VPN (Virtual Private Network) A technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the internet. It hides your IP address and encrypts your online activities, ensuring anonymity and protection. IP address A unique string of numbers and decimals that identifies each device using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network. VPNs can provide you with an IP address from a different location, masking your real IP. No logs A policy followed by some VPN providers where they do not store any data about the user's VPN session, ensuring complete privacy. Encryption The process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. VPNs use strong encryption protocols to ensure that the data transmitted between your device and the server remains confidential. Kill Switch A feature in VPNs that disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops. This ensures that your IP address and online activities remain hidden even if the VPN stops unexpectedly. Server A computer program or device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called clients. In VPNs, users connect to VPN servers to route their internet traffic. Geo-restriction A practice where online content is available only in certain geographic locations. VPNs can help bypass geo-restrictions by masking your IP address and making it appear as though you're accessing the web from a different region. DNS leak When your DNS requests, which translate website names to IP addresses, are exposed to your ISP despite being connected to a VPN. This can reveal the websites you visit and compromise your privacy. OpenVPN An open-source VPN protocol known for its high levels of security and performance. It is widely considered to be one of the most secure VPN protocols available. Wireguard A modern and lightweight VPN protocol offering faster speeds and improved encryption compared to older protocols. It is designed to be simpler and easier to audit due to its smaller codebase. Protocol A set of rules governing the data communication mechanisms between both the servers and the clients in a VPN service. Common VPN protocols include OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP. Double VPN A method where your connection goes through two separate VPN servers, adding an extra layer of encryption and security. This means that even if one server is compromised, the data still remains encrypted by the second server. Cybersecurity The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. VPNs are a tool in the cybersecurity arsenal, offering encrypted connections to maintain data privacy. Ad-blocker A tool or feature that prevents advertisements from being displayed on websites. This can enhance browsing speed, reduce distractions, and protect against malicious ads. Malware protection A feature in some VPNs that blocks malicious websites and downloads, providing an added layer of security against viruses, trojans, and other harmful software. Bandwidth The volume of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given amount of time. In VPN terms, unlimited bandwidth means you can use the service as much as you want without facing any restrictions. Firewall A network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls establish a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, like the Internet. P2P (Peer-to-Peer) A decentralized communication model in which each party has the same capabilities and either party can initiate a communication session. Many VPNs support P2P connections for tasks like torrenting. Proxy A server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. While similar to VPNs, proxies typically do not encrypt your data. Tor (The Onion Router) A free software for enabling anonymous communication on the Internet. It directs Internet traffic through a free, worldwide, volunteer overlay network to conceal users' locations and usage from network surveillance. Tunneling The process by which a private network user is able to access the internet through a VPN. The data is encapsulated in packets, creating a 'tunnel' through public networks. VPN Client The end-user software and devices that allow users to connect to a VPN. The client sets up the tunneled connection to a VPN server. VPN Gateway A VPN connection point, typically used for hosting and delivering VPN services. It's the hardware or software that handles encryption and the secure creation of tunnels. Whitelist A list of accepted items or persons in a set. In VPN terms, this can refer to a list of apps or websites that are allowed to bypass the VPN connection. Zero-knowledge A method by which VPN providers can prove their platform's functionality without revealing any user data. In terms of VPNs, it often means the provider has no information about user activities.