1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,960 All right, everyone, let's dive into the world of OpenVPN. 2 00:00:02,960 --> 00:00:06,880 Big thanks to SafeServer for making this deep dive possible. 3 00:00:06,880 --> 00:00:09,480 If you're looking to set up OpenVPN 4 00:00:09,480 --> 00:00:11,800 or navigate the whole digital transformation thing, 5 00:00:11,800 --> 00:00:13,000 those are the folks to talk to. 6 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:16,120 You can check them out at www.safeserver.de. 7 00:00:16,120 --> 00:00:17,960 Definitely a great resource. 8 00:00:17,960 --> 00:00:20,560 But back to OpenVPN, we've got some interesting stuff 9 00:00:20,560 --> 00:00:23,120 pulled from their GitHub and website. 10 00:00:23,120 --> 00:00:23,920 Oh, for sure. 11 00:00:23,920 --> 00:00:28,420 OpenVPN is really making a name for itself in online security. 12 00:00:28,420 --> 00:00:31,360 And what's really interesting is how much of that success 13 00:00:31,360 --> 00:00:32,920 comes from it being open source. 14 00:00:32,920 --> 00:00:33,640 Right. 15 00:00:33,640 --> 00:00:37,600 So their GitHub calls it an Open Source VPN Demon. 16 00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:40,560 Now, the VPN part I get, creating those secure tunnels 17 00:00:40,560 --> 00:00:42,800 for all our online activity. 18 00:00:42,800 --> 00:00:47,280 But demon, that sounds kind of a little ominous. 19 00:00:47,280 --> 00:00:49,240 Sounds like something straight out of fantasy, right? 20 00:00:49,240 --> 00:00:50,760 But really, it's just a fancy word 21 00:00:50,760 --> 00:00:52,720 for a program running in the background. 22 00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:55,680 Think of it like a dedicated security guard, 23 00:00:55,680 --> 00:00:57,800 making sure your connection stays private. 24 00:00:57,800 --> 00:00:59,340 Okay, security guard, I like that. 25 00:00:59,340 --> 00:01:01,240 Much better than a demon. 26 00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:03,260 So OpenVPN is the software that creates 27 00:01:03,260 --> 00:01:06,880 that secure VPN tunnel, hiding my internet traffic 28 00:01:06,880 --> 00:01:08,920 from prying eyes. 29 00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:09,920 And I see on their website, 30 00:01:09,920 --> 00:01:13,120 they're big on their Open Source community. 31 00:01:13,120 --> 00:01:13,960 Why is this so important? 32 00:01:13,960 --> 00:01:17,400 I mean, doesn't all software come from a team of developers? 33 00:01:17,400 --> 00:01:19,080 Sure, but OpenVPN's different. 34 00:01:19,080 --> 00:01:21,240 Open Source means anyone can see the code. 35 00:01:21,240 --> 00:01:23,060 You can tinker with it, improve it. 36 00:01:23,060 --> 00:01:26,360 It's like a public recipe that anyone can adjust. 37 00:01:26,360 --> 00:01:28,560 This means security experts everywhere can look at it, 38 00:01:28,560 --> 00:01:30,600 spot issues, and make it stronger. 39 00:01:30,600 --> 00:01:33,040 Wait, so anyone can just mess with the code. 40 00:01:33,040 --> 00:01:35,560 Doesn't that make it more vulnerable? 41 00:01:35,560 --> 00:01:37,000 It's actually the opposite. 42 00:01:37,000 --> 00:01:39,600 Think of it like, instead of just a small team, 43 00:01:39,600 --> 00:01:43,480 you have thousands of eyes constantly looking for problems. 44 00:01:43,480 --> 00:01:45,840 Plus, it means there's no secret back doors 45 00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:46,680 or anything shady. 46 00:01:46,680 --> 00:01:47,940 Everything's out in the open. 47 00:01:47,940 --> 00:01:50,800 Huh, transparency and tech, who knew? 48 00:01:50,800 --> 00:01:52,320 And speaking of transparency, 49 00:01:52,320 --> 00:01:56,560 their website mentions over 50 million downloads. 