How VPN works on Windows and how you can benefit from it

Published on: 10 March 2020 Last Updated on: 21 April 2022
VPN works

Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world. It is estimated that there are more than a billion Windows users worldwide. This extensive usage means that the amount of data available on Windows systems is enormous making them a target for hacks and other kinds of cyberattacks. A recent article published by Forbes reveals that unsigned firmware in laptop cameras, network interface cards, Wi-Fi adapters, and USB hubs puts millions of Windows users at risk of data theft and ransomware attacks.

These threats and vulnerabilities make the use of a VPN for Windows imperative. Here’s how a VPN for Windows works and how people can benefit from it:

How a VPN for Windows works

A VPN for Windows 10 works by plugging the source of all hacks. The user’s IP address, while they are connected to the internet, is what leads cybercriminals to their position and allows them to initiate attacks. VPNs masks this IP address to minimize the ability of any cyber attacker to track and infect the system. The service will effectively eliminate any chances of malware or other bugs being able to reach the system software or hardware.

Did you know that Windows 10, the latest version of the operating system comes with its VPN client too? Windows acknowledges the prevalent threat from cybercrime and provides users with the option to enable data security from within the system. This VPN client can serve as a great complimentary service to a comprehensive VPN but it limits functionality because you can only connect to specific servers and this restricts internet access to a great extent.

The benefits of a VPN for Windows

There are several benefits of a VPN and these go beyond just allowing internet freedom without any restrictions. The main features that a VPN offers revolve around providing elaborate cybersecurity. Cybercriminals and their tactics are constantly evolving and this trend is expected to continue for several years. Here are some of the advantages that a VPN brings when it comes to providing protection against a variety of threats.

Comprehensive cybersecurity

VPNs offer a wide range of options to protect Windows systems against malicious elements online. These include secure servers spread across the globe and state-of-the-art AES encryption services which makes it hard for hackers to steal data emerging from the system. Most leading VPNs have over the top features like public Wi-Fi security, secure DNS, dedicated IPs, internet kill switches, DDoS protection and a lot more besides. All these features are effective in protecting a Windows system against cybercrime threats.

Advanced encryption protocols

Encryption is a vital pillar of cybersecurity and the more elaborate it is the better. Highly rated VPNs make sure that they provide additional encryption protocols for users to support themselves and the protection of their online presence effectively. These advanced protocols can be added on top of the standard features so that the overall strength of encryption can be increased.

Some security steps to help you protect your data online

It is important to note that a VPN alone can’t provide complete cybersecurity. The biggest loophole at times in the protective guard is the user themselves. There are tools and measures that are imperative to be taken in order to ensure that the threat is minimized to a level where it becomes insignificant. Here are some of the most effective tips in this regard:

Use antivirus

A VPN is good at detecting threats that may be incoming but users need something that can deal with elements that have already made their way into the system. This is where a good antivirus comes into play. It screens the device on a regular basis to make sure that no harmful malware is hiding inside the device because viruses have the ability to sit in a device for a long period of time and the user only gets to know about them after it’s too late.

Update all software regularly

Software that is out of date is much more vulnerable to cyberattacks because the development team has stopped working on protecting it. This means that if your software is not updated you are a greater risk of hacks and other attacks as compared to when your applications are up to date.

Install a secure browser like Tor

Tor is one of the browsers that hide user IP addresses as default. The IP originally is public but when you use a browser like Tor, it is masked, to begin with. Tor is not a complete of an alternative of a VPN though because the latter provides a lot of extraordinary features whereas the browser is just a basic service that is not adequate on its own.

Always keep strong passwords

Many of us shy away from strong passwords because they are hard to remember especially since there are so many of them. This is one of the biggest mistakes to make. There are several secure password managers out there which can hold all passwords, auto-fill them when necessary and take the burden of remembering them off your shoulders.

Stay vigilant

Vigilance is one of the most crucial factors because scams like phishing, man-in-the-middle or other similar ones have nothing to do with VPN. Protecting from these all comes down to being aware and careful of the existence of these threats.

Conclusion

While a VPN has become a necessary tool to have these days, it is more important to have knowledge about the threats and being vigilant to protect against them.

