OpenVPN is both a VPN protocol and software that uses VPN techniques to secure point-to-point and site-to-site connections. Currently, it’s one of the most popular VPN protocols among VPN users.
Programmed by James Yonan and released in 2001, OpenVPN is one of the only open-source VPN protocols that also has its own open-source application (SoftEther being the other one).
But what is OpenVPN exactly?
In short, it is arguably the most secure VPN protocol in use today (although the new Wireguard protocol is starting to challenge this statement).
When you connect to the internet, particularly on a public network, there is a risk involved in transmitting sensitive data across the network. This is why it’s considered a best practice to never log into your bank while on public WiFi.
On the other hand, when you connect to a Virtual Private Network, or “VPN”, using the OpenVPN protocol, your data is secured behind a strong encryption.
If there’s a hacker monitoring your network, they won’t be able to break through the security tunnel. Your ISP (internet service provider) won’t be able to read your data and the government won’t be able to spy on you.
You’re now 100% secure online with zero risk of being hacked, right?