What is a VPN and How Do I
Know My VPN is Working?
It's possible that you've
heard about VPNs even if you're new to the field of internet security. As
someone just getting started, I was confused about what a VPN even is! Also,
once I got a VPN, how could I tell if it was actually working to keep my
browsing secure?
In this article, I’ll explain
what a VPN is in simple terms. I'll also share signs to look for to confirm
your VPN is active and anonymizing your internet connection. As a VPN newbie
myself, I wanted tips to check everything is encrypted and routing properly.
Read on for a beginner's guide to understanding VPNs and validating they work as
advertised.
Demystifying VPNs: A Simple Explanation
Let's start by decoding what
a VPN even is.
VPN stands for Virtual
Private Network. Essentially, it creates a private tunnel for your internet
traffic to pass through. Inside this tunnel, your data is encrypted and secured
from prying eyes.
When you connect through a
VPN, your traffic exits through the VPN provider's server instead of your own
IP address. This masks your real location and identity, providing anonymity
online.
Think of a VPN like a private
tunnel you enter on the way to the Internet. Inside the tunnel, snoops can't
see what you're doing or where you're going. Your data is for your eyes only!
Your IP Address Should Be Different
Once you set up a VPN
connection, the first thing to check is whether your IP address actually
changes. This is the key indicator it’s working!
Without a VPN, your device's
IP reveals your location and ISP information to every site you visit. Your IP
stays fixed until you disconnect from the internet.
Connecting to a VPN assigns you a new virtual IP address
every time. To check your public IP:
●
On
Windows/Mac search for "what is my IP" in your browser
●
The
IP shown should match your VPN provider's location, not your physical location
For example, if your VPN exits through New York but you
live in Los Angeles, you'll now have a New York IP. This masks your true
location.
Your IP changing confirms
your traffic is routing through the VPN server correctly. No IP change likely
means a VPN misconfiguration or connection drop.
Websites Should Show Your VPN Location
In addition to the IP address
switch, websites you visit should now geolocate you to your VPN server location
rather than your real one.
Tools like Google Maps and
visitor geolocation widgets will display your VPN's city:
If websites still pinpoint
your actual location, the VPN isn't masking your IP correctly. Troubleshoot
your VPN settings or connection.
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) Should Be Hidden
VPNs also obscure your ISP,
which can identify your internet provider account.
To confirm your ISP is hidden:
●
Google
"What is my ISP" to check your ISP name
●
The
listed provider should match your VPN, not your actual ISP
This ensures all traces of your real identity are masked
from the websites you access. Your VPN connection is successfully encrypting
and routing your traffic.
Websites Should Load Slower Than Normal
This may seem
counterintuitive, but slower website load times can indicate your VPN is
active.
VPNs add a bit of connection
overhead as your traffic is encrypted and routed through remote servers.
This causes some speed loss -
usually 10-30% slower versus direct connections.
Running a speed test without
the VPN, then retesting with the VPN, shows this difference. Speeds don't have
to tank, but expect a bit of a slowdown.
If your browsing feels just
as fast through the VPN, it likely isn't encrypting your connection. Check for
DNS or IPv6 leaks that bypass the VPN tunnel.
Log Into Your VPN Account
Most VPN such as IPVanish
providers have a web portal or dashboard to access your IPVanish
account details. This usually shows
your current virtual IP address and connected VPN server.
Log in to confirm the IP
matches what websites are showing in your browser. Activity logs may also
indicate your connected time and browsing data usage.
Don't panic if your provider
shows bandwidth usage - many log this for billing only, not storing actual
browsing details. Contact their privacy team if you have concerns.
Checking your account portal
provides another simple way to validate your VPN connection.
VPN Connection Status Icon
Your VPN software will
display some sort of connection status icon when active. This is usually shown
as a key, shield, or padlock icon in the system tray or menu bar. Mousing over
it should indicate your current VPN IP.
No VPN icon means you're not
protected! The icon provides a clear visual cue your VPN tunnel is engaged.
Most VPNs will automatically reconnect when your internet comes back online.
I like having the
ever-present connection icon. It reminds me my traffic is secure and alerts me
to any drops. Don't ignore the status indicator!
What to Do if Your VPN Isn't Working
If the above checks reveal your VPN isn't working
properly, there are a few steps to troubleshoot:
●
Reconnect
to the VPN -Find why does McAfee keep disconnecting and Try to reconnect.
●
Switch
protocols - If using OpenVPN, try IKEv2 or Wireguard. Some protocols work
better than others for certain networks.
●
Change
servers - Connect to a different VPN server location in case an individual
server is down.
●
Update
VPN apps - An outdated app can cause connectivity issues. Install the newest
version.
●
Whitelist
VPN - Antivirus or firewalls may block unsanctioned VPN programs. Add your VPN
app as an exception.
●
Contact
support - Reach out to the VPN provider's support for personalized
troubleshooting help.
With a bit of trial and error, you can get your VPN
working smoothly again. Consistent connections take a little practice for VPN
novices.
How much slower will a VPN make my Internet?
Expect a 10-30% drop in
Internet speeds with a VPN active. The performance loss is usually minimal
thanks to modern protocols like WireGuard. Disable VPN for activities needing
maximum speed.
The Bottom Line
Understanding VPN basics like
masking your IP address and encrypting connections can seem daunting at first.
I was certainly confused navigating the technical jargon around Virtual Private
Networks!
But checking the simple signs
like altered IP and geolocation is all you need to confirm your VPN is actually
functioning. Tests only take a few minutes.
I feel much more confident
browsing and accessing content safely now that I grasp the essential security
concept behind VPN services. The privacy benefits are well worth taking the
time to learn.
So don't be intimidated by
the terminology. Follow the tips I outlined here to check you're adequately
protected. With a working VPN encrypting your traffic, you can breathe easier!
What is the best free VPN?
Paid VPNs are most reliable
for features and speeds. But if you must use a free VPN, ProtonVPN and
TunnelBear offer the best experience with minimal advertising.
Can using a VPN be dangerous?
VPNs are very safe from a
privacy perspective. However, some countries criminalize VPN usage. Be aware of
local laws before using one internationally.
Should I leave my VPN on all the time?
I personally use my VPN whenever browsing the web.
However, you can turn off your VPN temporarily for activities like streaming
where location matters. It's entirely up to your preferences!