13+ Surprising VPN Facts That You Need to Know in 2024

Published on: May 22, 2023
Last Updated: May 22, 2023

13+ Surprising VPN Facts That You Need to Know in 2024

Published on: May 22, 2023
Last Updated: May 22, 2023

Discover everything about VPNs as we reveal some of the most exciting and recent VPN facts!

With a VPN (for Virtual Private Network), it is possible to search the internet without fearing getting your personal data or information leaked.

That’s because connecting your device with a VPN routes your internet traffic via a safe tunnel.

As a result, you’ll have a more secure and safer connection.

In today’s world, due to the increasing concern about online data privacy and security, more and more individuals are looking for ways to protect their data from prying eyes.

That’s why many people use VPN providers since it is one of the best tools for securing online privacy.

In fact, according to some recent studies, one in every four people in the world uses VPN services.

However, despite the constant increase in the number of VPN users worldwide, only a few people know the exciting facts about VPNs.

In this article, we’ll show you some of the most interesting facts about VPNs you should know today.  

Key VPN Facts

  • A VPN acts as a virtual tunnel.
  • A VPN is similar to a firewall, although it can’t be traced.
  • Server location matters; however, type and number – are not always.
  • A VPN hides your IP address.
  • VPNs can protect your online privacy.
  • You can use a VPN to save money.
  • The first VPNs were developed in the late 1990s.
  • PPTP (Peer-to-Peer Tunneling Protocol) is the oldest security protocol.
  • Free VPNs usually can come at a cost.
  • Out of 196 countries, VPNs are banned in 30.

General VPN Facts 2024

VPN

1. VPN Acts as A Virtual Tunnel.

We all know a VPN is a powerful tool that allows you to create a secure and encrypted connection to the internet.

But have you ever wondered how it works? Well, one way to think about a VPN is as a virtual tunnel that connects your device to the internet.

Yes, you read it right. A VPN, indeed, acts like a virtual tunnel between your device and the public network you use.

That way, your online identity and the data you send or receive are well encrypted.

In fact, no one (literally no one) will ever know what’s inside the tunnel, even if your VPN is invaded.

An encrypted tunnel is created between your computer and the VPN server when you use one to access the internet.

Once the connection is established, your device can access the web through the VPN server.

This means that any sites or services you visit see the IP address of the VPN server, not your own IP address.

2. VPN Is Based on Security Protocols.

VPNs are a popular tool for protecting online privacy and security.

But the question is how they actually keep your data safe?

Well, at the heart of any VPN service are its security protocols that ensure your data is encrypted and protected from prying eyes.

In case you don’t know, the security protocol is a set of rules and procedures that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network.

Moreover, a VPN uses several different types of protocols, each with strengths and weaknesses.

One of the most commonly used security protocols is OpenVPN.

It uses SSL and TLS encryption, making it one of the most secure protocols available.

Other popular protocols are IPSec and L2TP.

So, we can say that VPNs are based on protocols that protect your data from prying eyes.

3. A VPN Is Similar to A Firewall, Although It Can’t Be Traced.

While a VPN and a firewall share some similarities regarding their ability to protect your online security, they serve different purposes.

A firewall limits incoming and outgoing traffic, whereas a VPN focuses on encrypting your data and hiding your online activity. 

And while a firewall can be traced, a VPN is much more difficult to track, making it a popular choice for those who value their online privacy.

So, we can say that a VPN is a more powerful tool for protecting your online privacy and security, but it isn’t a panacea.

You’ll still need to use other security measures, such as strong passwords and antivirus software, to help protect your device and data.

4. Server Location Matters; However, Type and Number – Are Not Always.

If you want to bypass geo-restrictions on various websites and servers, you’ll need a VPN service that offers VPN server(s) in that particular country.

In such a case, it doesn’t matter if a VPN offers 200 or 5000 servers. So, it is a VPN fact that only server location matters, not the number.

Moreover, some VPN service providers offer virtual servers instead of physical ones to reduce costs.

In fact, they sometimes rent or own servers in a data center in a single country and claim to have servers across the globe.

However, remember that when you use a virtual server, your speed and latency might drop and rise.

VPN Facts 2024: The Advantages

VPN

5. A VPN Hides Your IP Address.

One of the critical features or advantages of a VPN is that it hides your IP address, which can help to keep your online activities anonymous and secure.

So, what exactly is an IP address, and why would you want to hide it?

It’s a unique identifier that is assigned to all devices which are connected to the internet.

It’s like your ID card in the online world.

An IP address allows your devices to communicate with others and vice versa.

However, your ISP and the apps and sites you visit can use your IP address to trace you and your online activities.

So, having your IP address hidden while browsing the internet is essential.

That’s where a VPN comes in. When you connect a VPN to your device, it routes your online traffic via a remote server, which replaces your device’s IP address with the IP address of the VPN server.

This means that your online activities appear to be coming from the VPN server rather than your own device.

There are various benefits associated with hiding your IP address.

It can help protect your privacy by making it harder for sites to track your online activities.

Moreover, it also ensures that hackers and cybercriminals won’t be able to see your actual IP address.

6. VPNs Can Protect Your Online Privacy.

You’ve already read in the above VPN fact that it can hide your IP address, which ultimately helps protect your online privacy from everyone, including your ISP, government authorities, websites, and applications.

The good news is that when you use a VPN, none of the parties can trace your identity or location.

Moreover, a VPN service prevents potential data collectors from being able to access your browsing history and cookies, including personal and financial information.

That way, it gives you more privacy and online freedom.

However, a VPN can’t protect your device from insecure sites.

If you accidentally download malware or give information to an insecure website, VPN won’t shield your online privacy.

7. A VPN Can Raise Your Internet Browsing Speed.

One of the main reasons for slow internet browsing is ISP throttling.

