VPN software establishes an encrypted virtual tunnel between your device and a remote server in a location of your choice. This creates a secure connection between you and the public internet, hiding your IP address, disguising your location, and protecting your web activity from outside monitoring.
A virtual private network (VPN) service works by encrypting your internet connection and re-routing your data through a remote VPN server. This makes it a valuable tool for protecting your internet privacy, security, and freedom.
In this guide, we explain exactly how VPN software works to hide your public IP address and encrypt your internet connection.
By following the process above, VPN software lets you mask your IP address from the websites you’re visiting and hide your online activity from your ISP, WiFi administrator, or anyone else monitoring your connection.
We’ve been testing and reviewing VPN services since 2016. We also publish VPN research and advice to help protect your internet privacy and security.