Recommend Post:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Employee safety

How to Increase the Safety of Your Employees

Employee safety should be your number one priority as a business owner – especially if your employees are constantly working at height. Should your employees slip or fall and cause injury to themselves, your company will have to face the consequences. For a start, your employees could be out for several weeks and you may have to pay them in full while they are recovering – you may also be faced with expensive lawsuits. Investing in safety measures isn’t cheap, but it is cost-effective and it ensures your employees are as safe as possible. Let’s have a look at some of the safety measures you can implement to improve safety. Invest in the Right Equipment: Having access to the right equipment for employees is crucial to complete the job in hand correctly and to undertake work safely. A quality safety harness for each employee is a good starting point. It ensures that they can attach themselves to a secure area that isn’t going to move – so if their platform they are working from did succumb to damage, they will be left hanging and waiting for assistance. If they are undertaking a bigger job when working from height and they’ll be handling a lot of materials, you’ll need to hire/purchase the right platforms. Improve Training: A lot of slips and falls happen in the workplace because employees aren’t trained properly. For example, you may have the right equipment in terms of safety harnesses and secure ladders, but employees might not know how to properly secure themselves. Train your employees on a regular basis and ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest workplace regulations. Training your employees won’t just benefit their safety, but it will also benefit your company in terms of increased efficiency. Determine if the Project is Safe to Work On: One of the many things employers overlook when it comes to working at height is the safety of the project itself. If the side of a building is crumbling and there’s no safe way of undertaking the work with the equipment you have – don’t take on the job. Your employee’s safety is far more important than profit. After all, if your employees are injured, you could be faced with much higher expenses than the project itself is worth. Can They Work from the Ground? A lot of the time, employees do have the option of working from the ground level or at least a level where it’s not too high. Specialist equipment can be considered in this instance, especially if your employees have to clean gutters from time to time. If your employees have the option of working from a lower level, ensure they know that it’s possible. In conclusion, increasing safety is an expense your business will have to front, not just to ensure employees are happy and safe when working at height, but also for legal reasons. Should your business not follow standard safety practices, it could end up being faced with a lawsuit. Read Also: Construction Safety – What You Didn’t Know! Staying Safe In The Office: 8 Workplace Safety Tips Everyone Should Know The Hidden Damages In Workspaces: 5 Steps To Reduce The Risk Of Workplace Injuries!

