After Congress killed FCC rules preventing ISPs from selling your browsing history, searches for tools that mask Internet traffic spiked. That includes virtual private network (VPN) apps.
VPNs protect your privacy and prevent cyberattacks by encrypting your data and creating secure tunnels that extend over public Internet infrastructure. But they don’t stop all hacks.
Encryption
Encryption converts human-readable data into an encoded format that can only be unlocked using a key. It’s an essential component of data security and is widely used by individuals and organizations alike to protect their information from unauthorized access and theft. It’s also often required from a compliance perspective, particularly for highly sensitive or private information like credit card numbers, Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers, wages, and other financial details.
Encoding data into ciphertext involves applying mathematical models to transform it into an unreadable form. It is called encryption, and it helps to protect the confidentiality of digital data stored on computer systems or transmitted across a network, such as the Internet. To decode ciphertext back into readable data, the receiving party must have the same or a different cryptographic key (also known as an encryption key). Secure encryption methods have high enough complexity that third parties can’t brute-force guess which string of numbers is correct, nor can they run through all possible combinations using a computer.
A common type of encryption is symmetric encryption, which uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. It’s often used for data at rest or stored on a server or database. A more secure type of encryption is asymmetric encryption, which uses two separate keys, one for encoding and the other for decoding. This method is preferred for networks that quickly transmit large amounts of data, such as the Internet.
Transport encryption is another commonly used type of encryption, which encrypts data sent between devices or apps. Many popular messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp, use this technology to ensure that only the sender and recipient can read messages. Web browsers also typically rely on transport encryption to keep personal browsing information from being visible to website owners, advertisers, and hackers.
Field-level encryption is another valuable type of encryption, which encrypts specific fields on webpages to keep sensitive information, such as passwords, private. Websites increasingly use this technology to protect visitors’ privacy and comply with industry regulations.
Privacy
Privacy is being free from unwanted or unauthorized access to one’s data. This information can include one’s name, address, email address, and phone number; it can also include what websites people visit, who they talk to on social media, and the online products they buy. Privacy is essential to one’s sense of security and autonomy, so protecting our privacy online is vital.
What is a VPN used for? Through IP address masking, encryption, and the creation of a private data tunnel that thwarts cyberattacks, VPNs protect our privacy online. When we use a VPN, our web connections are routed through the encrypted tunnel, meaning only our VPN server can see our digital footprints. It is beneficial when we’re using a public Wi-Fi network, as it prevents other users on that same network from eavesdropping on our data and activity.
When we connect to a VPN, our visible IP address is changed to the one associated with the VPN server. It means that even if a website, third-party tracker, or cyberattacker could find our original IP address, they could only see the encrypted data tunnel that leads back to the VPN server. It helps to protect our online search history from being viewed or sold and safeguards our freedom of speech online.
Another way that VPNs help to protect our privacy is by blocking cookies, which are tiny files stored on our devices by the websites we visit. These cookies can identify us and allow the sites to “remember” our activities, like what we’ve clicked on or what items we’ve added to our shopping carts.
While VPNs do a great job of protecting our privacy from the prying eyes of hackers and other online predators, they’re not designed to shield our devices from viruses or malware. For this reason, taking additional precautions when browsing the Internet is essential, such as using a trusted antivirus program and practicing essential cybersecurity habits.
Security
When it comes to cybersecurity, encryption is critical. A VPN protects your online data from cyberattacks by encrypting your internet traffic, which makes it harder for hackers to intercept your information and send you malware. VPNs also help to keep your device safe by hiding your physical location. It is done by spoofing your GPS so that websites that would otherwise use your GPS coordinates to track you only see the IP address of a VPN server in another location.
VPNs can also help you to avoid leaving a digital footprint by eliminating your search history and cookies. By encrypting your online data, VPNs can prevent third parties from tracking your browsing and buying behavior without your consent.
A VPN’s encryption methods make it harder for identity thieves and other cybercriminals to eavesdrop on your online activity. As you connect to a VPN, your data is sent through an encrypted tunnel to a server operated by the provider. The data is then rerouted to the site you’re trying to visit, meaning anyone monitoring your network connection can only see the encrypted data, not your internet activities.
Lastly, VPNs can help you bypass geographical restrictions on specific sites or services by allowing you to select a server from another country, giving you access to more content. It is essential if you live in a region where the Internet is censored or blocked by the government or other organizations.
Of course, relying solely on encryption and a VPN to protect your privacy is insufficient. Taking other security precautions, like using a strong password manager and enabling two-factor authentication for all your accounts, is still essential. Additionally, practicing good online hygiene would help by clearing your browser cache and deleting cookies regularly. Finally, using a VPN with features that prevent DNS and WebRTC leaks is essential so your browsing activity isn’t exposed to third-party servers.
Accessibility
Whether they have a permanent condition such as blindness or temporary issues like a broken arm that prevents them from using their dominant hand to click a mouse, people with disabilities face challenges when trying to use technology. Access to tools and services designed to their unique needs is necessary for them to complete tasks crucial to their careers, personal lives, or family functions.
Digital accessibility is a set of best practices that ensures equitable usage of tools and resources, free of barriers or the threat of harm. It’s a core principle at Northwestern, where we strive to keep our campus and online community safe and ensure that technology’s benefits are available to everyone.
A vital aspect of this effort is ensuring that our employees can fully use all the collaboration and communication tools they need for their jobs and that we can help them navigate any technical challenges they might encounter. To do this, we provide them with centralized channels for requests, suggestions, and complaints, publicly promote our policies and procedures, encourage participation in employee engagement surveys, and conduct regular formal testing and evaluation of systems by accessibility experts.
For people with cognitive impairments, the challenge can be even more significant. For instance, it’s essential to use precise language in written content and ensure that pages and apps are organized with predictable layouts. It’s also necessary to permit keyboard access to every feature and to provide alternative text for images.
Hackers don’t always have to lurk on the Internet to find their targets — they sometimes hang out in airport lobbies or coffee shops, where people are more likely to use unprotected devices on public Wi-Fi networks. With some know-how, these attackers can intercept data from those devices and steal contact information, passwords, Social Security numbers, insurance credentials, and other personally identifiable information (PII). VPNs protect against this by encrypting internet traffic and masking your IP address so hackers can’t see your online activity.
With the right balance of security and accessibility, modern technology can perfectly balance robust control and inclusive digital experiences. It helps individuals enjoy more socially inclusive services while staying safe online, making it easier for companies to comply with tightening regulations.
