VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and one of the provider's servers. As a result, the website you visit sees the VPN server ✕ A server is a powerful computer that provides data or services to other devices — for example serving a website or storing your cloud files. More in the glossary → 's IP address ✕ An IP address is the unique number that makes your device reachable online — like a postal address for data packets. It can reveal your rough location and internet provider. More in the glossary → instead of your real one, keeping your location and identity hidden. It also stops anyone from intercepting your data along the way, such as on public Wi-Fi. People use a VPN mainly for privacy, security on untrusted networks, and to bypass geo-blocking ✕ Geo-blocking restricts online content based on the user's location. With a VPN that shows an IP address from another country, it can often be bypassed. More in the glossary → . Hallmarks of a good one are a credible no-logs policy ✕ A no-logs policy means a VPN provider keeps no records of your online activity. That way there's nothing to hand over or steal in a breach. More in the glossary → , modern protocols like WireGuard ✕ WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol known for high speed and strong encryption with a lean codebase. It has become the new standard. More in the glossary → , and a kill switch ✕ A kill switch instantly cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops. This keeps your real IP address from being exposed unprotected. More in the glossary → . See the best VPN comparison.