OCTOBER 2025
Internet security and the VPN
What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an online service that creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, hiding your true IP address and making your online activities private and protected. By connecting to a remote VPN server, it acts as an intermediary, masking your location and data from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), websites, and potential cybercriminals, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. This provides a safer, more private, and more secure internet experience, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions and protect sensitive information like passwords and credit card details.
There’s probably some terminology there that is going over the heads of some readers. And so, very simply, if when you start a desk top computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone you start a VPN application before you do anything else, the device and programs that run on it can be made secure and hidden from potential hackers.
This type of security measure may seem unnecessary to folk who say “I’ve never had a problem using the Internet”. But just think about credit card fraud, unsolicited emails, unsolicited phone calls, the accessing of passwords, the cloning of email addresses and so on. Perhaps it will happen to you at some time, or worse still, already has.
Using a VPN allows a user to appear to be elsewhere. For example, access to certain web sites requires that you be in the correct location to qualify for access to a service. In order to enter the UK website for the BBC including iPlayer it is necessary to be in the geography determined by the BBC. By running a VPN and setting it to the UK, access to iPlayer is possible. Similarly, if you are registered for Euromillions in France then you must appear to be in France to access your account. Especially important if you have a big win!
All over Europe now ISPs are using technology to help identify data streams that deliver TV services especially sporting events. In Italy it has become very difficult to access this type of service unless you run a VPN. Ireland and the UK are also employing this type of technology to spot data steams that appear to deliver content that conflicts with services provided by TV companies. The use of a VPN can provide you with the peace of mind that your viewing choices will continue to be available.
Regardless of where you are or the activity you indulge in on the Internet, be safe. Don’t allow your identity or personal details to be shared with others.
A VPN costs just a few Euro per month and there is an abundance of choice. Call Mayday if you need help.
maydaymayday@orange.fr
+33 682 26 31 54