What is a VPN in the phone and how to configure it

Previously, phones were used exclusively for cellular communications, now it is a device that allows not only to make calls and exchange SMS, but also to go online. With the advent of high-speed Internet, the question arose of ensuring the safety of users on the network. When surfing the Internet, attackers can steal confidential information using various malicious programs and the network to which the user is connected.

VPN technology in the phone

What is a VPN?

Not everyone knows what kind of vpn technology is in the phone. To ensure the safety of users on the network, a technology was developed - Virtual Private Network (VPN). Its literal translation means - a virtual private network. Its main feature is that it creates a secure connection tunnel on top of or inside another network. Thanks to this, the encryption algorithm that protects the transmitted data is changing.

Many users have a question, what is vpn for. In some cases, for example, when traveling, a person urgently needs to use the Internet to pay for any services. This requires mobile internet or a wireless network.

Most often, the latter option is used - public Wi-Fi at stations, cafes, airports and other places. As a rule, this connection method does not provide encryption and the transmitted data is open. With the help of simple manipulations, attackers can freely seize the person’s data: bank card number, electronic wallet, etc. In this situation, the VPN will be the most appropriate way to protect yourself from information theft.

The specifics of the virtual private network

To be able to use a private virtual network on a mobile device, VPN servers were created. The communication mode on smartphones can often change, first the user went online via Wi-Fi, then using 3G. This is due to the fact that the gadget accessed the server from different IP addresses and the application lost an active connection. In order to avoid disconnection, authorization protocols have been created. Authorization is necessary primarily to ensure two-way data transfer.

Disadvantages of Using VPN

Although a virtual network has significant advantages, it has some disadvantages:

• When using a connection via VPN, Internet connection speed drops. First you need to understand how the connection is made, the scheme is as follows: user device - VPN - site location. The reasons for the drop in speed can be the following: a server is overloaded and incorrect settings.

VPN connection

• A virtual network does not provide 100% security. The user is open to hacker attacks through various plugins and extensions installed in the Internet browser. In order to increase the security of the device, it is necessary to clear the request history and temporary cookies (cookies).

How to connect a VPN on a smartphone

Further detailed instructions will be given on how the user can configure the virtual network settings on his smartphone. The actions will be described on the example of devices with Android and iOS.

Configure VPN on Android using the built-in client

Important! Before making a connection, you must request account information for authorization from the server administrator.

Procedure:

• go to "Settings";
• scroll to the Wireless Networks block;
• Next, open the "More" item;
• tap “VPN” and a pop-up window will appear asking you to set a password to lock the screen;
• then the “Unlock method” window appears, select the preferred unlock method, open, for example, “Password”;
• then a new window "Create Password" will open, where you need to enter data, after the password is thought up, tap "Continue";
• we confirm the password, in the new window "Notification settings on the locked device" select the option you want;
• then at the top of the screen select “+” to add a new virtual network;
• Next, indicate the name of the network. The “Type” field is left unchanged;
• after the network has been created, it will appear in the list, tap on it to enter the user name and password (data must be obtained from the server administrator);
• check the box “Save credentials” and click “Connect”;
• After a successful connection, a sign in the form of a key will be displayed in the status bar at the top of the screen, which indicates that the device is in a virtual network.

Established Connection

After the actions taken, the user can access the security and anonymity of the network.

VPN settings on iOS

As with Android, the built-in VPN client will be used:

• go to the "Settings" menu;
• Next, go to the “VPN” option and switch the slider to enable this function;
• after that you need to tap on the tab "Add configuration";
• then you must select your preferred encryption type;
• then in a new window you need to fill out a virtual network profile;
• select a proxy server, if one is used by the device;
• in conclusion, tap “Finish” and switch the slider to activate the network.

VPN settings on iOS

3rd party applications

You can configure the VPN configuration not only using the built-in functions, but by installing special applications. Next, we will consider programs that allow you to configure vpn on android and other devices. These programs can be downloaded through the app store - Play Market or App Store.

Turbo VPN

The most popular program that allows you to provide a quick connection in a few simple steps. It is worth noting that the application is paid and a trial version is provided for a period of 7 days:

Turbo VPN Program

• download the program from the application store and install it on the smartphone;
• after the application is installed, you will need to accept the license agreement and agree to the trial period;
• After that, the application initialization process will begin;
• then an orange button will appear on the main screen, you must click on it;
• then the “Connection Request” dialog box will open;
• the connection process will begin;
• to end the session, click on the button located at the bottom of the screen under the words "Connected".

VPN Master

Another popular VPN connection program. Allows you to configure a quick connection and provide high speed data transfer. The application is completely free:

VPN Master Program

• Download and install the application using the Play Market or App Store;
• after installation, open the program and accept the license agreement;
• then click on the orange tab “Start” and the process of data processing will begin;
• then the main application window will open, first you need to configure some parameters, open the “VPN servers” and select the server with the best signal;
• after that we go to the main screen, tap on the “Forward” button with the image of the plane;
• if it was able to connect to the network, the message "Connected!" with the flag of the country where the server is located.

In this article, the main methods of connecting to a virtual private network vpn were considered. Its undoubted advantage is that the user is protected from the possible theft of confidential information when using public networks.