VPNs can sound like they’re a lot of work to install and use, let alone understand. Thankfully that’s not the case, with many VPNs available for you to use allowing you to protect your online privacy and access files remotely. We explore how VPNs work and to get a VPN in this article.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, provides a secure way to connect to a private network and protect your personal information online. Much like a firewall safeguards your computer’s data, a VPN shields your online data. Depending on the VPN, it can encrypt your data, make websites think you’re browsing from a different location and allow you to access internal files, such as work documents, remotely.
You don’t have to be dealing with sensitive information to benefit from a VPN. For instance, using public or unsecured WiFi to check emails or access your banking app can be risky without protection. Hackers can easily steal your passwords, bank details, and other private information. A VPN helps prevent this by adding an extra layer of security.
How do VPNs work?
When you access a web site, your computer and the server hosting the website directly exchange data for you to access the webpage. A VPN works as a checkpoint between you and the website you’re accessing. Instead of your device directly exchanging data with the website’s server, your web traffic is diverted through the VPN where data is encrypted and repackaged to provide your security and location needs.
A VPN is hosted on a separate server that could be anywhere in the world, depending on what location-based internet restrictions (geoblocks) you want to bypass. This means you can access the internet as if you were in the location of the VPN server, rather than your actual physical location.
The end result is that a VPN protects everything you send and receive online. This makes it difficult for others to intercept your web traffic and steal information about your location, the data you’re sharing, or any passwords and sensitive information you enter. However, the level of protection a VPN provides can vary by service, so not all VPNs offer the same level of security.
NBN providers and plans
Looking for a new NBN provider or plan to bolster your new VPN? Check out some of the providers and plans available in the table below. The table contains affiliate links.
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners. 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $105) Typical evening speed of 97Mbps 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $79.99) Typical evening speed of 96Mbps 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $75) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited
Data/month
$105
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited
Data/month
$79.99
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited
Data/month
$75.00
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
Why use a VPN?
VPNs are widely used for internet security, accessing local networks remotely, and getting around region blocks and government censorship. Here’s a breakdown of what you can use a VPN for:
- Accessing geo-blocked content: Many websites and streaming services, such as YouTube and Netflix, restrict access to some or all of their content based on the user’s geographical location due to licensing agreements. For example, if a broadcaster in a specific region owns the rights to certain shows or events, users outside that area might be blocked from viewing them.
- Protecting your internet privacy: A VPN encrypts your data, making it a highly effective security tool. Using public or untrusted networks, like hotel or coffee shop WiFi, can be risky because hackers can potentially access your passwords, credit card details, or other sensitive information. However, if you use a VPN on these unsafe internet connections, your data will be protected, keeping your information secure.
- Using local network resources remotely and securely: Many businesses and universities use VPNs so that their internal networks (including access to internal files, intranet and printers) can be securely accessed off-site. This makes it easier to work remotely. You can also set this up for your home so that you can access your home network from anywhere else in the world.
- Avoiding government censorship: The most notable example of internet censorship is the ‘Great Firewall of China.’ The Chinese government blocks many foreign websites, including Facebook and Google. Similarly, countries like Iran, Cuba, and Vietnam have extensive government censorship and surveillance of internet activities.
The main drawback of using a VPN is that it can slow down your internet speed. Since your web traffic has to go through extra steps to send and receive data, loading a page or sending an email may take longer. The extent of this delay depends on the quality of your VPN service.
However, a VPN can potentially boost your download speeds if it uses a high-bandwidth server. If internet speed is important to you, it might be worth investing in a higher-quality VPN service.
How do you use a VPN?
Using your VPN is fairly straightforward. Most VPN providers offer an app or program to download to your computer, phone or tablet. Once installed, you’ll need to log in and wait for the VPN to connect.
While this is only a simple explanation for a somewhat complex process, this is a general overview of how VPNs work. There are various types of VPNs and security protocols that function differently, so if you have specific needs, it’s a good idea to do some research before choosing one.
What are the types of VPN?
There are three types of VPN to choose from: remote access, site-to-site and VPN applications.
What is a remote access VPN?
Also known as a client-to-site VPN, this type of VPN allows users to connect to a private network or third-party server via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) OR Transport Layer Security (TLS). Remote access VPNs are commonly used by remote workers needing secure access to company files and resources.
What is a site-to-site VPN?
Site-to-Site VPNs are a private VPN where one network connects to another via a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). Site-to-Site VPNS are commonly used by large organisations that need to link their internal networks across multiple locations, while maintaining a secure connection.
What are VPN applications?
While traditional VPN providers have typically focused on desktop users, the rise of smartphones has led to a significant increase in mobile VPN usage. For smartphone users seeking enhanced security and protection while on the go, a mobile VPN may be useful.
Mobile VPNs offer the same benefits as traditional VPNs, but with added advantages. They continue to protect your data even when internet connectivity is unstable or when switching between mobile data and WiFi. As long as the app is running, the VPN connection remains secure, keeping your device protected.
Are VPNs legal?
In Australia, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN. Businesses, universities and governments use them all the time. It’s also currently legal in Australia to use a VPN to access region-locked content. That means if YouTube tells you that a video isn’t available in your country, you can just use an internationally-based VPN to watch it.
However, using a VPN to bypass region blocks can sometimes violate a website’s or service’s user agreement, especially if users are required to be residents of the country of purchase. Similar to torrenting, which is often linked to illegal downloading, VPNs are legal tools when used appropriately. If you’re unsure, check the fine print of your preferred VPN service.
How much do VPNs cost?
You can create and host your own VPN, but this requires a certain level of technical know-how. It’s usually much easier to use a third-party provider. Your workplace or university might already have their own VPN available, especially if they use Google to host their email server. This can be particularly helpful when traveling to places like China, where Google is blocked. If you don’t have access to a VPN or need one for personal use, there are plenty of options available.
Free vs subscription VPN services
While it can be tempting to opt for a free VPN, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Free services may offer fewer features and lower quality servers, but they might suffice if your needs are simple. Many paid VPN providers offer a free trial, which can be a great way to test the service before committing.
Below is a price range for some major VPN service providers. Please note that including these services does not imply endorsement. Prices are shown as the per-month cost for different subscription lengths and may need to be converted to Australian dollars.
|
VPN |
Price Per Month | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | 3 Months | 1 Year | |
| IPVanish | $10.99 USD | – | $2.79 USD |
| NordVPN | $12.99 AUD | – | $4.99 AUD |
| VPN Unlimited | $- | – | $5.00 USD |
| TorGuard | $9.99 USD | – | – |
| AnchorFree Hotspot Shield Elite | $12.99 AUD | – | $7.99 AUD |
*Prices taken from provider’s websites, June 2024.
How do I choose a VPN?
With so many providers available, choosing the best VPN service can be challenging. Although most claim to offer similar features, it’s important to shop around and read reputable reviews, as well as user reviews, to find the service that suits you best. Here are a few key factors to consider when selecting a VPN:
- Privacy: Look for a VPN with strong security features, such as robust encryption protocols and a no-logs policy. This ensures your online activities remain private and secure.
- Location: Consider the server locations offered by the VPN. More server locations mean you can access content from different regions and potentially find faster connection speeds.
- Encryption: Ensure the VPN uses high-level encryption, such as AES-256, to protect your data from hackers and other threats.
- Malware blocking: Some VPNs offer additional features like malware and ad blocking, which can provide an extra layer of protection against malicious websites and ads.
- Simultaneous connections: Check how many devices can be connected simultaneously with a single subscription. This is important if you plan to use the VPN on multiple devices, such as your phone, laptop, and tablet.
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