1. VPN
Joshua Turner

2. VPN – What is it?
VPN or “Virtual Private Network” is a type of network configuration used in order to keep yourself more secure online.
VPN’s allows a user’s connection to become secure, this means they have features to:
-Data Encryption
-Online Anonymity
-Private traffic data
-Spoofed Geolocation
VPN’s are available on PC’s, Mobiles, and Tablets.

3. Where is it used?
VPN’s can be used anywhere. As long as you have the correct network configuration (either Ethernet/LAN or Wi-Fi for PC’s, or Mobile Data or Wi-Fi for portable devices), and the firewall on your device has been set up to allow VPN access. Setting up a simple VPN is as easy as this:
- Install your client of choice (E.g. SurfVPN)
- Install their VPN Network Adapter (Some VPN’s exist as extensions for Browsers such as Tunnelbear)
- Choose your Source (VPN Location, such as USA, or Japan)
- Test connection (Use something like Google, or Netflix to see if you get signed into – for example, when using Japan) the “.jp” website)
- Enjoy!

4. Why are VPN’s used?
Whilst providing security, VPN’s also have several other features, such as: Hide Traffic – Meaning ISP’s or hackers cannot see incoming or outgoing traffic from your machine Geolocation Spoofing – This enables the user to view content that may not be available in their county (e.g. American Netflix) Proxy – VPN’s can be used as a workaround to visit restricted sites on a network Monitor Traffic – A VPN can also be used to monitor traffic on a network Ad-Blocking – Some VPN’s include an advertisement blocking feature

5. Benefits Benefits of a VPN are:
Security - Safe and secure browsing – even when using public connections (such as ones found in Airports , or McDonalds)
Privacy - Anonymity online – with traffic protection and location spoofing, you have less chance of any activity that may be found on your network, actually being linked to you
Freedom - Proxy Workaround – You can access country-restricted sites – This can include games, news, and other media consumption.

6. Disadvantages
Can be costly – depending on the configuration which is chosen, VPN’s can cost (especially on mobile) or ones that are free may contain a data cap
Slow – As you are connecting to a server, to then connect to the internet, you may experience slowdown, especially if they have high traffic, or are in a further geological location

7. Example
Application for PC – Tunnelbear VPN – Comes as an extension to your web browser (such as Chrome or Firefox) or as a standalone desktop application - FREE
Application for Mobiles – Surfeasy – Used for iOS and Android, free with 500MB usage per day, however features adblocking and traffic monitoring. – Works with Wireless and Data connections.

8. VPN WARNING “Hola”
If anyone’s ever been interested in things like American Netflix, or getting around Youtube’s restrictions, a popular solution was a browser extension called “Hola”.
However, recently Hola has been attacked and anyone who has the extension installed is vulnerable to having unauthorised background scripts ran on their machines.
If you have it installed, or know of anyone who does, please uninstall it immediately to ensure security
Please visit this website to learn more -