The History of VPNs

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and is used to prevent hackers or attackers being able to access sensitive information from another user online. VPNs work through tunnelling a connection to the internet through the server of the VPN provider, encrypting and disguising the user’s IP address.

This means that the user will be provided with another IP address, keeping their own private from other online users. A simple way to envision a VPN is to imagine it as a private connection which exists within a general or broader connection. This allows users to transfer their data securely, with authentication required to decrypt any data which has been transmitted.

There are many VPN providers available, some which cater for businesses or large organisations and some which cater for more individual purposes. It is important that customers understand the advantages and disadvantages of using VPNs before they select which one offers their desired features.

When Were VPNs Invented?

VPNs were created around 1996 by Microsoft.

Employees within the organisation created a peer to peer tunnelling protocol, also referred to as a point to point tunnelling protocol or PPTN. It was created to ensure connections between users were completely secure. This security was established through the encryption of data and forming a tunnel through a WAN or LAN connection. In the modern day, the creator of the VPN has not been verified.

In order to transmit information securely, users needed their own individual login. This required them to have their own individual username, password and server address before they could transmit any data using the VPN. Logins could be created based on demand, meaning that all users within an organisation could be provided with access to the VPN server.

Until the early 2000s, point to point tunnelling protocols and other forms of VPN which were newly created were typically used solely within business settings. They were used by employees with the hope of improving security through protecting the organisation from data breaches.

In spite of this, the general public began to have increased access to the internet and consequently there was an increased demand for VPNs. This is because using a VPN was deemed to be the most secure way to protect data online. In the modern day, many people use VPNs as they are seen as additional protection online.

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Which Tunnelling Methods Were Used For The First VPNs?

When point to point tunnelling protocols were created, there were two tunnelling methods available to users. These were referred to as voluntary and compulsory tunnelling.

Voluntary tunnelling does not require any additional support from hardware or a network device such as a router. This type of tunnelling is initiated by the users themselves and as such is referred to as voluntary.

Compulsory tunnelling operates slightly differently. Support from hardware or network devices is required for this type of tunnelling to take place, and it is always initiated by the server as opposed to an individual user.

What Are The Basic Types of VPN?

The basic types of VPN are the Secure Socket Layer, Internet Protocol Security and Mobile VPN. In addition to this, there are VPNs available for business, individual use and multi and single protocols, each priced differently based on features and provider.

A Mobile VPN is a private network which is used on a mobile basis. They can be used over wireless connections and are also ideal for when user are constantly moving in and out of range. Their data compression tends to be more advanced than that of alternative VPNs, which means that less battery power and memory is required to use them, meaning that all of the usual benefits associated with the use of a VPN are available and optimised for mobile devices.

Internet Protocol Security is a way of securely transferring data over an Internet Protocol Network. This offers a broad application and as a consequence is a type of VPN which is frequently used. Encryption and authentication is required to successfully use Internet Protocol Security, with a four step system in place.

In the first instance, the origin of the data should be encrypted before the data itself is encrypted. The data can then be transmitted as it’s integrity undergoes a check, ensuring that the data transmitted is accurate and has not been altered at all. Afterwards, detecting packets should be received twice to ensure that there is no denial of service.

Secure Socket Layers (SSL) are usually used without the user even being aware that they are in place. They are frequently used for online shopping in order to conceal a user’s payment deals. This prevents them for being accessed by unwanted users. In order for this type of VPN to be established, the online retailer will be required to install a Secure Socket Layer certificate onto their server. This certificate should always be obtained from a verified authority to demonstrate that the network can be trusted.