ELI5: vpn

// eli5

What is a VPN?

A VPN is like a secret tunnel for your internet that hides what you're doing from people watching. [1] Instead of connecting directly to websites, your computer connects to a VPN server first, which then visits the website for you, so the website only sees the VPN server's address instead of yours. [4]

Why does it help you stay safe?

When you use public WiFi without a VPN, bad people can see what you're sending and receiving, like passwords or credit card numbers. [1] A VPN scrambles everything you send into a secret code that only you and the VPN server can read, so even if someone is watching, they can't understand your information. [1]

What can a VPN hide?

A VPN hides your real location from websites by showing them the VPN server's location instead. [4] However, it doesn't hide everything—if you're logged into Facebook, Facebook still knows it's you even with a VPN because you told them who you are. [4]

Can people still catch you using a VPN?

Yes, some websites now block VPNs because they can tell you're using one by looking at your IP address. [3] Your internet company or your boss at work can see that you're using a VPN, even though they can't see what websites you visit. [5]