READ MOREDetails
Cybersecurity Solutions

Reasons Your Business Needs Cybersecurity Solutions

Cybersecurity solutions are technologies, tools, and best practices that protect an organization's networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. These solutions can include a variety of different types of security measures, such as: Firewalls are network security systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of security rules and policies. Firewalls can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination. Intrusion detection and prevention (IDP): These security technologies detect and prevent unauthorized access to a network or system. IDP systems monitor network and system activities for suspicious activity and can take action to block or alert any detected intrusions. Encryption: This is the process of converting plaintext into a coded format, known as ciphertext, to protect data from unauthorized access. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): These secure networks encrypt and protect data as it is transmitted over the internet. Antivirus and anti-malware software: These programs detect and remove malware from a computer or network. Identity and Access Management (IAM): This is managing the identities of users, devices, and other entities in a network, as well as access to resources. Network access control (NAC): This is a security solution that helps to ensure that only authorized users and devices can access a network. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): This is a security management solution used to collect and analyze data from multiple security systems to identify and respond to security incidents. The Essential Elements Of Cyber Security Typically Include The Following Network security: This includes firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other security measures to protect an organization's networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Endpoint security: This includes using antivirus and anti-malware software, as well as other security measures, to protect an organization's endpoints (such as computers, laptops, and mobile devices) from cyber threats. Access control: This includes using identity and access management (IAM) systems to control and monitor who has access to an organization's networks, systems, and data. It can also include privileged access management, which is essentially a subset of IAM that deals with specific groups of users with the same profile type. Security awareness and training: This includes training employees to recognize and respond to security threats and promoting a culture of security within an organization. Continuous monitoring includes constant monitoring and analysis of an organization's security posture, as well as implementing proactive security measures such as threat intelligence and vulnerability management. By implementing these essential elements of cyber security, organizations can better protect their networks, systems, and data from cyber threats and minimize the potential impact of a security breach. There Are Several Reasons Why Your Business Needs Cybersecurity Solutions: Protection against cyber threats: Cybersecurity solutions can help to protect your business against a wide range of cyber threats, such as malware, ransomware, and hackers. Compliance with regulations: Many industries are subject to rules that require businesses to implement certain security measures to protect sensitive data. Cybersecurity solutions can help your business to comply with these regulations and avoid fines. Protection of sensitive information: Cybersecurity solutions can help to protect sensitive information such as customer data, financial information, and trade secrets from being stolen or compromised. Minimizing business disruption: Cybersecurity solutions can help reduce a security breach's impact on your business by quickly detecting and responding to incidents. Maintaining customer trust: Cybersecurity solutions can help to protect your customers' personal and financial information, which is critical for maintaining their trust in your business. Cost savings: Implementing cybersecurity solutions can be more cost-effective in the long run than dealing with the consequences of a security breach. Competitive advantage: Having robust cybersecurity measures in place can give your business a competitive advantage over others in your industry. Continuous improvement: Cybersecurity solutions can help you to continuously monitor and improve your security posture, to be ready for new threats. Factors To Choose The Right Cybersecurity Solution For Your Business When choosing the right cybersecurity solutions for your business, there are several factors to consider: Business needs: Consider the specific security needs of your business, such as the types of data and systems that need protection and the regulatory compliance requirements you need to meet. Scalability: Choose a solution that can easily scale to accommodate your business's growth and changing security needs. Integration: Consider how well the solution can integrate with your existing systems and infrastructure to provide a seamless security solution. Ease of use: Choose a solution that is easy to use and manage so your IT staff can effectively maintain it. Cost: Compare the prices of different solutions and consider the value the solution offers compared to the cost. Technical support: Choose a solution that provides comprehensive technical support so that you can quickly resolve any issues that may arise. Data retention and privacy: Consider the solution's data retention policies, how it handles and stores your data, and its compliance with relevant data privacy regulations. Experience and reputation: Investigate the vendor's expertise and reputation in the industry and their track record of successfully providing cybersecurity solutions to other clients. Flexibility: Look for a cybersecurity solution that can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business. By considering these factors, you can choose a cybersecurity solution that is the right fit for your business and provides the best protection for your networks, systems, and data. Read Also: What Is Zero Trust In Cybersecurity Context? 4 P's Of Security The 4 P's of security is a framework used to help organizations implement a comprehensive security strategy. The 4 P's include: 1. People This refers to the employees, contractors, and other individuals who have access to an organization's networks, systems, and data. This includes implementing security awareness and training programs, background checks, and other measures to ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information. 2. Processes These refer to the policies, procedures, and guidelines that an organization has in place to manage and secure its networks, systems, and data. This includes incident response plans, security testing, and other security measures. 3. Technology This refers to the hardware, software, and other technologies that an organization uses to protect its networks, systems, and data. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention strategies, antivirus and anti-malware software, and other security measures. 4. Partners This refers to the third-party vendors, suppliers, and other partners that an organization works with. This includes ensuring that these partners have adequate security measures and comply with the organization's security policies and procedures. By focusing on these 4 P's of security, organizations can create a comprehensive security strategy that covers all security aspects, including people, processes, technology, and partners. Wrapping Up Overall, cybersecurity solutions are essential for protecting your business from cyber threats and maintaining the trust of your customers. It's important to consider your business's specific needs and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to protect your business and its assets. Read Also: Common IT Security Risks in the Workplace Everything You Need To Know About PKI In Cybersecurity Would Your E-commerce Website Pass the Cybersecurity Test? Here are 3 Things You Could be Doing Wrong

