What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server run by the VPN provider. All your internet traffic flows through this tunnel, so:

• Websites see the VPN server's IP address, not yours.
• Your ISP cannot read what you browse.
• Your traffic is encrypted on public Wi-Fi.

How a VPN works — step by step

1. You connect to a VPN server (in a country of your choice).
2. Your device encrypts all outgoing traffic before it leaves your network.
3. The encrypted data travels to the VPN server, which decrypts it and forwards your request to the destination website.
4. The website responds to the VPN server, which encrypts the reply and sends it back to you.
5. Your device decrypts the response — the website never sees your real IP.

What a VPN protects you from

• IP-based tracking — advertisers and sites cannot link your IP to your browsing across sessions.
• ISP snooping — your internet provider cannot see which sites you visit.
• Public Wi-Fi attacks — encrypted traffic cannot be intercepted on coffee-shop or hotel networks.
• Geo-blocking — connecting through a server in another country lets you access region-restricted content.

What a VPN does NOT protect you from

• Browser fingerprinting — sites can still identify you by your browser, fonts, and screen resolution.
• Cookies and logged-in accounts — if you're signed into Google, Google knows it's you regardless of your IP.
• Malware — a VPN is not an antivirus.
• The VPN provider itself — the provider can see your traffic. Always choose a verified no-logs VPN.

VPN vs proxy vs Tor

• VPN — encrypts all device traffic, fast enough for everyday use, requires trust in the provider.
• Proxy — reroutes a single app, no encryption, faster to set up but less secure.
• Tor — maximum anonymity through multiple relays, free, but significantly slower and blocked by some sites.

For most people, a reputable VPN is the right balance of privacy, speed, and convenience.

How to verify your VPN is working

After connecting, visit the ipchu.com home page. If the displayed IP address and location have changed to match your VPN server's location, it's working. You can also check Am I using a VPN? for a quick verdict.

Frequently asked questions

Does a VPN make you anonymous?

A VPN hides your IP and encrypts your traffic, which is significant privacy protection. It doesn't make you fully anonymous — your VPN provider can see your activity, and you can still be tracked via cookies or browser fingerprinting. For stronger anonymity, pair a no-logs VPN with a privacy-focused browser.

Will a VPN slow down my internet?

Slightly. Encryption and the extra hop to the VPN server add some latency. Premium VPNs with nearby servers typically reduce speed by less than 10–20%. Some users on ISPs that throttle streaming traffic actually see faster speeds with a VPN active.

Is using a VPN legal?

Legal in most countries. Businesses use VPNs routinely to secure remote workers. A handful of countries restrict VPN use — check your local regulations. Using a VPN to commit crimes is illegal regardless.

Can a VPN be hacked?

The encryption protocols used by modern VPNs (WireGuard, OpenVPN) are not practically breakable. The weak points are the VPN provider's logs (choose no-logs), leaky clients (choose audited software), and your own device security.