VPN (Virtual Private Network)
An encrypted connection between your device and the internet that hides your real IP address and shields traffic from eavesdroppers.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) establishes an encrypted connection ("tunnel") between your device and a server on the internet. This hides your real IP address and protects traffic in open Wi-Fi (hotel, café, airport) from eavesdroppers.
When a VPN is useful
- On public Wi-Fi
- To access geo-restricted services
- For sensitive research (journalism, whistleblowing)
Recommendations: see VPN comparison.
Why this matters in 2026
VPN adoption in Switzerland is firmly mainstream in 2026: Comparis estimates 28% penetration among adults – driven by streaming geo-restrictions and growing privacy awareness. Mullvad, ProtonVPN (Swiss-based) and NordVPN lead the Swiss market.
How to protect yourself
Always enable a VPN on public Wi-Fi (hotel, café, airport). At home only if you want to bypass geo-restrictions or avoid ISP tracking. Important: check the no-logs policy with an external audit, prefer a Swiss/EU jurisdiction, enable the kill switch (prevents data leaks on VPN drop).