READ MOREDetails
Avoid Scams

Internet Safety: How To Spot And Avoid Scams

Individuals and businesses are at increasing risk from online scams. Let’s set the scene. According to International Data Corporation, there will be more than 40 billion connected devices worldwide by 2025. Cyber Ventures reported that almost four million records are stolen daily due to data breaches, which is about 45 per second. And a study from Maryland University demonstrated that there is a new victim of cybercrime every 39 seconds. Online scams are costly and potentially fatal. While many dangers exist online, raising your awareness and adopting good habits can improve your information security and internet safety. How to Spot (and Avoid) a Scam Phishing attempts are the primary ways people are scammed online. Scammers may send these communications via social media and text, but the overwhelming majority use email. While phishing attacks can be specific - known as spearphishing attacks - the vast majority are sent indiscriminately. Fortunately, this spam will tend to have some giveaways. Spotting these can help protect us and our data. Demands for Personal Information Reputable businesses don’t ask for personal information via email or social messaging. Delivery drivers that need you to confirm your full name and address are normally bogus. Banks and government departments never ask their clients to send sensitive data such as bank account information, usernames, or passwords via email. Offers Too Good to Be True (Probably Are) Be suspicious when offered extremely low-price goods, services, or holidays. If it makes you wonder how they can afford to make such a deal, the answer is that they expect to add hidden fees, or the offer doesn't exist. The sender expects to gain valuable personal information from people eager to sign up. Claims You Have Won Something It's exciting to win a contest or lottery draw but ask yourself if you even entered a competition. Messages like these generate excitement and prompt people to act quickly to claim their prize. Such communications may also suggest that you have been personally and individually selected. In a way, you have been selected, but so have thousands of other people, and not for anything good. Terrible Spelling and Grammar Spam is renowned for its major spelling and grammar issues. To avoid scams, remember that businesses spend thousands on marketing. They work hard to ensure their communications are attractive and error-free. If you notice spelling and grammar errors, it's unlikely to be from a reputable business. Fake Addresses and Other Impersonation Attempts Scams often use impersonation to benefit from a brand’s authority. People are more likely to believe a message if it seems to be from Microsoft or the Government. To avoid falling for this trick, check the URL or email address carefully. A scammer typically alters a business name slightly to make it seem authentic, such as the Facebook instead of Facebook or Microsoft instead of Microsoft. If the sender claims to be from a big organization but uses a generic email account, like Gmail or Hotmail, this is also a warning. High-Pressure Tactics Most scams work best for criminals when the victims don’t think too deeply about their actions. Communications that insist on an urgent, immediate response should be read very carefully. Verify the details where necessary. More on Avoiding Scams Now that you know how to spot and avoid specific scams, here are some more tips on how to avoid scammers in general. Use Reverse Phone Lookup Services to Verify Senders’ Details One reason the internet is such a hotbed for crime is that it’s easy for criminals to maintain anonymity. Cybercriminals can stay off the radar by using a virtual private network and dealing in wire transfers and cryptocurrency. They can pretend to be someone else, of course; your bank manager; a delivery driver; or an IT help desk technician. Or a friend or family member. If you’re not sure who you are communicating with, use the internet to your benefit. Go to PhoneHistory or any other reverse phone lookup site to verify people’s contact details. You can do this whenever you have suspicions or simply because you’re dealing with someone you’ve not met in a physical location. Block and Report Spam Don’t hit reply, no matter how much you’d like to hit the sender. Giving them a piece of your mind tells them you have an active email address and that other spammers should probably target you. Most email service providers enable you to block and/or report spam. Ideally, do both. Depending on the email system, you might need to choose “block” before you see the option to report it, or vice versa. Blocking and reporting spam helps your email provider eliminate spam emails from your inbox. And it can help them protect other users from potentially harmful communications. Do Not Interact with Potential Scammers Resist the temptation to click on a link within the message if you are suspicious about the sender's intent. Clicking a link can signal to the sender that your email address is active and cause malware to be downloaded to your device. Malware can cause many issues, including: locking you out of your machine (a distributed denial of service attack (DDoS)); encrypting your data unless you pay a ransom for the decryption key (ransomware); installing software that allows a third party to track your activities and/or keypresses (spyware). Read Privacy Notices Since the implementation of GDPR cybersecurity regulations, a pop-up frequently appears on visiting a website,  inviting you to read their privacy policy and asking you to confirm your preferences regarding cookies. Most websites are reputable with good intent. Sometimes, however, they are willing to sell the information they learn about you to third parties, who may send you anything from unsolicited marketing emails to harmful, targeted scams. If you don’t have the patience to read every privacy notice, it is still worthwhile saying no to all but essential cookies. It’s quicker than it seems. And make sure to deny the company’s permission to contact you or share your data unless you trust them. Conclusion Internet safety can seem daunting, but most people don’t think twice about improving their car security, home security, and personal safety.  Stay observant, check out the identities of people you haven’t developed relationships with yet, and employ a few other good internet habits to keep you, your friends, and your family safe online. Additional: What Is Zero Trust In Cybersecurity Context?  Top 6 Cybersecurity Trends Everyone should Know Everything You Need To Know About PKI In Cybersecurity Top 10 Cybersecurity Features That Are A Must-Have In An Ecommerce Store

READ MOREDetails