How Do Subscription Based VPNs Stay Secure – VPN Tunnels Explained
As growing censorship laws and regulations threaten internet freedom with each year that passes, the demand for good Virtual Private Networks (VPN) have also continued to grow. Virtual Private Networks are used by a variety of individuals and businesses so they can be protected while accessing the internet, as well as granting access to websites around the world that are geo-blocked. Fun Fact; VPN Tunnels is one of the most searched for Google terms this year!
How Does a Subscription Based VPN Work?
In order to protect the IP address of the user and to allow access to geo-blocked websites, the subscription-based VPN creates a virtual tunnel between the user and the internet. Under the cover of the tunnel, the user’s data and information are encrypted, which stops Internet Service Providers, hackers and governments from snooping on your information.
What Is a VPN Tunnel?
When a device connects to the internet through a subscription-based VPN, a connection is established that acts like a tunnel (which we have already established encrypts any data a device is sending and receiving).
The tunnel on its own is not powerful enough to protect your devices and data from the government or internet Service Providers so the tunnels need an encryption level strong enough to uphold security. Additionally, the level of encryption depends on the Tunnel protocol used to shield the data being sent from and received by your device.
The Different Types of Subscription Based VPN Tunnelling Protocols
The most commonly used tunnelling protocols used by subscription-based VPNs are: PPTP, SSTP, L2TP or IPSec and OpenVPN.
PPTP – Stands for Point to Point Tunnelling Protocol, and it is one of the oldest protocols used by VPNs today. The only information it requires to be configured is a username, a password and a server address; making it one of the fastest VPN Protocols.
SSTP – Secure Socket Tunnelling Protocol, is supported primarily by the Windows Operating System which makes it easier for Windows users to configure this protocol on their computers.
L2TP/IPSec – Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol is primarily used with Internet Protocol Security to create a more secure connection than the likes of PPTP. L2TP and IPSec together wrap the data you’re sending and receiving inside two tunnels of encryption. Double encryption can sometimes result in slower connection, but at a higher security level.
OpenVPN – OpenVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data and information. The protocol is open source which means that the code is regularly reviewed and optimised by the internet security communities from around the world.
Which Protocol Is The Best For You?
Ideally, when you’re looking for a subscription-based VPN service you want to use one that utilises all (or most) of the protocols we have looked at today. The VPN service provided by Liberty Shield is second to none when it comes to ease of set up, user focused customer support and end to end encryption. Whether you’re watching US Netflix content, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer or Disney+; Liberty Shield is what you need to keep your data and devices safe.
VPN Routers – The Best Way To Keep Your VPN On 24/7
The easiest way to connect all your your devices to a VPN that is constantly connected is by using one of our very popular pre-configured VPN Routers. Liberty Shield also has top reviews on Trustpilot, so you can be assured that you are investing in the best service available.
