How Virtual Private Networks Operate to Enhance Cybersecurity

Defining VPN in Computer Networking

The purpose of this paper is to provide a definition and explanation of a virtual private network (VPN) which is a key concept in information technology (security and network technologies). The explanation that follows includes selected quotes to provide some definitional clarity of the term and the key concepts that are involved as well as the different types of VPNs and how they are related to other relevant concepts. Finally, a description of an example based on this writer’s empirical experiences with VPNs is followed by a summary of the research and important findings concerning these issues in the conclusion.

Two different definitions of VPN and commentary concerning how it is defined, highlighting the key concepts involved

Although there is no universally agreed upon definition, the cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky define a VPN as “a protected network connection when using public networks [which] encrypt your internet traffic and disguise your online identity [making] it more difficult for third parties to track your activities online and steal data” (What is a VPN?, 2022, para. 3). By contrast, Cisco defines VPNs as “an encrypted connection over the Internet from a device to a network [which] helps ensure that sensitive data is safely transmitted [by] preventing unauthorized people from eavesdropping on the traffic and allowing the user to conduct work remotely” (How a VPN works, 2022, para. 2). These definitions underscore the security aspects of VPN usage, including most especially the ability of these applications to protect individual identities when using Web-based services as well as providing cybersecurity for individuals who are working remotely.

Explain the different types of this concept and/or how the term is related to other concepts

First introduced about a quarter century ago (Crawshaw, 2021), VPNs are available in a number of different configurations, all of which are intended to accomplish the above-stated outcomes of maintaining the anonymity of users and protecting the data they transmit and receive while online (Paul, 2022). Virtual private networks are related to other concepts such as encryption, data security and data collection protocols using online resources (Paul, 2022). In addition, VPNs are also related to the concepts of remote access and site-to-site security protections (How a VPN works, 2022).

Explain the significance of VPNs for information security

By encrypting online transmissions in real time, VPNs provide an important added layer of protection that enhances other computer-based information security protocols (What is a VPN?, 2022).

Use of the term to describe an example from this writer’s own experience

Beyond the foregoing attributes, another important feature of VPNs for users is their ability to change the virtual location of users to other countries where they may be blocked from access otherwise. For instance, users in the United States may not be able to access Web sites in the UK and vice versa, but a VPN allows them to gain such access by changing their country of origin.

Conclusion

There was a high degree of congruence between the above-cited definitions of VPN, differing only in their respective descriptions of its various features and their relative importance for users. The research also showed that VPNs are related to other concepts such as encryption, data security and data collection. Finally, VPNs were shown to be significant for information security based on their ability to encrypt online transmissions in real time as well as protecting the identify of users.