Using VPN has become quite widespread in the last decade. Think about it, having the utmost security while on the internet is crucial for so many people around the globe. Not only individuals are interested in protecting their data like credit card numbers, but many want to stay completely anonymous during the time they spend online.
VPN works by masking the IP address and making it appear as an IP address located in a foreign country. With that in mind, it is not hard to understand why so many are interested in utilizing this approach. If you want to check out the connection between cybersecurity and VPNs, visit ipinvisible.
But can VPN be hacked? Let’s talk about it.
Table of Contents
How Does the Encryption Work?
Before we can talk about anything else, we must understand how VPN encryption works. The software will use a protocol to encrypt and conduct data transmission. You will see that those who opt for a VPN will usually have the opportunity to choose between several protocols. Probably the most prominent one out there is OpenVPN. It is an open-source protocol.
Each protocol utilized comes with a set of strengths and weaknesses. Of course, that will depend on the cryptographic algorithm that is implemented inside it. Algorithms can be based on three main classifications. The three main ones are asymmetric, hashing, and symmetric algorithms.
Can VPN be Hacked?
The VPN can be hacked. However, we must say that this requires quite a bit of effort and many skills. You will see that the most advanced VPN services come with significant layer of protection that cannot be overpassed quickly. It takes a lot of time to achieve something like this.
While cybercriminals can easily take advantage of weak points in public Wi-Fi networks, those who use VPNs will certainly have more means to protect themselves. Hacker’s efforts are bound to be lost in the encrypted tunnel between a remote VPN server and a device someone is using, whether it is a mobile device, laptop, or desktop PC.
What VPN Cannot Protect?
As we can see, using this software adds a much-needed layer of protection that cannot be overstated. But there are some situations where they cannot be of much help. The best example of this is when a human mistake occurs. People making mistakes on their own closes the door for additional layers of protection, it’s that simple.
Furthermore, attacks like phishing and malware can be equally as deadly as a human mistake. The only difference is that they come in many different shapes and sizes. Therefore, those of a much lower quality will not represent a massive danger for the internet user. However, those who are more powerful will cause many more problems down the road.
Summary
As you can see, hackers can find a way around VPN software. The only thing that needs to be said is that it is not as easy as some would think it is. We are certain this insight will be of great help to your understanding of this concept.