In fact, your ISP can intentionally slow down your online connection to control network congestion or limit access to certain websites or services.

This can be frustrating, especially when trying to stream high-quality videos or play online games.

A VPN can solve this problem; when your device is connected to it, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed via a remote server.

This makes it difficult for your ISP to detect and throttle your connection.

In fact, some VPNs can even increase your internet speed by routing your traffic through faster servers or optimizing your connection.

8. VPN Bypasses Geo-Restrictions.

Have you ever tried accessing a website or streaming service only to be met with a message that it’s unavailable in your region?

This frustrating experience is due to geo-restrictions, which limit access to content based on your geographic location.

Fortunately, a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access your desired content.

A VPN encrypts and routes your internet traffic through a remote server in a different country.

As a result, it appears you’re browsing the internet from that country, which can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region.

However, not all VPN services are equal when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions.

Some streaming platforms and websites actively block VPN traffic, while others may only work with specific VPNs.

Additionally, some nations may have stricter internet censorship laws that make it more difficult to bypass geo-restrictions.

That’s why it’s crucial to choose a reputable VPN provider.

9. You Can Use a VPN to Save Money.

Did you know that you can save money by using a VPN? Yes, you read it right.

VPNs aren’t just for online privacy and security – they can also help you get better deals on products and services.

A VPN can save you money by changing your virtual location.

Some companies offer different prices or deals based on your location, so you can access better prices or deals by using a VPN to connect to a VPN server in a different country.

Moreover, it can save you money by protecting you from price discrimination. Not just that, but a VPN also protects you from online fraud and scams.

Other VPN Facts 2024

VPN

10. The First VPNs Were Developed in The Late 1990s.

While primarily everyone has heard about VPNs, only a few people know the origins of this technology.

The first VPN services were developed in the late 1990s to allow remote access to corporate networks, and since then, they have come a long way.

In the early days of the internet, businesses needed a way to connect remote employees to their corporate networks without compromising security.

And therefore, to secure remote access to sensitive information and data, VPNs were developed.

VPNs were expensive and required specialized hardware and software, making them primarily accessible only to large businesses and organizations.

However, as the demand for remote access grew, they became more widely available and affordable.

11. PPTP (Peer-to-Peer Tunneling Protocol) is The Oldest Security Protocol.

Peer-to-Peer Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is a widely used VPN security protocol.

It is the oldest protocol still in use today, developed in the early 1990s.

PPTP was developed by a consortium of companies led by Microsoft to allow remote users to securely connect to corporate networks over the internet.

At the time, the internet was still a relatively new and untested technology, and there were concerns about the security risks associated with connecting to it.

Although PPTP was a significant breakthrough in the early VPN days, it is no longer considered the most secure protocol.

As a result, most VPN providers today have moved away from PPTP and towards more secure protocols like OpenVPN and IPSec.

However, PPTP is still widely used because it is easy to set up and works on various devices and operating systems.

12. Free VPNs Usually Can Come at A Cost.

Free VPNs often seem attractive, as they don’t require a financial commitment and can offer many of the same features as paid services.

However, there are several risks associated with using free VPN service providers.

For instance, free VPN services often lack the same level of encryption and security features as their paid counterparts, leaving users vulnerable to hacking and surveillance.

That’s not all; many free services collect and sell user data, which can compromise user privacy.

Apart from that, most free VPNs include hidden costs that aren’t immediately apparent to users.

These can vary from annoying ads and pop-ups to even malware that can compromise the security of the user’s device.

So, remember, no VPN is free; they all come at a cost.

13. Out of 196 Countries, VPNs Are Banned in 30.

Despite being a popular tool used by individuals and businesses worldwide, VPNs are still banned or restricted in several countries.

In fact, it’s estimated that out of the 196 countries in the world, around 30 have banned or restricted the use of VPNs.

These countries include China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and North Korea.

The reasons for these bans and restrictions vary from country to country.

In some cases, governments have cited national security concerns as a reason for limiting access to VPNs, while in others, the goal is to prevent citizens from accessing content deemed inappropriate or offensive.

However, the use of VPNs continues to grow around the world.

Many individuals and businesses rely on VPNs to protect their online privacy and security, and many reputable VPN providers offer legal and secure services.

14. Data Logging Isn’t Always Zero.

VPN

When choosing a VPN provider, many users prioritize a no-logging policy.

This means that the VPN provider doesn’t collect or store any user data, which can help protect your online privacy and security.

However, not all VPN providers have a no-logging policy, and even those that do may not always be completely transparent about the data they collect.

In some cases, VPNs may collect certain types of data, such as metadata or connection logs.

Moreover, even VPN providers that claim to have a no-logging policy may not be completely trustworthy.

In some cases, VPN services may collect data and sell it to third-party companies for profit, which can compromise user privacy and security.

So, it would be best to be very careful while choosing a provider for yourself.

Conclusion

VPN, in simple words, is a private and secure virtual tunnel between your device and the internet.

It keeps you anonymous online and your network data safe, thanks to its gold-standard encryption technology.

Moreover, a VPN can bypass geo-restrictions so you can stream online from any service worldwide.

However, there are many other things you don’t know about VPNs yet!

And therefore, we’ve discussed 14 interesting facts about VPNs above, which are critical to know if you’re an internet user concerned about your online privacy and security.

Sources

WikipediaNordVPNMCafee
ExpressVPN

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Written by Thomas McGovern

Thomas McGovern is a highly experienced blockchain and cryptography expert with over a decade of experience in the field. He has worked on numerous projects involving blockchain technology, including the development of decentralized applications and the implementation of secure cryptographic protocols. McGovern’s expertise in this area is complemented by his academic background; he holds a master’s degree in Mathematics, with a focus on cryptography and number theory.

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