What is a VPN?
A VPN is software that creates an additional layer of security for any data transmitted over the network. In other words, it helps maintain privacy when going online and assists in circumventing blocks. The service encrypts all traffic and hides your personal data in real-time. Initially, this technology was just a simple and inexpensive way to connect remote employees to a common corporate network.
How Does It Work?
A secure connection hides your IP address and redirects it through a special remote server managed by the VPN service provider. After this, the remote server becomes the source of your data, and third parties can't see which sites you visit, what information you search for, and what data you send. This is encrypted in such a way that even if it falls into the hands of fraudsters, they simply won't understand what it is.
Why Is It Needed?
In our world, the volume of digital information doubles every two years. Much of it is users' personal data. Every time you visit a site or download an app, your data is stored, and you may not even know about it. Just think: when you search for something online, order food through an app, or plot a route in a navigator, you send data to remote servers. While this information is being transmitted, it needs to be encrypted. Unencrypted data is accessible to anyone with internet access and a desire to obtain it. The simplest and most convenient way to protect yourself is to use a VPN.
What Does It Do?
Encrypts Traffic
The data can only be viewed in its original form if the encryption key is available. Without it, decrypting the information is impossible or would take years. The encryption effectively masks your actions even in public internet networks.
Masks Geolocation
Data comes from a server located in another country - you can choose it yourself or the VPN will select the most suitable option. In this case, it's impossible to determine your actual location.
Protects Connection to Public Wi-Fi
Hackers can use public internet access points to intercept your data. Simply creating an access point with the same name and password allows them to see all the user traffic passing through that point.
Maintains Anonymity
Companies track users' internet activity to then show them personalized ads. Shiva VPN doesn't store activity logs and connection logs, which significantly increases privacy, as even if the VPN server is hacked, your data simply won't be there.
Prevents Data Leaks During Failures
If there is a technical error and the VPN disconnects, the kill switch feature also cuts off your internet connection, preventing the transmission of unencrypted data.
Paid or Free VPN?
If data security and high speed are your priorities, only a paid service. If you're okay with a slower connection and don't plan to transmit personal information through the VPN service, you can try free versions. But we don't recommend it.
Why?
Reliable connection requires constant expenses. Servers, software, specialists who maintain all processes and constantly improve technologies are needed. It's impossible to invest once and create a continuously and uninterruptedly working VPN service. Blocks are becoming stricter in geometric progression, and it's necessary to always meet high standards. It's good if the VPN provider gets these funds for encryption services from product users. But there are cases where the VPN itself is free, and other ways to generate income are hidden inside - advertising, data collection and sale, data leaks due to outdated protocols, and so on. Any free VPN should raise your suspicions and prompt the question: why is it free?
What Else is Important When Choosing a VPN?
Approach this question from several angles. Study the official information from the service, read about the technologies it uses, and test it yourself if the first points satisfy you. And we will highlight important points: - No-log policy This means that the service does not store your data, and therefore cannot sell or provide it to government agencies, as they physically have no personal data and activity logs. Typically, free VPNs cannot boast of this. - High Connection Speed As the VPN server becomes an additional barrier to connecting to the site, the download speed is somewhat reduced. In the case of a paid VPN service, this problem can be solved with additional resources. - Encryption Blocking and surveillance systems are constantly evolving, and VPN services should do the same and use the most advanced technologies tested in countries with increased network censorship. Currently, this is XRay. - Functionality Pay attention to the number of devices that can be connected to the VPN under one subscription. A suitable tariff can be bought once and for a long time, in this case, you will save on the cost per month and not lose the quality of data protection. - Diversity of Servers For access to most sites, this is not necessary, but if you need access to a particular site that only works in its region, you can't do without it. Also, a large number of servers speaks of the reliability and serious approach of the provider.
