VPNs

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National Online Safety Helping schools raise standards in online safety
Webinar 5min

Part of our Online Privacy & Security Series 2020-21

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What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a privacy tool used to hide internet activity from prying eyes.

Without a VPN, internet traffic is sent directly from your computer or smartphone, letting anyone in-between you and a website or service see what you’re doing.

With a VPN, a secure tunnel is created between your computer or phone and what's known as the endpoint.

The endpoint is merely the part of the internet where your connection comes out and can be in the same country as you or elsewhere.

For more information on the associated risks and online safety tips for parents and carers, watch our explainer video, available to those with a National Online Safety membership.