VPN Hacking: How VPN’s Work

How VPNs work and different types of VPNs

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) enhances your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a secure server. This creates a private tunnel for your data, shielding it from potential interception and monitoring by hackers, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), or other third parties.

How a VPN works

1. Connection Establishment: Your device connects to a VPN server.

2. Encryption: Your data is encrypted before leaving your device.

3. Traffic Redirection: Encrypted traffic is sent through the VPN server, masking your IP address.

4. Decryption: The VPN server decrypts your data and forwards it, then encrypts responses before sending them back to your device.

Types of VPNs

Different VPN types serve specific purposes.

1. Remote Access VPN: Connects individual users securely to a private network from a remote location. This is used by remote employees or individuals seeking anonymity. Users install client software to create an encrypted tunnel.

2. Site-to-Site VPN: Connects two or more separate networks, commonly used by businesses with multiple offices. VPN gateways link the networks with an encrypted tunnel. Types include Intranet-based (within an organization) and Extranet-based (between organizations).

3. Mobile VPN: Maintains a secure connection on mobile devices even when switching networks. Useful for continuous security on smartphones and tablets, or for professionals on the go.

4. Cloud VPN: Provides secure access to cloud resources and services. Used to connect on-premises networks to the cloud.

VPN protocols

VPNs use various protocols for secure connections. Some common ones include:

• OpenVPN: Open-source, strong security and flexibility.

• IKEv2/IPSec: Good for mobile devices due to stability.

• L2TP/IPSec: Combines two protocols for security but can be slower and have firewall issues.

• WireGuard: Newer, open-source, fast and efficient.

• SSTP: Microsoft protocol that can bypass firewalls but is mainly for Windows.

• PPTP: Older and less secure due to vulnerabilities and outdated encryption.

The choice of VPN type and protocol depends on your needs, balancing security, speed, and compatibility. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider with a strong no-logs policy and robust encryption.

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REFERENCES

• https://hackers-arise.com/vpn-hacking-how-vpns-work-and-how-they-break-our-security/

• https://www.akamai.com/blog/security-research/vpn-post-exploitation-techniques-black-hat

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/operating-system-security/network-security/vpn/vpn-connection-type

• https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/how-does-vpn-work