50 00:01:56,560 --> 00:01:59,840 That's a lot of people trusting this open source model. 51 00:01:59,840 --> 00:02:01,960 Absolutely, that kind of trust is hard to earn, 52 00:02:01,960 --> 00:02:04,040 especially when it comes to security software. 53 00:02:04,040 --> 00:02:06,560 A lot of that comes from the open VPN community. 54 00:02:06,560 --> 00:02:09,680 It's a whole network of developers and users 55 00:02:09,680 --> 00:02:11,000 and security folks all contributing. 56 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:14,600 You've got forums, documentation, actual code improvements. 57 00:02:14,600 --> 00:02:16,680 Okay, let's dig into their GitHub page a bit. 58 00:02:16,680 --> 00:02:20,120 They've got 3,966 commits 59 00:02:20,120 --> 00:02:23,000 and 147 contributors listed. 60 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:25,400 For those of us who don't speak code, 61 00:02:25,400 --> 00:02:26,560 what's the story here? 62 00:02:26,560 --> 00:02:28,440 Well, it shows it's an active project. 63 00:02:28,440 --> 00:02:32,240 It's evolving commits or updates or improvements to the code 64 00:02:32,240 --> 00:02:34,360 and contributors are the people making those changes. 65 00:02:34,360 --> 00:02:36,760 So those numbers tell us it's not just sitting there. 66 00:02:36,760 --> 00:02:39,960 It's constantly being tweaked and refined 67 00:02:39,960 --> 00:02:41,960 and improved by a whole community of developers. 68 00:02:41,960 --> 00:02:43,960 So it's like a living, breathing thing, 69 00:02:43,960 --> 00:02:45,840 constantly adapting, that's pretty cool. 70 00:02:45,840 --> 00:02:46,980 And looking at the code itself, 71 00:02:46,980 --> 00:02:49,000 it looks like C is the main language 72 00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:51,880 with a little bit of Shell, M4, CMake, that kind of thing. 73 00:02:51,880 --> 00:02:53,920 Sounds like a programmer's paradise, 74 00:02:53,920 --> 00:02:56,080 but why does the language even matter? 75 00:02:56,080 --> 00:02:57,720 Well, the language can actually tell you a lot 76 00:02:57,720 --> 00:02:59,640 about what the software is trying to do. 77 00:02:59,640 --> 00:03:02,480 C is known for being efficient and powerful, 78 00:03:02,480 --> 00:03:05,080 perfect for something complex like a VPN. 79 00:03:05,080 --> 00:03:06,280 And because it's open source, 80 00:03:06,280 --> 00:03:09,280 anyone with the skills can jump in and contribute. 81 00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:12,440 So it's constantly evolving, collaboratively built, 82 00:03:12,440 --> 00:03:13,600 and it's a security tool. 83 00:03:13,600 --> 00:03:14,880 That's pretty impressive. 84 00:03:14,880 --> 00:03:19,520 But OpenVPN seems to be more than just a passion project. 85 00:03:19,520 --> 00:03:21,640 Their website mentions actual products 86 00:03:21,640 --> 00:03:24,400 built on top of this open source foundation, right? 87 00:03:24,400 --> 00:03:27,120 Yeah, they've got OpenVPN, Access Server, 88 00:03:27,120 --> 00:03:29,120 and OpenVPN Cloud Conexa. 89 00:03:29,120 --> 00:03:30,020 Okay, now we're talking. 90 00:03:30,020 --> 00:03:31,960 Break those down for me, what's the difference? 91 00:03:31,960 --> 00:03:34,320 Well, Access Server is like building 92 00:03:34,320 --> 00:03:35,600 your own secure fortress. 93 00:03:35,600 --> 00:03:38,440 It's self-hosted, so you manage it on your own servers, 94 00:03:38,440 --> 00:03:41,140 giving you complete control over your network security. 95 00:03:41,140 --> 00:03:44,180 Perfect for businesses that wanna keep 96 00:03:44,180 --> 00:03:46,680 all their sensitive stuff under their own watchful eye. 97 00:03:46,680 --> 00:03:48,120 Total control, got it. 98 00:03:48,120 --> 00:03:49,400 What about Cloud Conexa? 