What is a VPN and how does it work to keep you safe online?

by Kate Hernandez | December 15, 2025 | Threat Lab

Reading Time: 4 mins

Your personal data is more exposed today than ever. Internet service providers track and sell your browsing history. Scammers set up fake Wi-Fi networks in airports, hotels, and cafes to steal passwords and financial information. Hackers exploit unsecured connections to intercept everything from your emails to your bank login credentials.

This is where a VPN comes in. Imagine you are driving on an open road, outside observers can see what you're doing, where you're going, or who's in the car. A VPN (or virtual private network) is essentially a private, encrypted tunnel for your internet data. It protects you from outside nefarious observers.

With a VPN your data is encrypted before it ever leaves your device, unidentifiable over the Wi-Fi network.  It heads to the VPN server, which acts as your middleman, masking your real IP address and location. When it arrives at the website or service it shows only the VPN server's IP address, not yours.

The VPN creates a secure "tunnel" around your data. Even if someone intercepts it, all they see is scrambled, unreadable code. Your ISP knows you're connected to a VPN but can't see what you're doing. Websites think you're connecting from the VPN server's location, not your actual location.

The Result: Your browsing activity, location, credit card information, and personal data remain private and protected.

How a VPN protects you at home, work, and on public Wi-Fi

Home browsing and shopping online

At home, you might feel safe, but even on your private Wi-Fi, your internet service provider (ISP) or anyone with access to your network traffic can see which websites you visit. ISPs often track your browsing history — including the sites you visit and the products you shop for — and sell this data to advertisers. A VPN encrypts your connection, hiding that information and protecting your personal data. When shopping online or entering payment details, a VPN adds a crucial layer of protection, keeping your financial information safe from interception.

Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks — in cafés, airports, hotels, or coworking spaces — are convenient but risky. Nearly 69% of internet users connect to public Wi-Fi weekly, and almost half do so without checking if the network is legitimate. Hackers can monitor your activity, set up fake networks to steal credentials, or intercept passwords and credit-card details. A VPN encrypts your traffic so even if someone is monitoring the network, your data remains unreadable. Without one, your messages, logins, and personal information are exposed to anyone on that shared network.

Travel and remote work

When you’re working from a hotel, catching up on email at an airport, or streaming in a café abroad, network security can vary widely. A VPN keeps your device connection private and secure, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. Whether you’re accessing company files, checking email, or browsing social media, your connection stays encrypted. For travelers, VPNs also help you access home-region content and services that may be restricted in other countries.

What does a VPN hide from hackers, ISPs, and trackers

Let’s break down exactly what using a VPN does for you:

• IP address and location – Your device’s IP address reveals your approximate geographic location and your internet-service provider. A VPN masks your IP and can make it look like you’re browsing from somewhere else.
• Browsing activity – Your ISP or network operator might see that you connected to a website (or at least to a server). With a VPN, your traffic is encrypted and routed via the VPN server, making the details of your browsing much harder to trace.
• Data in transit – Especially on unsecured or public networks, your data could be vulnerable. Encryption via a VPN ensures that even if data is intercepted, it’s unreadable without the key.

Behind the scenes, the VPN client on your device creates an encrypted “tunnel” to the VPN server. All your internet traffic flows through this tunnel. From the outside, your device communicates only with the VPN server; the server then communicates with the wider internet on your behalf. This means websites see the VPN’s IP rather than your own.

How to choose the right VPN for speed, privacy, and security

With many VPNs on the market, how do you pick the right one? Here are key criteria to evaluate:

• No-logs policy – Make sure the VPN provider doesn’t keep records of your browsing or connection history. True privacy means the provider cannot turn over data because they don’t keep it.
• Speed & reliability – Encryption adds overhead, so you’ll want a service that delivers fast, stable connections, minimal lag, and good global server coverage.
• Reputation and transparency – Look for independent audits, clear privacy policies, and a company you can trust.
• Cross-device support – Your protection should extend to computers, phones, tablets, and maybe even routers.
• Strong encryption & features – Modern protocols (such as WireGuard, OpenVPN) plus built-in features like kill switches (which block traffic if the VPN drops) enhance your security.
   

Before you subscribe, review the provider’s website, look for reviews or independent tests, and check how easy their setup is. The goal is everyday protection—so it should be simple and unobtrusive.

Why Webroot Secure VPN makes online privacy simple for everyone

When it comes to practical, everyday privacy and security, Webroot Secure VPN offers an approachable solution. It gives you encrypted, private access for all your devices, backed by the trusted Webroot brand. Webroot’s streamlined interface and transparent policies help you avoid the complex jargon and confusing setup—so you can turn on protection and browse with confidence.

A VPN isn’t just a tool for tech-savvy users—it’s an everyday digital protection layer that everyone should consider. Whether you're browsing at home, shopping online, working on the road, or connecting to a public Wi-Fi hotspot, a VPN helps preserve your privacy and secure your data.

Try Webroot Secure VPN today. Simple privacy for all your devices. 

Additional information

FTC: Are public Wi-Fi networks safe?

CISA guidance on public Wi-Fi safety

Webroot Secure VPN product page