Each day there are 2.5 quintillion bytes of data created. People in all corners of the earth use the internet all day, every day. When we browse social media, conduct transactions, and search the web, we’re leaving behind a digital footprint. 

Encryption helps you protect the data you send, receive, and store using your device. This process scrambles readable text to provide security or sensitive information. This digital security measure ensures that personal data that’s stored on servers are kept private. 

Individuals and organizations also may use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added privacy. This allows you to create a secure connection over the internet. It’s helpful if you want to access regionally restricted sites and shield browsing activity when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. 

These concepts can be challenging to wrap your head around. That said, they’re essential to understanding your level of internet security. In this guide, we’ll go each term and provide an overview of two primary encryption techniques used by VPN services. If you enjoy understanding the nitty-gritty details, you can learn about connecting VPNs in a live cloud environment with Understanding the VPN Connection Scenario Hands-on Lab. This lab introduces several AWS networking concepts in the context of migrating an on-premises application to the cloud. 

What is VPN Encryption?

VPN encryption is a process by which the VPN hides your data. The data is translated into a coded format that’s unreadable by any snooping parties. When you’re using a VPN, your information is encrypted when it enters and then passes through its tunnel. 

Tunneling is the process by which data is sent over the internet privately through the VPN. All data is split into packets when it’s transmitted on the web. With a tunneled connection, all of the data packets are placed inside another before its sent. This is called encapsulation. 

The VPN then decrypts the data at the other end, once you’re connected to your chosen website. All of your information is secure and hidden by all of the encryption during any transfer. A VPN uses different encryption techniques and combinations. 

Types of VPNs

Site-to-Site VPNs

Typically sites use a site-to-site VPN, which is also called a router-to-router VPN. This is generally used by companies that need to connect an office to another remotely. A site-to-site VPN builds an encrypted tunnel and allows the business to maintain privacy and secrecy. 

A site-to-site VPN secures all connections when it works in combination with IPsec. The traffic is encrypted when it moves through the tunnel from one website to another—which blocks out hackers, potential viruses, and any malicious content. 

This encryption is scalable., and you can add a new site or another branch to your network. It’s simple to install this network at the new location. 

Remote Access VPN 

Another option is the remote access VPN. This provides an internet connection to any users through a private network. This is mostly useful for people working away from the office or home users. 

Today, many people are working from home or on-the-go. Remote working is one of the perks of modern-day technology. With remote access, you or your employees will have a connection through a secure virtual tunnel. This service is used to get around geo-restrictions and access any blocked websites. 

A remote-access VPN is a solution for many businesses. To gain access, you’ll log in using valid credentials that are authenticated by a series of encryption protocols. This is the first level of security. Then your computer uses client software to maintain your connection. 

This client software sets up the tunnel connection and manages the encryption of data.

VPN Encryption Techniques

When you use a VPN, typically, you use two different encryption algorithms: symmetric and asymmetric. Each technique serves a unique purpose in protecting your data. 

Symmetric

With symmetric encryption, you use the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. This means that you and your VPN server use the same shared key. Once a connection is established, all data is encrypted and transmitted through the protocols. 

This encryption is efficient and fast, but it doesn’t require much computer processing power. It transmits a large amount of data quickly. The one weakness is that you have to share the key between the two parties that are exchanging data.

The most common way to share is to use a password that serves as the key. The problem is if anyone discovers the password, they could decrypt 100% of the data that has been shared. This is where asymmetric encryption comes in handy. 

Asymmetric Encryption

To add further protection, VPN services use a combination of techniques. Asymmetric encryption is a type of public-key cryptography where each user involved has two keys — one private and one public. 

Each person has one key that everyone can see, and one that no one else can access. These are different from each other. The public key is to encrypt the message, and the private is used to decrypt the data. 

Asymmetric encryption is only used for the “handshake” as they say and isn’t fast or very efficient. This is generally used at the start of the VPN session. 

How to Find The Best VPN Solution

A VPN is a secure solution for home users and businesses alike. Without using a VPN, there’s an array of sensitive information that’s exposed to potentially malicious users. This technology offers you enhanced security and remote control. This can lead to an increase in productivity all around. 

According to VPN Watch – VPN reviews, there are a few questions that you should consider before installing a VPN for your business. It’s important to ask yourself how and why you plan on using the service. Many available remote access VPNs offer different levels of speed and encryption. 

No matter your reason for installing a VPN, the service should offer:

• A free trial to test out the service before you invest any money
• Speed
• Connectivity and stability
• A large number of servers
• Cross-platform apps
• Privacy policy
• Outstanding customer support

This service will also allow you to share files between a group securely. A good VPN network is relatively low-cost to maintain. You may even notice that a VPN solution offers bandwidth and efficacy. 

The Verdict

Now that you know how VPN encryption works, you can ensure that your data is safe from sneaky eyes. These services offer a range of benefits and solutions, which come in handy for remote working and managing employees around the globe.