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With all the press about VPNs or virtual private networks, you’d think it was the latest technology. Not true. VPNs have been around since 1995 when a Microsoft employee developed a point-to-point protocol. Governments and businesses have been using VPNs for years. Only recently has the technology and business models evolved so that anybody can have a VPN connection. You can even use a VPN on your iPhone.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for virtual private network. It creates a connection between an iPhone, IPad or other devices to a secure network. It is designed to provide a secure connection when using a less secure network such as a public WiFi network or a mobile device.
A VPN connection uses secure protocols to send and receive encrypted data. It also encrypts the IP or network addresses of both the sender and receiver for added security for online activities. A VPN may serve as the gateway to restricted resources such as corporate or government networks. If unauthorized users attempt to access a VPN, they will be denied unless they can provide authentication factors such as passwords, tokens or security codes.
How Does a VPN Work?
Connecting devices such as iPhones must have a VPN client installed. This app is available from the VPN provider. Once installed and configured, the client app automatically connects to the VPN provider whenever the application is activated.
This point-to-point connection means that unauthorized users cannot access the data being sent through the link. This secure connection, when used over an unsecured WiFi such as in an airport or hotel, prevents unauthorized access to information. For remote workers or freelancers, VPNs provide a safe means for accessing protected data. Once activated on a device, the VPN client runs in the background and is not noticed by the end-user.
Installing a VPN Client
To connect a device to a VPN requires a VPN client. Each VPN provider has a different client, so the first step is to decide on a VPN provider. Once you’ve found a provider, you will need to download and install the VPN client according to the provider’s instructions. After the app is installed, you are ready to configure the VPN on your iPhone.
There are two options for setting up and configuring a VPN client on your iPhone. You can choose to have the VPN automatically configured, or you can configure the client manually. The following sections describe how to set up or configure a VPN on your iPhone.
Setting Up a VPN on Your iPhone
The simplest way to get a VPN client up and running is to have the VPN connection configured automatically.
- Open the VPN app on your iPhone.
- Sign in to your account.
- Tap Allow to add a VPN configuration.
- Enter your passcode or use your Touch ID to let the VPN settings be changed.
After the VPN is configured, you can enable the VPN client using the following steps:
- Tap Settings.
- Select General.
- Select VPN.
- Select VPN client. If you have more than one client, select the one you want to use.
- Turn the Status switch to on.
The VPN connection is up and running. Be sure to change the VPN status to Off when you are finished using the VPN. If you don’t, you will be charged for the time the connection is open even if it is not used.
Configuring a VPN on Your iPhone
Configuring your iPhone manually requires information such as the type of VPN protocol, the server ID and description and whether proxies are used. If you do not have access to this information, contact your VPN provider or network administrator.
- Tap Settings.
- Select General.
- Select VPN.
- Choose Add VPN Configuration.
- Select Type.
- Select VPN type. VPN type refers to the type of protocol being used.
- Enter your VPN settings. The required information varies depending on the type of VPN selected. For example, IKEv2 requires a remote ID, but L2TP requires a pre-shared key.
- Enter your Authentication login. Again, the information may be different depending on the VPN connection or provider. It may be a username and password or a certificate and password.
- Choose Manual or Auto if a proxy is used.
- Tap Done.
- Turn the Status switch to on.
The VPN connection is up and running. Be sure to change the VPN status to Off when you are finished using the VPN. If you don’t, you will be charged for the time the connection is open even if it is not used.
When to Use a VPN?
The honest answer is whenever you want to protect your identity and data. If that’s not enough of a reason, here are a few more.
- VPNs do not expose your identity so you can shop anonymously.
- With VPNs, you appear as residing in your country of origin, which may allow you to access social media sites in countries where they are prohibited.
- The added security makes it safer to shop online in other countries.
- VPNs make using airport or hotel WiFi more secure.
- VPNs let you access streaming services when you travel.
Using VPN technology means taking control of the security of your identity and your data.
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