it up can read it. Now imagine sealing that postcard inside an envelope with a lock only you and the recipient can open (VPN-protected browsing). That’s essentially what a VPN does.

 The Core Functions of a VPN

Let’s break the core functions down:

🛡️ Encryption

When you connect to a VPN, it encrypts your data. That means your passwords, messages, searches, and downloads become unreadable to prying eyes—including hackers, your internet service provider (ISP), and even government surveillance tools.

Most reputable VPNs use AES-256 encryption, which is practically uncrackable with current technology.

🕵️ IP Masking

Your IP address is like your online home address. It reveals your location and identity to websites, advertisers, and trackers. When using a VPN, your real IP is hidden and replaced with the IP of the VPN server you're connected to, effectively masking your identity.

🌍 Location Spoofing

Want to access a video that is only available in the U.S., but you're in Nigeria, India, or the UK? No problem. VPNs let you choose your server location, tricking websites into thinking you're in a different country. This helps bypass geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube.

Step-by-Step: What Happens When You Use a VPN

Let’s trace what happens in the background when you open a browser and visit a site using a VPN:

1. You connect to your VPN app and choose a server (say, in Germany).

2. The VPN app creates a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server.

3. Your internet traffic is encrypted before it even reaches your ISP.

4. Your ISP sees that you're connected to a VPN, but not what you're doing.

5. The VPN server decrypts and forwards your data to the final destination (e.g., Google, Facebook).

6. That website sees your VPN server’s IP, not your real one.

The process is seamless and often takes less than a second.

 Protocols: The Secret Sauce Behind VPN Speed & Security

VPNs use protocols to determine how your data is encrypted and routed. Here are the most common ones:

Protocol	Best For	Speed	Security	Common Usage
OpenVPN	Balanced security/speed	Medium	Very High	General-purpose, reliable
WireGuard	New & modern	Very High	High	Streaming, gaming, and speed needs
IKEv2/IPSec	Mobile-friendly	High	High	Switching between Wi-Fi/data
L2TP/IPSec	Outdated but usable	Low	Moderate	Legacy systems

For most users, WireGuard or OpenVPN is the sweet spot. They're fast, reliable, and extremely secure.

VPN Myths: Let’s Clear These Up

Myth 1: VPNs Make You Totally Anonymous.
Nope. VPNs increase your privacy, but total anonymity requires more tools (like using Tor, disabling cookies, etc.).

Myth 2: VPNs Are Only for Hackers or Journalists.
Wrong again. Anyone who values privacy, wants to unlock content, or use public Wi-Fi securely benefits from a VPN.

Myth 3: Free VPNs Are Just As Good.
Big mistake. Most free VPNs log your data, inject ads, and offer slow speeds. They’re often worse than no VPN at all.

Choosing the Right VPN (Beginner-Friendly Picks)

When choosing a VPN, you should consider:

• Ease of use

• No-logs policy

• Number of server locations

• Speed

• Compatibility with streaming

• Price

Here’s a beginner- and intermediate-friendly comparison table to help you choose:

VPN Name	Best For	Logging Policy	Speed	Streaming	Free Trial	Price (Starting)
NordVPN	All-rounder	No Logs	Fast	Yes (Netflix, etc.)	30-day money-back	$3.49/mo
Surfshark	Budget & Unlimited	No Logs	Very Fast	Yes	30-day money-back	$2.49/mo
ExpressVPN	Privacy & Reliability	No Logs	Fast	Yes	30-day money-back	$6.67/mo
ProtonVPN	Free & Privacy-focused	No Logs	Moderate	Yes (on Plus)	Free version	$4.99/mo
CyberGhost	Streaming Ease	No Logs	Fast	Yes	45-day money-back	$2.19/mo

💡 Tip: Avoid VPNs that promise "100% free forever" with no data limits. If you’re not paying with money, you’re paying with your data.

7. Bonus: What Else Can VPNs Do?

Besides privacy and geo-unblocking, VPNs offer some additional benefits:

• ✅ Secure Torrenting – Mask your IP while downloading.

• ✅ Protection on Public Wi-Fi – Safe browsing at cafes, airports, etc.

• ✅ Bypass Censorship – Access blocked websites in restricted countries.

• ✅ Avoid Bandwidth Throttling – Stop your ISP from slowing you down during heavy use.

🧭 So... Which One Should You Choose?

Surfshark is a great budget option with unlimited device support. If privacy is your top priority, if you're just starting out, NordVPN and ProtonVPN are excellent picks. And if you want something fast, secure, and polished, ExpressVPN is a solid bet.

Whatever you choose, make sure to:

1. Enable the kill switch (it blocks the internet if the VPN disconnects).

2. Use secure protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.

3. Keep your VPN app updated.

✅ Final Thoughts

    VPNs are no longer niche tools used only by techies. They’re becoming essential in a world where data is currency, and privacy is power. Whether you're trying to stream shows not available in your country, protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, or just stay safe from snoopers, a VPN gives you that peace of mind.

Ready to give one a shot? Check the links below to get started with your preferred VPN. Most of them come with a money-back guarantee, so there's zero risk in trying.

Stay safe out there. The internet is awesome, but even better when you control how much of yourself you reveal.