Data encryption is the process of protecting information from unauthorized access. When data is encrypted, it is changed from a readable format (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext). that requires a key to access. VPNs provide encrypted connections between devices, simplifying the overall process.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network connects your device to a remote server owned by the VPN provider. This connection ensures that your online activities remain private by providing end-to-end encryption of your personal data, hiding your IP addresses, and evading website blocks.
Related: What is a virtual private network (VPN)?
How VPNs encrypt data
Data is encrypted because VPNs establish encrypted connections between devices. VPNs use encryption ciphers and connection protocols to convert web traffic into unintelligible code, maintaining security. Even if a hacker were to gain access to a covered entity's email account, they would not be able to decipher it. After all, it would be scrambled.
In healthcare, VPNs would translate personal and protected health information (PHI) into a secret code that hackers would not understand, ensuring that only the healthcare provider and the patient have the ability to decode the data being transmitted.
Types of VPN encryption
VPNs encrypt data through the following tools and protocols:
- IPSec: Internet protocol secure (IPSec) is a group of protocols that secures connections between devices. It protects data sent over public networks.
- Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP): PPTP is an outdated method for creating virtual private networks because it lacks built-in security features and has many known vulnerabilities, making it unsafe for modern use.
- Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP): SSTP creates virtual private networks by establishing a secure connection through HTTPS. Unlike older protocols, SSTP can work through most firewalls and web proxies, making it more reliable for remote access to private networks. It uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data as it travels between points.
- MPLS VPN encryption: MPLS VPN encryption is primarily used in service provider networks to separate and secure customer traffic. It creates virtual private networks within the service provider's infrastructure, allowing multiple customers to share the same network while keeping their data separate and secure.
Benefits and limitations
VPN encryption provides several advantages for data security. It ensures confidentiality by making data unreadable to unauthorized parties during transmission. VPNs enable secure remote access to private networks, protect against data interception, and help maintain privacy when using public networks. They also allow organizations to comply with HIPAA and secure communications across multiple locations.
However, VPN encryption does have some limitations. The encryption process can slow down network performance due to the additional processing required. Some VPN protocols may be blocked by firewalls or network restrictions. There's also potential for decreased reliability depending on network conditions and server capacity. Additionally, the security of a VPN depends heavily on the chosen protocol and proper configuration, with older protocols potentially vulnerable to known exploits.
Go deeper: Types of firewalls
FAQs
What is end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption ensures data remains encrypted from its origin point to its destination, with only the sender and intended recipient able to decrypt the information.
What is a TCP control channel?
A TCP control channel is a connection that manages and controls data flow between two points in a network, handling tasks like connection establishment and maintenance.
What is Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)?
GRE is a tunneling protocol that encapsulates various network layer protocols inside virtual point-to-point links over an IP network.
What is SSL/TLS encryption?
SSL/TLS encryption is a security protocol that creates an encrypted connection between a web browser and a server, protecting data as it travels across the internet.