99 00:03:49,400 --> 00:03:52,000 Cloud Conexa is more like hiring a team 100 00:03:52,000 --> 00:03:56,960 of security experts to guard your data in the cloud. 101 00:03:56,960 --> 00:03:58,680 You don't have to worry about the technical details, 102 00:03:58,680 --> 00:04:02,000 it's fully managed, and it comes with advanced features, 103 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:04,480 things like zero trust network access, 104 00:04:04,480 --> 00:04:06,920 which basically means it verifies every single user 105 00:04:06,920 --> 00:04:09,520 and device before granting access. 106 00:04:09,520 --> 00:04:11,800 Okay, so Access Server for the control freaks, 107 00:04:11,800 --> 00:04:13,480 and Cloud Conexa for those who want things 108 00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:17,520 a little more hands-off, but in the real world, 109 00:04:17,520 --> 00:04:19,200 where do these products really shine? 110 00:04:19,200 --> 00:04:23,360 Well, a big one is securing remote access for employees. 111 00:04:23,360 --> 00:04:25,880 Think about a company with teams all over the place. 112 00:04:25,880 --> 00:04:28,680 They need a secure way to connect everyone to the network. 113 00:04:28,680 --> 00:04:30,120 That's where OpenVPN comes in. 114 00:04:30,120 --> 00:04:32,200 Right, especially these days with everyone working 115 00:04:32,200 --> 00:04:34,880 from coffee shops and home offices. 116 00:04:34,880 --> 00:04:36,760 Secure remote access is crucial, 117 00:04:36,760 --> 00:04:38,880 but what about those internet-connected toasters 118 00:04:38,880 --> 00:04:40,280 and fridges everyone's talking about? 119 00:04:40,280 --> 00:04:42,160 Can OpenVPN handle that? 120 00:04:42,160 --> 00:04:43,480 You mean the internet of things? 121 00:04:43,480 --> 00:04:44,600 Yeah, the IoT. 122 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:45,640 Absolutely. 123 00:04:45,640 --> 00:04:48,680 Securing those devices is getting more and more important 124 00:04:48,680 --> 00:04:52,200 as more and more everyday things get connected. 125 00:04:52,200 --> 00:04:56,040 OpenVPN can help by creating a secure communication channel, 126 00:04:56,040 --> 00:04:58,480 protecting them from, well, anyone trying 127 00:04:58,480 --> 00:04:59,840 to hack your toaster. 128 00:04:59,840 --> 00:05:02,880 OK, that's both hilarious and a little terrifying. 129 00:05:02,880 --> 00:05:04,480 But it really shows how important 130 00:05:04,480 --> 00:05:09,400 OpenVPN's role is becoming in this super-connected world. 131 00:05:09,400 --> 00:05:10,960 What else can it do? 132 00:05:10,960 --> 00:05:13,000 Well, they also talk about securing access 133 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:17,360 to cloud-based apps, the things we rely on everyday, email, 134 00:05:17,360 --> 00:05:20,080 project management tools, even online games. 135 00:05:20,080 --> 00:05:22,040 So instead of accessing those directly, 136 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:24,920 OpenVPN adds that extra layer of security. 137 00:05:24,920 --> 00:05:25,560 Exactly. 138 00:05:25,560 --> 00:05:28,240 It's like putting your digital life in a vault. 139 00:05:28,240 --> 00:05:30,200 And with data breaches becoming more common, 140 00:05:30,200 --> 00:05:33,360 that extra protection is, well, it's becoming essential. 141 00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:35,280 All right, starting to get the big picture here. 142 00:05:35,280 --> 00:05:39,000 OpenVPN is like the Swiss army knife of internet security, 143 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:41,600 adaptable to any situation. 