Cyber Security Assignment
Participant's Name: Maida
Participant ID: 2023-GCWUF-0501 (25)
Supervisor
Mam Kinza Noor
Topic Name: Configuring and Securing VPN on Windows
Department of Information Technology
Government College Women University Faisalabad
Introduction
What is a VPN?
• A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel
between your device and the internet.
• It hides your IP address and protects your data from hackers, trackers,
and surveillance.
• Useful for privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, and secure browsing.
How does a VPN Work?
When you use a VPN app on your device, it establishes an encrypted
connection to a VPN server. This connection is made over the internet,
and is often referred to as a VPN tunnel.
This VPN server handles all DNS queries and acts as an intermediary that
sits between your device and the internet, routing your data to the correct
destinations.
Manual VPN Configuration on Windows
1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
2. Click 'Add a VPN connection'
3. Enter server details (provided by VPN provider)
4. Choose VPN type (e.g., L2TP/IPSec)
5. Save and Connect
Using VPN Software (Easier)
1. Download VPN (ProtonVPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear)
2. Install and log in
3. Select a server location (e.g., Japan, USA)
4. Click Connect
5. You are now browsing securely
Practical Performance Screenshots
Securing Your VPN
• Enable Kill Switch to protect real IP if VPN disconnects
• Turn on NetShield or ad-blocker features
• Enable DNS Leak Protection
• Set VPN to auto-connect on startup
VPN for privacy
Prevent your internet service provider and websites from seeing your
browsing history, location data, and much more
Block ads, trackers, and malicious scripts with our DNS filtering feature
Protect your online activity with Swiss privacy laws and a strict no-logs
policy
VPN for security
Hide your real IP address, preventing websites, government agencies, and
internet service providers from tracking you online
Keep you safe on public WiFi networks and prevent a range of different
cyber attacks Secure your account with two-factor authentication and a
new encryption key for each session
VPN for Access
Access blocked or region-locked websites (e.g., Websites, censored
content).
Safely connect to school or company networks from anywhere.
Encrypts your data on public Wi-Fi to prevent hacking.
Everyday Uses of VPN
• Watch content only available in other countries (e.g., Websites, dramas,
other content that are blocked in your country)
• Use public Wi-Fi safely (cafes, universities)
• Protect personal data from ISP and third parties
• Bypass regional restrictions
Quick Tip: Verify VPN is Working
Visit https://whatismyipaddress.com before and after connecting to VPN
Shows your IP/location is hidden and changed successfully
Conclusion
• VPNs protect privacy and enhance security
• Easy to configure manually or via apps
• Always enable features like Kill Switch and NetShield
• Useful for both students and professionals
