Glossary of VPN Terms #

A #

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) #

AES is a symmetric encryption algorithm widely used for its high security and performance. It is commonly used in VPNs to encrypt data.

Authentication #

The process of verifying the identity of a user or device before granting access to resources. In the context of VPNs, authentication ensures that only authorized users can connect to the VPN.

B #

Bandwidth #

The maximum rate of data transfer across a given path. In VPN terms, it refers to the speed at which data can be transmitted over a VPN connection.

Blacklist #

A list of IP addresses, domains, or applications that are blocked or denied access. VPNs can use blacklists to block access to malicious sites.

C #

Client #

Software or application that connects to a VPN server, creating a secure and encrypted connection.

Connection Log #

A record of metadata about VPN sessions, such as connection times and IP addresses. A no-logs policy means the VPN provider does not store these logs.

D #

DNS (Domain Name System) #

A system that translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses. VPNs often use their own DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks.

DNS Leak #

Occurs when DNS queries are sent outside the VPN tunnel, potentially exposing browsing activity. DNS leak protection ensures all DNS requests go through the VPN.

E #

Encryption #

The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access. VPNs use encryption to secure data transmitted between your device and the VPN server.

Endpoint #

The end of a communication channel. In a VPN context, it refers to the VPN server that the client connects to.

F #

Firewall #

A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. VPNs can work with firewalls to enhance security.

Forward Secrecy #

A feature that ensures that a session key will not be compromised even if the private key is compromised in the future. It enhances the security of encrypted communications.

G #

Geo-Blocking #

The practice of restricting access to content based on the user’s geographic location. VPNs can bypass geo-blocking by masking the user’s IP address.

GUI (Graphical User Interface) #

A visual way of interacting with software. Most VPN clients have a GUI to make it easier for users to connect and configure the VPN.

H #

Handshake #

The initial exchange of information between a client and server to establish a secure connection. In VPNs, the handshake process involves the exchange of cryptographic keys.

Hostname #

A human-readable name assigned to a device on a network. VPN servers can be accessed using their hostnames.

I #

IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) #

A VPN protocol known for its stability and security, especially in mobile environments. It supports seamless network switching.

IP Address #

A unique string of numbers and/or letters assigned to every device connected to the internet. VPNs mask your IP address to protect your identity.

IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) #

A suite of protocols used to secure internet communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet in a communication session.

K #

Kill Switch #

A feature that disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks and maintaining privacy.

Key Exchange #

The process of sharing cryptographic keys between a client and server to establish a secure connection.

L #

Latency #

The time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination. Lower latency means a faster connection. VPNs can sometimes increase latency due to encryption overhead.

L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) #

A VPN protocol often combined with IPsec to provide encryption and secure data transport.

M #

Multi-Hop VPN #

A feature that routes your internet traffic through multiple VPN servers, adding an extra layer of security and anonymity.

MAC Address #

A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. VPNs do not typically mask MAC addresses.

N #

NAT (Network Address Translation) #

A method used to remap one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in IP packet headers. VPNs can use NAT to manage multiple devices on a single public IP address.

No-Logs Policy #

A policy where the VPN provider does not keep records of users' online activities, ensuring user privacy.

O #

Obfuscation #

A technique used to make VPN traffic appear as regular internet traffic, bypassing VPN blocks and censorship.

OpenVPN #

An open-source VPN protocol known for its strong security and flexibility. It uses SSL/TLS for key exchange.

P #

P2P (Peer-to-Peer) #

A network model where computers share resources and data directly without relying on a central server. VPNs are often used to protect P2P file sharing.

Port Forwarding #

A method used to allow external devices to access services on a private network. VPNs can use port forwarding to improve connectivity for certain applications.

PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) #

An older VPN protocol known for its speed but considered less secure than newer protocols.

Privacy Policy #

A document that outlines how a company collects, uses, and protects user data. Review the VPN provider’s privacy policy to understand how your data is handled.

R #

Remote Access VPN #

A type of VPN that allows individual users to connect to a private network from a remote location, typically used for secure remote work.

RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) #

A public-key encryption algorithm used for secure data transmission. It employs a pair of keys, one public and one private, to encrypt and decrypt data.

S #

Server #

A computer or system that provides resources, data, services, or programs to other computers, known as clients, over a network. VPN servers are used to route and encrypt user traffic.

Split Tunneling #

A feature that allows you to route some of your device’s traffic through the VPN while allowing other traffic to go directly to the internet.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) #

A standard technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client. SSL is used in VPNs for secure key exchange.

T #

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) #

A standard protocol that enables reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications. VPNs can use TCP to provide a more stable connection.

TLS (Transport Layer Security) #

A cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. It is an improved version of SSL.

Tor (The Onion Router) #

A network that enables anonymous communication by routing traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers. Some VPNs offer integration with Tor for added privacy.

Tunneling #

The process of transmitting data securely through a VPN. It involves encapsulating the original data packet inside another packet and encrypting it.

U #

UDP (User Datagram Protocol) #

A communication protocol that offers a faster, connectionless transmission of data. VPNs can use UDP for faster connections, particularly in applications like streaming and gaming.

User Authentication #

The process of verifying the identity of a user before allowing access to a network. VPNs use various methods for user authentication to ensure secure access.

V #

VPN (Virtual Private Network) #

A service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server, protecting your online activities and data.

VPN Client #

Software or application that connects to a VPN server, creating a secure and encrypted connection.

W #

WireGuard #

A newer VPN protocol known for its simplicity, speed, and strong security. It uses modern cryptography and has a lean codebase, making it easier to audit and maintain.

Warrant Canary #

A statement published by a VPN provider indicating that it has not received any government subpoenas or gag orders. If the warrant canary disappears, it may indicate that the provider has been compelled to share user data.

Summary #

This glossary provides definitions for common VPN terms and jargon, helping you understand the technology and make informed decisions about using VPN services. Whether you are new to VPNs or looking to enhance your knowledge, this glossary is a valuable resource for navigating the world of VPNs.