Understanding VPNs: What Your School’s Network Can (and Can’t) See
As an educator, balancing professional responsibilities with personal leisure can sometimes become challenging, especially within a school environment where internet activity is closely monitored. If you’re considering using a personal VPN on a school-issued tablet for streaming or other personal use, it’s important to understand what the IT department might be able to see.
What Happens When You Use a VPN?
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) like Norton 360 create a secure tunnel for your internet traffic, encrypting the data you send and receive. This encryption adds a layer of privacy, making your online activities more difficult for others to monitor. However, the extent of this privacy depends on several factors.
Visibility of Your Online Activities
When you connect to a VPN on your tablet while using the school’s network, here’s what happens:
-
Encrypted Traffic: Your internet activities are encrypted, meaning that any website or service you access is shielded from the school’s IT monitors. They likely won’t be able to see the exact content you’re viewing, such as specific videos or webpages.
-
IP Address Masking: The VPN will mask your real IP address, substituting it with an address from the VPN provider. Consequently, the school’s network will only see the IP address associated with the VPN, not your actual device.
-
General Activity Records: While the content of your activities remains hidden, the school may still see that you’re connected to a VPN and monitor the amount of data being transmitted. They will likely know that you’re online, but they won’t have insight into the details of your activities.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While using a VPN can enhance your privacy, it’s crucial to be mindful of your school’s policies regarding network usage. Using personal VPNs can sometimes be against school rules, and venturing into streaming services during work hours could pose a risk if not aligned with your institution’s guidelines.
In summary, utilizing a personal VPN on a school network offers a significant degree of privacy for your online activities. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against potential repercussions and always remain informed about your school’s internet usage policies.
Share this content:
