While it’s not always necessary for the end user to understand the details of how a virtual private network with automatic encryption works, it’s helpful to have a sense of the basics. The simplest definition of a VPN is that it’s a security network for all of your internet-connected devices. The VPN encrypts data by running it through an algorithm that transforms the data into a code that only people with access to a secret key can read. This cryptographic method protects sensitive data such as credit card numbers by encoding and transforming information unreadable text. It’s a necessary element of any data security strategy.
What is VPN encryption and how does a VPN encrypt data?
What is automatic encryption?
Automatic encryption is simply the second level of security added to the security provided by a virtual private network. Automatic encryption means that the person using the device doesn’t have to do a thing -- that without any additional action on the part of the user, any data traveling on the VPN will be automatically encrypted, or changed into unreadable code. This encryption occurs before the data leaves the device, so that not only the data pathway is secure, but the data itself is protected as well.
While a VPN service is like having your own private airplane, private airspace, and private airport too, a VPN with automatic encryption means your airplane has a cloaking system that hides the plane itself!
When your devices are connected to the most secure VPN service, all of your information is protected through automatic encryption. No matter where you are, VPN encryption allows you to hide or change your location, protect your emails, texts, video conversations, online banking information -- anything and everything you do or see via the internet.
Will I look suspicious if I use a VPN?
Absolutely not! In fact, conducting business over the internet without an encrypted VPN is simply a sign of overconfidence. Most of us have unknowingly used an encrypted VPN if we’ve been given access to a company’s intranet, if we’ve logged into a university database, or other private servers, and there’s nothing suspicious about it. A VPN not only provides access to resources or information that you may not be able to access on another network, it’s justified protection from an existential threat.
But I have nothing to hide!
Not true. For example, if you have a social security number, you have something of value, and something to hide. If someone can get ahold of your social security number, they can go online to the IRS, and using some of the archaic technology that the government still has, they can file a fraudulent return on your behalf. By doing so, they can receive a tax refund check, which can cause an immense amount of damage, and cost your both time and money to rectify. But if you file your taxes across a VPN, you’re protected. It’s that simple.
Mobile devices and GPS
Another reason to consider using a VPN is that Mobile devices are especially susceptible to cyber attacks due to their capability to run GPS location services, which are heavily used by social media, navigation, web browsers, and other mobile-centric applications. These services allow a GPS-acquired location to be mapped to the corresponding businesses or other establishments close to that location.
For those who are concerned about organizational security and personal privacy, it’s important to know that mobile devices with location services enabled are at increased risk of targeted attacks. Users are more vulnerable because it is easier for potential attackers to determine where the user and the mobile device are. This information can be correlated with information from other sources, such as who the user associates with, or the kinds of activities they perform in specific locations, and ultimately used for malicious purposes. A VPN with automatic encryption, however, will prevent access to this information.
Automatic Encryption Provides Safety for All Users
Now that you know how VPN encryption works, it’s easy to see that anyone who uses the internet can benefit from the protections offered by an encrypted VPN. Whether you file your taxes online, handle sensitive data connected to your business, are a researcher downloading information from a variety of sources and locations, a frequent traveller or a public wifi user, an encrypted VPN will protect you from cyber criminals, hackers, advertisers, or websites looking for your information.
At Total Digital Security, we take your privacy seriously, so that whatever data you send, whatever you download, no matter what Wifi you use, your information is yours, and yours alone. Click the links to see more about purchasing a mobile VPN or Router Network Security with encryption.
Total Digital Security (TDS) offers the most secure virtual private network available, with automatic encryption for complete network and WiFi privacy and security, and no perceptible impact on your devices. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to connect with us at (877) 643-6391, or complete our contact form.