A VPN, or a Virtual Private Network, is essentially an extension of a private network across the public space of the Internet between two endpoints. These two endpoints are two machines on the network which treat the connection private between the two as if it's a direct-wired connection. Through this means, the two effectively ensure that they are speaking through a secure connection to each other to transfer data between them privately.

There is always a general debate around the usage of VPN whether it is legal or illegal to use. Like most of us know, VPN enhances security and comes with certain undeniable benefits. Using VPN in most countries is legal but certain countries ban VPN entirely or partially depending on the purpose of its use.

It's easy for a VPN provider to claim they do not log your IP address or any other information when using their service, unfortunately when they do make these claims you have to take them on trust. However, with the recent high-profile cases of two leading VPN providers being caught lying about their no logging policy we've started to see some VPN providers take steps to have their services independently audited to prove they are in fact not logging.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web and the Internet as we know it today, envisioned a resource based on the philosophy that information should be freely available to anyone. The Internet was born of necessity and curiosity and experimentation, and free-flowing information became universally ingrained in the zeitgeist of Internet users from the beginning.

Have you ever visited a website, filled up your cart, then left the website before completing your purchase — only to see an ad elsewhere online for that website the next day? IP Retargeting is a marketing tactic used by many industries. Websites can keep records of the IP addresses window shopping their pages, then target ads to those IP addresses in an effort to gain its patronage. Instead of broad advertisement strokes which may or may not reach the right audience, targeting specific IP addresses speaks to an audience most likely to revisit the website and complete a purchase.

Unsecured public Wi-Fi is everywhere; most restaurants, airports, malls, and coffee shops offer your device a free connection while you shop, travel, or drink copious quantities of caffeine to power your day. Sometimes, public Wi-Fi networks are a user's only option, despite the risky nature of its "unsecure" status. But connecting your laptop or smartphone on public Wi-Fi can be problematic for many reasons, which typically fall under one of two categories: Security and Access.

If you're in the US, you may know that the recent repeal of the FCC's online net neutrality rules means that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can sell your web history to outside parties. You’ll likely have no idea who these third parties are and what they’re doing with your data.

VPNs are a secure way to hide your geographic location and identity in order to access geo-blocked content. The most secure VPN services that can protect your privacy are normally sold. Protecting your online privacy and identity is very important especially if you are someone who likes torrenting and accessing geo-blocked content.

Did you know that hackers, governments, snoopers or attackers can identify you through the IP address you use? By default, the IP address you use is public and interested parties or snoopers can intercept your information very easily. The good news is that you can always count on VPN to hide your identity on the Internet or access content that is geographically blocked in your location known as Internet Censorship.

VPN has spread across markets owing to the high risks involved with online privacy. This is because of the increase in the number of cyber attacks. Hackers and malicious users constantly employ sophisticated techniques to intrude into networks. Today, a lot of people understand the importance of VPN and how VPN can encrypt data and provide security to the users while online. However, there is no specific guideline available for a VPN buyer. Not every VPN will suit your personal requirements and hence there is a comprehensive checklist that we have compiled to help you guide through buying a VPN.