VPN: The ABC of Virtual Private Networks to use with bookmakers

1) What is it?

‘extends a private network across a public network, and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.’

What does this mean? Well, when an internet user connects to the internet using a VPN, they do so in a secure digital enclosure or tunnel that is encrypted (converted into codes) between their computer or Internet provider to the VPN remote server. This VPN encrypted connection masks the Internet user’s connection, protecting them from all unwanted scrutiny. In effect, when you use a VPN while online, nobody can see, track, intercept or monitor what you are doing. A VPN also helps you to hide or disguise your IP address, making it easier to access online resources that may be geo-locked out to you.

2) Who uses it and where is it used?

• 2.1) Daily Internet user: Internet users all over the world surf the web to be entertained, make purchases online, work, chat with friends and family, catch up with news or send and receive information. Most times, the standard firewalls Internet service providers provide do not adequately address security, which easily exposes users to risks. Accessing the internet through a VPN connection is thus the right way to stay truly protected online.
• 2.2) Remote worker: If you happen to work remotely and periodically connect to various Wi-Fi hotspot or public network, your personal information is at risk. If you are an individual that is frequently exposed to public networks such as in tran stations or airports, it is recommended that you use a VPN when connecting to the internet. This protects your online activity and information.
• 2.3) Workplace: VPN is not only suitable for individuals use. Workplaces that store their information online and significantly use the internet to conduct their business are at grave risk, if they do this without a VPN. Examples of these are companies that have a large branch system that must be in constant contact, and daily process sensitive information, such as banks. For these, using a VPN to connect and access vital workplace information will provide invaluable protection.
• 2.4) Online resources seeker: VPN is also used for masking one’s P address in order to access content such as entertainment that may be restricted due to geographical location. One such instant is Netflix which uses a location based algorithm to limit subscriber access to some content. Using a VPN allows you to mask your IP or use one that is favorable.

3) Who Provides VPN services?

Having known what VPN entails and its importance, who are those providing these services? VPN services providers are companies who are dedicated to providing a secure network for internet users for a fee or even sometimes for free. The VPN services offer security, privacy, speed of connection and of course proxy services to help users access websites that restrict certain users from a restricted region.

As stated before, VPN services can be either paid for VPN, or free VPN. What makes these two different?

• 3.1) Free VPN: VPN users may decide to use a free VPN because of the cost advantage of not paying a dime. However, you must note that the VPN service providers spend a lot of money to set up and run their operations. This must be paid for somehow. Some free VPN companies have been known to log users’ online activities for their own benefits. However, most of them provide you with free VPN in return for displaying ads. Free VPN will also limit the number of countries or servers you are able to login into.
• 3.2) Paid VPN: if you want to use a paid VPN instead of a free one, luckily for you it doesn't cost a fortune. There are many available paid VPN services that cost about $3-$6 per month. Using it, you can be certain of increased protection of data, access to more servers and countries, and little or no ads. Many companies with a paid service particularly claim zero logging of customer online time.

4) How Secure is VPN?

If you are willing to go for a paid VPN, how secure have VPN providers made their VPN services?

Over the years, this topic has been constantly discussed. There are strong arguments on both sides as to whether a VPN service provides absolute protection. The truth is that there is no straightforward answer because VPNs providers have different approaches or ways of operation, which makes all VPN different. Usually differences in the way a VPN service provider provides its services are controlled by national laws and policies in each country that a VPN provider company is located. Some laws or regulations could prevent a service provider from harnessing the full potent of providing their users with absolute security. Also, other factor like the limitations in the type of VPN technology used by a VPN provider can also affect the level of security it provides, including how clients or users data is transmitted. This brings us to VPN protocols widely used.

5) What are VPN protocols?

VPN protocols are the rules that determine how data routes or travels between your computer and the VPN server. These protocols vary with different specifications. There are about 5 of them which are the SSTP, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, IKEv2 and OPENVPN. As a rule, the protocols the provider uses has a direct effect on the effectiveness of the service provided.

• 5.1) OPENVPN: Introduced 17 years ago and founded by James Yonan, this type of VPN protocol has become the most prominent and popular VPN protocol among others. It is an open source type that allows users to thoroughly inspect its source code for clarity and also use it in other project too. With its latest versions being constantly updated, this VPN protocol is also regarded as a secure VPN because it has up to 256-bit encryption via OpenSSL, and about 2048-bit RSA authentication, and a 160-bit SHA1 hash algorithm. Another reason that makes this VPN protocol outstanding is that it accepts and functions on all top operating systems. It is capable of supporting all the major operating systems, which includes the desktop platforms like Windows, Linux, Mac, as well as mobile platforms like Android and iOS. This VPN protocol also supports the less common platforms of FreeBSD, QNX, Solaris, Maemo, and Windows Mobile. It is also based on SSL/TLS and has been periodically approved by many developers. The one drawback is that it is slow at times.
• 5.2) PPTP: This means ‘Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol’. This VPN protocol was originally designed by Microsoft and it’s part of Windows operating system. It was introduced in 1995, thus it’s the oldest VPN protocol in use. If you happen to have an old computer which has a Windows operating system, then this protocol will work perfectly on it. The one notable advantage is that it is easy to set up and has speedy connection. However, over the years, this VPN protocol has had many recognized security issues. So if a VPN provider provides you with only a PPTP (Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol) you might want to consider companies with other protocols, or you can only use it for basic web browsing that don’t require input of sensitive data and also for entertainment such as video streaming.
• 5.3) L2TP/IPsec: Known as Layer 2 Tunnel protocol, this VPN protocol is the successor of PPTP and a very popular one currently. This protocol was developed by Microsoft, L2F and Cisco. It is known that L2TP does not provide strong authentication or encryption on its own, but does so only when paired with IPsec. According to users who have used L2TP and IPsec together, the combination creates a more secure connection. The downside of this protocol is that it defaults to use UDP, which makes it traffic easier to spot and block.
• 5.4) IKEv2: This VPN protocol was also developed by Microsoft and Cisco. Though, this VPN is not that popular, it is constantly being paired with IPsec for encryption and various authentication procedures. It is more suitable for mobile connections and works well for Windows, Blackberry devices, and iOS. There is an available open source application for Linux. Though it provides you with good security, there is controversial evidence that the National Security Agency (NSA) is exploiting IKEv2.
• 5.5) SSTP: Also labeled Socket Tunneling Protocol, this protocol is quite secure as it uses 2048-bits SSL/TLS for authentication and a 256-bit SSL keys for encryption. Also developed by Microsoft, the SSTP has been fully integrated into the Microsoft operating system since Windows Vista Service Pack 1. It can function in Windows, BSD systems and Linux. For the iOS, Android and macOS it can function via a third party client.

