What Is VPN Encryption?

Since online privacy and security have become such important features in today’s age, one service has stood out – VPNs. VPNs promise security and anonymity for online activities, but how do they do this? At the centre of VPNs are their encryption protocols.

 

What Is a VPN?

 

A Virtual Private Network is a service that provides anonymity and security by securing your online data and activity through encryption and secure tunnels.

 

What Does a VPN Do?

 

A VPN reroutes your data through a remote server and an encrypted tunnel, ensuring that prying eyes can’t monitor your online activity. By doing this, your IP address is also masked, helping to keep your identity and location hidden.

A VPN is very useful when trying to avoid tracking by hackers or ISPs, bypass geo-restricted content, and stay safe when connected to public Wi-Fi.

 

 

What Is VPN Encryption?

 

VPN encryption is a process where your data, transmitted between your device and the server, is scrambled in such a way that unwanted parties cannot easily view or use it.

When you connect to a VPN, an encryption key is generated, and only you have access to this key, meaning it can only be deciphered with it. If unauthorised parties gain access to your data, they will not have the relevant encryption key to decipher it.

 

Do VPNs Use Encryption?

 

VPNs aim to create a secure and private online experience by using encryption. All VPNs use encryption, but not all use the same level of encryption.

Some of the best UK VPN providers, such as SurfShark, use 256-bit AES encryption, which is the most robust encryption.

 

Why Is VPN Encryption Needed?

 

Encryption is beneficial for many reasons. Here are some of the most common:

 

Securing Your Data

 

If hackers gain access to your online data, it will be a jumbled mess that is difficult to decipher. Encryption ensures your data is secured in a way that makes it very hard to intercept and interpret.

 

Privacy

 

Encryption is essential for keeping your internet activity private. It ensures that your internet traffic is encrypted and remains private from prying eyes, such as ISPs, governments, and hackers.

 

Security On Public Wi-Fi’s

 

Public Wi-Fi is notorious for being a breeding ground for hackers and malicious activity. Encryption keeps your data, such as passwords and location, safe while still allowing you to use public Wi-Fi.

 

Bypass Censorship

 

Encryption allows users to access blocked content without being detected.

 

Prevents Tracking

 

Websites and advertisers often track your online activity and bombard you with targeted ads. Encryption helps eliminate tracking and targeted advertisements.

 

 

How Does VPN Encryption Work?

 

These are the steps that help you understand exactly how encryption works:

 

1. Asymmetric Key Exchange

 

A secure connection is established between your device and a VPN server. During this connection, a private key and a public key are created. The public key is used by the VPN server to encrypt your data, while only the private key can decrypt it.

 

2. Symmetric Key Exchange

 

The same key is used to encrypt and decrypt data. A new unique key is created every few minutes to ensure your data stays secure.

 

3. Encryption Algorithm

 

This step involves using the symmetric key to encrypt all data.

 

4. Integrity Algorithm

 

This ensures successful encryption by verifying that data hasn’t been interfered with during transit.

 

What Are The Types Of Encryption Protocols?

 

Protocols refer to the set of rules for how the network transmits data. Not all encryption is equal – some offer better protection than others. Some of the most commonly used encryption protocols are:

 

OpenVPN

 

OpenVPN is open-source software and is generally considered the most popular protocol. It uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) along with a 256-bit key.

 

WireGuard

 

WireGuard is becoming a popular protocol due to its speed, though it has only been available for two years, so it hasn’t been tested as extensively as OpenVPN.

 

PPTP

 

PPTP is considered a very fast protocol, ideal for users prioritising speed over robust security. However, it is now an outdated protocol.

 

Choosing a VPN With Strong Encryption

 

Choosing the best VPN for security and privacy can seem overwhelming. However, there are a few things to look out for to help you choose a reliable VPN:

• AES-256: Look for AES-256, as this is the industry standard for excellent security.
• Good Protocols: Ensure the VPN uses strong protocols such as OpenVPN or WireGuard, which are updated and offer robust security.
• No-Log Policy: Ensure your VPN does not log your internet data and history.
• Kill Switch: This feature prevents data leaks by halting your internet connection if the VPN connection drops.
• UK-Based Providers: VPN providers such as SurfShark are popular in the UK and offer robust VPNs.

 

 

Is VPN Encryption Necessary?

 

VPN encryption is crucial for a safe online experience, particularly when using public Wi-Fi. Encryption works by scrambling your data with an encryption key, making it look like gibberish. This ensures that even if your data is intercepted, it cannot easily be deciphered or translated.

Choosing a good VPN provider with strong encryption protocols, such as AES-256 and OpenVPN, is essential. VPNs with the latest and fastest encryption protocols tend to offer the most robust security.