Since January 1, 1983, when the internet was officially “birthed,” people have started to use the internet, and there has been the exigence to protect and encrypt internet browsing data. Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology has come a long way since its inception, and its evolution continues to shape the future of technology and network architecture. As we forge ahead, it’s worthwhile to understand the trajectory of VPN technology and how it has and will further influence our digital landscape.
The early days of VPN technology
A team at Columbia University and AT&T Bell Labs successfully created swIPe (software IP encryption protocol), the first iteration of the modern-day VPN, in 1993. VPN technology first emerged as a way to establish secure connections over the internet.
It provided a launchpad for remote users to access corporate networks securely, ultimately enabling the reach of private networks over public infrastructure. Precursor VPNs primarily relied on Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) and Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) for transmitting data securely.
The emergence of secure and encrypted VPNs
With the growing emphasis on data security and privacy, VPNs evolved to prioritize encryption and secure tunneling protocols. The introduction of protocols such as Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), authenticating and encrypting data packets to provide secure encrypted communication between two computers over an Internet Protocol network, and Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP), developed by Microsoft to transport internet traffic in a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 3.0 tunnel, and transmit it over the internet to the receiving remote VPN server, enhancing the security, reliability, integrity, and credibility of VPN connections.
This shift addressed the increasing concerns around data interception, eavesdropping, and unauthorized access from hackers, ISPs, and third parties, making VPNs a crucial tool for individuals, organizations, and governments.
VPN technology in the cloud era
The emergence and proliferation of cloud computing and distributed workforces has catapulted VPN technology into a new era. Cloud-based VPN solutions have effectively leveraged the scalability and resilience of cloud infrastructure to provide seamless and secure connectivity across dispersed geographical locations. Furthermore, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) have enabled the aggressive and intense allocation of VPN resources, catering to evolving network demands.
The arrival of mobile VPNs
As mobile devices became common in almost every household, the demand for VPN solutions that catered to mobile platforms heightened. Mobile VPNs have become intrinsic and indispensable for enabling secure communication and data access on smartphones and tablets.
Leveraging innovative technologies such as Multi-Path Virtual Private Networks (MPVPN) and Secure Shell (SSH) VPN, mobile VPN solutions have overwhelmingly enhanced the benefits of secure connectivity and privacy to subscribers.
The future of VPN technology and architecture
Since we now have the paid and free VPN versions to help curb cybercrimes, VPN technology is poised to undergo further innovations that align with the evolving landscape of technology and architecture, just as areas of visual arts, performing arts, Literature, and music are undergoing a radical transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and IoT, especially as cybercriminals become tech-savvier.
Here are some key areas where the future of VPN technology holds promise:
- Embracing zero-trust strategy – Paid and free VPNs will integrate with Zero Trust security architecture, authenticating every user and device attempting to access the network, regardless of location. Deploying a zero-trust strategy eliminates unauthorized access, eavesdropping, data interception, and lateral movement within the network.
- Enhanced privacy and anonymity – A free VPN incorporating innovative technology, such as multi-hop, cascading, or double VPN, will continue to prioritize user privacy and anonymity by routing internet traffic through several servers in different locations before arriving at its final destination, creating a complex web that makes monitoring almost impossible. A free VPN can leverage post-quantum cryptography to withstand the computational power of quantum computers to break AES-256 encryptions in seconds or minutes and decentralized architectures to safeguard user data from surveillance, tracking, bypassing geo-restrictions, and accessing geo-blocked content.
- Integration with AI-powered threat detection mechanism – Since hackers have started leveraging AI and machine learning to launch advanced cyberattacks, a paid or free VPN must incorporate the innovative technology that enables proactiveness; AI-quipped free VPN will analyze patterns and behaviors in real-time, identify and neutralize potential threats promptly.
- Automation and orchestration – VPN solutions will embrace automation and orchestration capabilities to streamline deployment, configuration, and management, catering to the dynamic nature of modern network environments.
- Split tunneling 2.0 – Split tunneling 2.0 is an innovative technology that can enable a subscriber to selectively choose the data type that should pass through a free VPN’s encrypted channel and the one that can access the internet directly; the feature is a fine-tuned control that frees bandwidth, increases internet speed, optimizes performance, and enhances a better online experience.
Conclusion
The evolution of VPN technology continues to be need-driven for secure, reliable, and flexible connectivity in an increasingly interconnected world. As technology and architecture evolve, paid and free VPNs will play a pivotal role in revolving the future of digital communication, data privacy, and network security.
Eagerly await the incorporation of innovative technologies, such as AI-powered threat detection, split tunneling 2.0, and multi-hop, cascading, or double VPN, to transform VPN technology and its profound impact on the digital landscape.
