Skip to content
SecTepeMit Sicherheit gut aufgestellt!
DE
Glossary

What is a VPN? Meaning, Benefits & Protective Measures

What does VPN mean? A Virtual Private Network encrypts data traffic through a secure tunnel. Learn how it works, how businesses use it and its limits.

Definition: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an encrypted link between a device and a remote network over the public internet. This link is often called a tunnel. Firms use VPNs so that staff can reach in-house systems safely while on the move. They also use them to link sites with each other.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is mainly used to make your time online more private and more secure. It builds a safe link between your device and the internet. It encrypts your data, so others cannot listen in.

How does a VPN work?

Encryption

A VPN encrypts your data traffic. So attackers, internet service providers or hackers cannot see it. The VPN uses protocols such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec and IKEv2/IPsec for this.

IP address masking

A VPN hides your real IP address. It gives you a new IP address that belongs to a VPN server. This helps protect who you are. It also helps you get around regional limits on the web.

Benefits of a VPN

More security

A VPN adds an extra layer of security. It encrypts data traffic and blocks access by people who should not have it. It protects you against cyberattacks, most of all on public Wi-Fi.

Privacy and anonymity

A VPN masks your IP address and sends your data through an encrypted tunnel. That makes what you do online anonymous. Your internet service provider cannot track what you do, and your sensitive data stays safe.

Access to blocked content

A VPN lets you reach content that is blocked in your country or on your network. Such blocks may be based on where you are or on the rules of an institution. This covers streaming services, websites and apps that are blocked in some regions.

Avoiding data surveillance

A VPN can stop your internet service provider or government agencies from watching you. This protects your personal data and what you do in your browser.

Use cases for VPNs

Securing public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are open to cyberattacks. When you connect through a VPN, your data traffic is encrypted on any type of network. So you can browse safely.

Remote work

With a VPN, staff can reach the company network safely from wherever they are. This matters a lot now that so many people work remotely.

Protection against internet censorship

Some countries censor the internet heavily. A VPN can help get around such blocks and give access to the open internet.

What to look for when choosing a VPN

Protocol types

A good VPN should offer a choice of protocols. This keeps you flexible and secure. Good protocols are OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec and WireGuard.

No-logging policy

Make sure the VPN provider does not keep log files of what you do. Only then is your privacy safe.

Speed and bandwidth

A VPN should not slow down your internet by much. Look for providers known for fast links and unlimited bandwidth.

Number of server locations

More server locations give you more ways to get around geo-blocks. They also help you find the fastest link.

Best practices for using VPNs in organizations

A VPN only secures remote access if it is set up well. Firms should follow these proven steps:

  • Multi-factor authentication: Protect VPN access with a password and one more factor.
  • Prompt patching: VPN gateways can be reached from the internet and are often attacked. So install security updates for them first.
  • Current protocols: Use current protocols and strong encryption. Turn off old methods such as PPTP.
  • Least privilege: Give VPN users access only to the systems they truly need, not to the whole internal network.
  • Logging and monitoring: Check VPN logins so you spot odd access early, for example from regions you do not expect.
  • Secured endpoints: Only allow managed devices that are up to date. A hacked device can use the tunnel to get into the company network.

Challenges and limits

  • No all-round protection: A VPN encrypts the link. It does not protect against phishing, malware or unsafe websites.
  • Stolen credentials: If attackers get hold of VPN logins, they get straight into the internal network. Multi-factor authentication and network segments limit this risk.
  • Speed and scale: Many remote links at the same time need gateways and bandwidth of the right size.
  • Trust in the provider: With a commercial VPN service, all traffic runs through the provider. Check carefully whether you can trust them.

Future trends

  • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): ZTNA does not grant broad network access. It checks access to each single app again and again. More and more, ZTNA adds to or replaces the classic VPN.
  • Lean protocols: Modern protocols such as WireGuard use a small code base and current cryptography.
  • Post-quantum cryptography: Some data must stay safe for a long time. For such data, it pays more and more to prepare for quantum-safe methods.

Your next step

Our experts help you check your current VPN setup for weak spots. They help you design safe remote access. If needed, they also help you plan the move to zero trust.

More terms in “Network Security”

All terms in “Network Security” →