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You've heard the term VPN before. Especially if you sometimes go to YouTube where some videographers partner with big names, like NordVPN, for their videos. But, despite the explanations of the creators, the concept of VPN may seem a little fuzzy to you. However, their use is as simple as it is accessible. You can even discover an unsuspected use for them.

Setting up and working a VPN

VPN is an acronym whose meaning is "Virtual Private Network". The VPN presents itself as a software to install on your devices, usually computers, smartphones or sometimes TVs.

When it's done, depending on your VPN client, you can connect to servers scattered around the world. NordVPN, for example, offers 5,613 servers in 60 countries. Once connected to one of these servers, it's as if your connection to the Internet is in a secure tunnel that no one has access to. Thus, you can walk quietly on the web without running the risk of having your activity revealed to everyone, even to your own ISP.

Because with the VPN, you get a new IP address. This is a sequence of numbers that can allow anyone who owns it to locate you precisely. Behind your VPN connection, you will be invisible. But this is not its only use. Today, VPNs act as real bulwarks between the devices where they are installed and virtual attacks. Data theft, viruses, identity theft, phishing, intrusive ads, malware: VPNs can fight all these threats and more with just a few clicks.

The VPN works as an intermediary, an extra step between you and the internet, for your greater good. Because the VPN is almost invisible on your machines: once launched and connected to a remote server, it works in the background without consuming power and without interfering with your classic use of your PC or smartphone.

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What is the purpose of a VPN?

First of all, the most useful aspect for a VPN is security in the broadest sense. It has already been mentioned, but the anonymization of your Internet browsing is a real asset for the protection of your data. Thanks to VPNs' military-grade encryption, absolutely no one can gain access to your activity. If a malicious person were to recover your browsing data, it would be fully encrypted and they would not be able to do anything with it.

The VPN allows you to browse the internet anonymously. If, in general, this function is very convenient, it is especially useful if you are used to connecting to public networks. Indeed, these networks often offered in restaurants or train stations, for example, allow many users to enjoy the Internet, but at what cost? Anyone can have access to anyone's information and a smart guy can easily retrieve your data. Hence the point of hiding behind your VPN connection.

Changing your IP address isn't just about hiding your activity. By virtually changing countries through your VPN client's servers, you can bypass the geo-restrictions of certain sites. It allows you to access normally inaccessible sites and discover new content. Or, if you are traveling abroad and want to access French sites, you can connect via the VPN.

This function allows many versatile uses. You can, for example, connect to the international versions of the largest streaming platforms and enjoy their catalog and exclusives. Or, when planning a holiday abroad, you can access better prices by connecting directly to the destination country to book your flight, hotel or car rental.

Add to that some functions a little more advanced, but very simple to use or set up. Like the Mesh network, allowing to create a secure connection between several computers. Allowing data exchange and file sharing without risk of corruption or theft. Or, for gamers, to play as if they were in LAN with distant friends. Another example is split tunneling. This feature allows you to split your connection in two: one part going through the VPN and the other not, very useful if you need to access sites with your classic IP address and other domains while being hidden.

Is using a VPN legal?

The question of legality often comes up when talking about VPNs and for good reason: accessing geographically restricted sites, hiding online activity, watching streaming platforms abroad can seem borderline legal.

In France, using a VPN is all that is legal. Indeed, this service must be seen as a means of protecting your privacy, your data and your equipment. However, what you need to keep in mind is that using a VPN does not allow you to engage in illegal activities on the Internet.

In some countries, such as China, Iran, Russia or Tunisia for example, using a VPN is illegal. So if you travel, do not hesitate to find out about the legislation of the country visited before you go there. Especially if you use your VPN often, so you don't get into trouble on the spot.

What are the most popular VPNs in 2023?

If you are looking to secure the services of a VPN, it is strongly advised to turn to a paid solution. There are free VPNs on the market, but these are to be avoided, because behind the free hides the resale of your personal information, sometimes even your bandwidth.

It is best to turn to the big players in the market, whose security has been tested by audits and continues to be verified regularly. Especially since they all offer trial periods of 30 or 45 days during which you have access to all of their functions. If the service does not suit you, you can terminate unconditionally at any time and have the entire subscription refunded.

Among the best VPNs on the market, you can find:

  • NordVPN: A secure and reliable VPN with a wide range of servers in many countries to ensure online privacy and bypass geo-restrictions.
  • Surfshark: An affordable VPN with advanced features, like ad-blocking and the ability to connect to an unlimited number of devices, ideal for cross-platform users.
  • CyberGhost: A user-friendly VPN with an intuitive user interface and streaming-optimized servers, providing a secure and fast browsing experience to protect your online privacy.

What to remember about using a VPN:

  • It is totally legal and authorized, at least in France.
  • The VPN is used to protect your data and identity online.
  • Take advantage of the free trial periods to test different VPNs and find the one you need.

Subscribing to a VPN means choosing peace of mind and security for all the devices where it is installed. With intuitive and modern interfaces, they are easy to learn, where everything is automated for your comfort. Having almost no impact on the quality of your connection, they open the field of possibilities for an Internet with virtually no limits.

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