ESET Glossary – Table of Contents

VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that:

allows a secure and encrypted connection between a user's device and a remote server,

enhances user privacy, security, and anonymity when connected to the internet,

provides a virtual connection to the same private network for users in different locations.

Using a VPN, users can hide their real IP address and conduct internet activity in a way that is harder for third parties, including ISPs, governments and attackers, to track or filter.

Comparison

Use case

When a VPN is used

When not used

Securing public Wi-Fi networks

A VPN encrypts data traffic between the device and the server, protecting users from potential attacks and eavesdropping on public Wi-Fi networks.

Data traffic is not encrypted, increasing the risk of attacks and eavesdropping on public Wi-Fi networks.

Access to geo-restricted content

A VPN allows users to connect to servers in other countries, bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content that would otherwise be unavailable.

Access is limited to local or regionally available content, and geo-restricted services may remain inaccessible.

Privacy

A VPN hides a user's IP address from websites and encrypts their internet traffic, minimizing the ability of ISPs and other third parties to monitor their online activity.

The user's IP address is visible, and internet traffic may be monitored by ISPs and other third parties.

Securing connection to corporate networks

A VPN allows remote access to corporate data and secures connections.

Remote access to corporate networks may be insecure or restricted, increasing the risk of data exposure.

ESET offers a VPN feature

Depending on your subscription plan, ESET offers a VPN feature to keep your connection secure and private.

Read more about ESET VPN

Play