The basics
VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network.” It creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. All your traffic flows through that tunnel, so outsiders can't see its contents — or your real IP address and location.
How does a VPN work?
When you connect, your device first establishes an encrypted link to a VPN server. Websites you visit see the VPN server's IP, not your real address. Strong ciphers like AES-256 scramble your data so it can't be read even if intercepted on public Wi-Fi.
Why use a VPN?
- Privacy: hide your real IP and stop tracking by sites, advertisers and ISPs.
- Public Wi-Fi safety: encrypt data at cafes and airports to block snooping.
- Access global content: connect through different countries for a wider internet.
- Steadier connections: a good VPN can reduce buffering for streaming and gaming.
How to choose a VPN
Look at four things: encryption strength (AES-256), a strict no-logs policy, server count and coverage, and connection speed. Hotspot Shield scores well on all of them.