Cyber Security Internship Task 8: Configured and used a free VPN to encrypt traffic, verify IP change, compare browsing speed with and without VPN, and documented VPN benefits, limitations, and key interview answers in a GitHub-hosted report.
Understand how a VPN protects privacy and secures communication by encrypting traffic, masking IP address, and observing changes in browsing experience. [attached_file:1]
- VPN service: ProtonVPN Free / Windscribe Free (replace with the one you used) [attached_file:1]
- Device/OS: e.g., Windows 11 laptop / Android phone
- Website to verify IP: https://www.whatismyipaddress.com [attached_file:1]
- Created a free account on the chosen VPN provider’s official website. [attached_file:1]
- Downloaded and installed the VPN client on my device. [attached_file:1]
- Logged into the VPN application and connected to a VPN server (nearest or selected country). [attached_file:1]
- Opened whatismyipaddress.com to check my IP and location with VPN ON and took a screenshot. [attached_file:1]
- Browsed multiple websites with VPN enabled to confirm traffic is routed through the VPN and observe speed. [attached_file:1]
- Turned VPN OFF, checked my original IP again, and compared browsing speed and IP change. [attached_file:1]
- Researched VPN encryption, tunneling protocols, and privacy features, along with benefits and limitations. [attached_file:1]
- Without VPN: IP showed my normal ISP location (country/city).
- With VPN: IP changed to the VPN server’s location, hiding my real IP from websites. [attached_file:1]
- The VPN created an encryptedtunnel, so local networks/ISP could only see a connection to the VPN, not the exact sites visited. [attached_file:1]
- With VPN ON: (your observation – e.g., slightly slower page loads, small video delay, higher ping). [attached_file:1]
- With VPN OFF: (your observation – e.g., normal/faster speed).
- Reason: Extra encryption and routing through a remote server add latency and may reduce bandwidth. [attached_file:1]
- Masks real IP address and location from websites and many trackers. [attached_file:1]
- Encrypts traffic on public Wi‑Fi, protecting against local eavesdropping and insecure networks. [attached_file:1]
- Helps bypass some geo‑restrictions and basic censorship. [attached_file:1]
- Does not provide complete anonymity; websites can still track via logins, cookies, and browser fingerprinting. [attached_file:1]
- You must trust the VPN provider, as it could log connection data or metadata. [attached_file:1]
- Some services block VPN IP addresses; speed can drop due to extra encryption and distance to the server. [attached_file:1]