What is a VPN? Virtual Private Network meaning | NordVPN

A VPN reroutes your traffic through a remote server, encrypting it in the process. Typically, when you try to access a website, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) receives the request and redirects you to your destination. But when you connect to a VPN, it redirects your internet traffic through a remote server before sending it over to your destination.

First of all, a VPN hides your data from snoopers — encryption is important when you want to protect your internet traffic and minimize your online footprint. This way, your internet service provider won’t be able to sell your entire browsing history to the highest bidder.

Your IP (and, therefore, your virtual location) is also hidden and you get a new one that belongs to the VPN server you’re connected to. This ensures extra security and significantly increases your privacy online — no one knows what city or country you’re browsing from.

These are common VPN functionalities, but NordVPN aims higher. We want to protect not only your data but your devices as well. That’s why we’ve developed the Threat Protection feature to keep your devices safe from common internet hazards: malware in downloaded files, web trackers, flashy ads, and malicious links. You don’t need to be connected to a VPN server to use it — just turn it on, and it will guard your device 24/7.