The Internet has become a part of daily life, in both business and personal terms, in a surprisingly short period of time. It’s a safe bet that, at some point, most of us have had some cause to use an Internet service, but how many of us are aware of what goes on when we try and access information on the Internet? Furthermore, what do you know about online security? You may have read about various instances in which hackers have been able to gain sensitive information that they were not meant to be party to: in fact, online security – especially with regard to identity theft – is a very real issue. This is why we want to tell you about two areas you need to know about: Smart DNS and VPN.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System (or for some people, Domain Name Server) and is a standard protocol used by the majority of people who access information on the Internet. The simplistic explanation is that DNS equates to a telephone book for Internet. It is the method by which computers talk to each other and transmit information. What the DNS system does is convert a website address, for example, into a code format that is readable by computers (which don’t read words as we do). So, when you try and access a website, you input the address in your browser. Next, the server associated attempts to find the relevant readable code for that websites; server; if successful, the two servers talk to each other, the information is transmitted, and you get the website on screen. The technical term is that the DNS converts the website address into an IP Address; this is the series of numbers that the server understands, and you have an IP address, too.

So far, so good; yet, part of the reason why Internet security is a concern is related to the basics of DNS. Your IP address is allocated by your Internet Service Provider, and in some cases it may not be as secure as you believe. We’ve already mentioned hacking and identity theft plus the stealing of sensitive data, and it is thanks to the basics of DNS that hackers can do what they do. So, what to do about it? One thing you can do is take on a Smart DNS that is designed to make your identity less visible; these do so by encryption and by varying IP addresses, are very viable, affordable, and easy to use.

If you are looking for a Smart DNS proxy, make sure you read:

– Review of Unlocator – A Premium DNS Service
– Review of Unblock-Us – A ‘Smart VPN’ Service
– Review of StrongDNS – An Affordable Smart DNS Service

What is VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and we can say for certain that you will be hearing a lot about these in the years to come. What does a VPN do, and why should you consider one? Well, we come back to the subject of online security. When you go online your IP address, that code for communicating with other servers, is enabled; we’ve already said how this may be susceptible to hackers. With a VPN you are not allocated the same IP address each time you log on. This is on benefit, and there are others. Perhaps the major plus when using a VPN is that you can choose to access your desired information using a server that is not the one you would use when accessing via your Internet Service Provider. Put simply, you can choose a server in whatever country the VPN service has one, and your computer will be fooled into thinking that’s where you are. The advantages are many: hackers cannot know who you are as your identity will be anonymous; they don’t know where you are as you choose a remote server, and you are effectively hidden from view. Furthermore, as the VPN uses its own servers and no third parties, and encrypts all information to and from you in every case, you are guaranteed added security. An additional bonus is that you can use a VPN to bypass geographically blocked content and hence widen your browsing scope. For a few dollars a month, your online security becomes much, much more valid.

If you are looking for a VPN service, make sure you read:

– A Comparison of The Best VPN Services – Features, Prices…
– A Review of HideMyAss- Our Favorite VPN Service
– A Review of IPVanish – A Top-Selling VPN Service
– A Review of VPN4All – A Military-Grade VPN Service
– A Guide For Android VPNs – The Best VPN Solutions For Android
– A Guide to Fast VPNs – The Fatest VPN Providers

There is plenty to be said for looking closely at both Smart DNS and VPN services, for as more business – and personal dealings – is done online, so the hackers and other unscrupulous persons see windows of opportunity. By taking greater care to mask your identity in this way you are vastly enhancing your security when online, which can only be a good thing.