The term VPN is an acronym standing for "Virtual Private Network." VPNs acts as a conduit through which individuals can access a variety of online content without disclosing their personal IP address. Security advocates consider VPNs to be an excellent tool for ensuring that your online browsing doesn't needlessly communicate information about you to various third-parties. In order to make these tools more secure, every VPN will include a specific VPN password. Understanding how to locate your VPN password is an important step in the process of deploying one of these tools for your own purposes.
The Basics of VPNs
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As mentioned previously, a VPN is a method of interacting with online content through a highly secure protocol. Essentially, a VPN will provide your computer with a temporary IP address specifically for your personal use. This IP address will be dissolved once your browsing session has ended, and a new address will be created the next time you decide to use your VPN.
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Although free VPNs are available (such as the VPNBook proxy) online, many of the more feature-rich services will require a monthly subscription. Once you have obtained a VPN, you will also be able to work around any content blocks or filters that may be in place on the computer you are using. For example, if you browse the internet on a computer provided by your employer, you may be able to use a VPN to conceal your personal browsing and ensure that this information is not shared with your employer.
Understanding the VPN Password Process
You will create and use a password with your VPN much like you would for any standard wireless network. After installing your VPN, you will likely be prompted to create a password for the connection. In some situations, a pre-made password will already be in use. In either scenario, it is in your best interest to create a password that is unique and does not include commonly used phrases or terms that may allow other individuals to access your VPN without your permission.
You will also be able to modify this password at various points in the future as you see fit. As with most passwords, it is in your best interest to change your VPN password on a regular basis to ensure optimal security over an extended period of time.
On some services, such as VPNBook, there is a standard VPNBook password which all users enter, which you can find on the website or on their social media pages.
Using Password Managers With VPNs
Yet another option you may consider as you begin to set up your VPN is a password manager. If you are planning on changing your password regularly with your VPN, a password manager can store this information securely and ensure that you don't accidentally lose access to your VPN. A password manager can be unlocked for the user by establishing a master password.
Password managers are available as both online and computer-based platforms. If you are working on multiple computers simultaneously, you may benefit from using a cloud-based password manager. This particular format will allow you to access your passwords as needed wherever you may currently be located.
Of course, you may also be hesitant to use an online password manager given the fact that this could expose your sensitive material to hackers and other cyber criminals. Ultimately, you must determine your own specific level of risk with regards to your password manager.