6) What makes a good VPN for betting?

Besides VPN protocols as one valid pointer to what makes a good VPN, other key factors that should be noted as the qualities of a good VPN are:

• 6.1) Freedom: It is a known fact that governments of some countries habitually spy on their citizens activities online. Using a good VPN that truly guarantees you the freedom you need, is a good way to identify the VPN to use. Your VPN must ensure that you are not being monitored by a third party. Restrictive legislation like the Organic Law of Communication is designed to censor free expression online by monitoring social media discourse. Such laws prevent the citizen from speaking out against injustices by their government. Thus using a VPN that truly ensures freedom can ascertain safe, anonymous and untracked browsing.
• 6.2) Speed: Many VPN provider have rightly identified speed as a vital dynamic, and are thus upgrading equipment as a way to attract users.. Your VPN user must enable you to enjoy uninterrupted internet speed. This should be in your checklist when choosing a VPN.
• 6.3) Security: This is a basic reason why many people chose to use a VPN instead of browsing over an open network or social Wi-Fi connection. When you are choosing a VPN, make sure that it will provide you with pure online security without leaks of your information. Sometimes, a VPN may have flaws or bugs that tend to allow the users information to be easily accessed and blocked. Make this your number one priority to prevent exploitation of sensitive information.
• 6.4) Access: Apart from the government, there are some sites that restrict certain users from accessing its content. Some of these sites might not be offering content or information for users in your country. So far the information on the site is not harmful to the viewer or contains no sensitive information which is breaking the law, a good VPN should be able to enable you to access such content. Some of these sites might include, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon prime, and many more. When seeking out or choosing a VPN, you should use a VPN that can give you the liberty of surfing the web without restriction.
• 6.5) No log policy: When you are in search of a good VPN to use, you should make it mandatory to read their privacy policy as many VPN will not state if its users’ logs will be stored, saved or immediately deleted. For complete security and anonymous online activity, a VPN should not save their users’ logs. Be skeptical of any VPN that does not state this policy as these might raise serious concerns about their general integrity.
• 6.6) Number of servers in the most countries: The number of servers in the most number of countries a VPN has is an indication of its speed, access, and general service delivery. Always favor a VPN service with many servers in the most countries.

7) Is it legal to use VPN to bet online?

Just because it is important for you to mask your online presence might sound like you are breaking the law or committing a crime. If you are asking if it is legal to use a VPN, then the answer is YES. In most countries (there are few exceptions) you are not committing any crime for protecting your sensitive information online so far as you are not doing anything illegal

There have been some legal disputes about this question over the years and it has largely become a function of the laws that apply in your country of residence. Some countries that do not support the use of VPN are China, Turkey, United Arab Emirate, Iraq, Oman, Russia, North Korea and Turkmenistan. While VPN is allowed in countries like Canada, UK, US, some Africa countries and the rest of the Western Europe. It is considered venerable to obey the rules and regulations guarding VPN usage in the state that you reside. To learn about the legality of VPN usage in your state, make further inquiries of the laws and regulation guarding it.

8) Notable VPN providers:

VPN providers abound worldwide and it is quite difficult to choose from the list. Below is a list of the best VPN providers according to users review:

• 8.1) Express VPN: Used by many, this VPN is regarded as the best in the world because of its fast speed, ability to unblock, privacy, enough servers and great customer support. It has about 148 server locations in 94 countries and has suitable clients support for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOs, Android and Blackberry. Users accredit it for its simple interface and tutorials, which can get you running in no time.
  The con mentioned by users are that it costs much as per month charges are $12.95 per month, but one can save 49% in 12 month by paying $99.95. Another con is that there are only three connections at max which can be supported.
• 8.2) Nord VPN: This is the second best VPN as rated by users and it is located in Central America. It is great for security, has great clients for both desktop and mobile, supports up to six devices, has a strong performance , can get data of about 2048-bit encryption, and has good speed for short connections. The downside is that it has a privacy policy in which the logging session is quite unclear as it does not state ‘no logs policy’. This VPN cost $11.95 per month while you pay $107.64 for a 36 month plan.
• 8.3) IPVanish: Though it costs more, this VPN is good for its high download speed, ability to adjust software, no traffic log, unlimited P2P traffic, and allowance for five connections. As stated the price is not accommodating as it costs $10 per month then $77.88 for 12 months. Another downside of it is that it does not have free trail and it sometimes suffers from network issues.

Conclusion

Finally, previously many people believed that only web users visiting torrent sites require the use of VPN, that notion is void. If your safety matters to you, then the use of VPN is essential.