144 00:05:41,600 --> 00:05:42,480 But let's be real. 145 00:05:42,480 --> 00:05:44,320 Most people don't think about online security 146 00:05:44,320 --> 00:05:45,840 until something bad happens. 147 00:05:45,840 --> 00:05:48,160 Why should the average person care about VPNs 148 00:05:48,160 --> 00:05:49,560 and all this open source stuff? 149 00:05:49,560 --> 00:05:50,660 That's a great question. 150 00:05:50,660 --> 00:05:52,200 And it's really at the heart of why 151 00:05:52,200 --> 00:05:54,000 we're doing this deep dive. 152 00:05:54,000 --> 00:05:56,760 We live in a world where everything we do online 153 00:05:56,760 --> 00:05:57,960 leaves a trail. 154 00:05:57,960 --> 00:06:01,320 Every website you visit, every app you use, every purchase, 155 00:06:01,320 --> 00:06:02,920 it's all being tracked. 156 00:06:02,920 --> 00:06:05,760 I never thought about it like that, like digital fingerprints. 157 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:06,800 Exactly. 158 00:06:06,800 --> 00:06:08,840 And while some of that might be harmless, 159 00:06:08,840 --> 00:06:11,240 it's also being used to target us with ads, 160 00:06:11,240 --> 00:06:14,320 influence our behavior, even tracker movements. 161 00:06:14,320 --> 00:06:17,200 And then you add the growing threat of data breaches. 162 00:06:17,200 --> 00:06:19,480 And while it's pretty clear that protecting 163 00:06:19,480 --> 00:06:22,640 our online privacy and security should be a top priority. 164 00:06:22,640 --> 00:06:24,280 OK, you've convinced me. 165 00:06:24,280 --> 00:06:26,960 But how does OpenVPN fit into all of this? 166 00:06:26,960 --> 00:06:29,240 Well, OpenVPN and VPNs in general 167 00:06:29,240 --> 00:06:30,480 give you back some control. 168 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:33,120 It's like hitting the Delete button on your digital trail, 169 00:06:33,120 --> 00:06:36,160 encrypting your data, masking your IP address. 170 00:06:36,160 --> 00:06:38,120 And since it's open source, you know 171 00:06:38,120 --> 00:06:42,080 there are no secret agendas or sneaky data collection going on. 172 00:06:42,080 --> 00:06:44,760 It's all out in the open, which is honestly 173 00:06:44,760 --> 00:06:46,480 refreshing in the world of tech. 174 00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:48,080 Transparency and control, two things 175 00:06:48,080 --> 00:06:49,160 I definitely want more of. 176 00:06:49,160 --> 00:06:52,400 But you mentioned OpenVPN is just one type of VPN. 177 00:06:52,400 --> 00:06:53,780 What are the other options? 178 00:06:53,780 --> 00:06:55,840 Oh, there are tons. 179 00:06:55,840 --> 00:06:59,120 Free ones, paid ones, some great for streaming, 180 00:06:59,120 --> 00:07:00,560 others focused on privacy. 181 00:07:00,560 --> 00:07:02,040 It's a whole world out there. 182 00:07:02,040 --> 00:07:04,220 OK, so how do I choose the right one? 183 00:07:04,220 --> 00:07:07,040 Is OpenVPN the best? 184 00:07:07,040 --> 00:07:09,200 Unfortunately, there's no single best. 185 00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:11,960 It really depends what you need and what's important to you. 186 00:07:11,960 --> 00:07:13,880 Come on, give me something. 187 00:07:13,880 --> 00:07:17,320 What are some things to keep in mind when choosing a VPN? 188 00:07:17,320 --> 00:07:18,680 All right, here's your cheat sheet. 189 00:07:18,680 --> 00:07:20,460 First, security features. 190 00:07:20,460 --> 00:07:22,980 Look for strong encryption and things like a kill switch 191 00:07:22,980 --> 00:07:26,280 that shuts down your internet if the VPN connection drops. 192 00:07:26,280 --> 00:07:29,240 Second, server location and network size. 193 00:07:29,240 --> 00:07:31,840 More server locations gives you more flexibility, 194 00:07:31,840 --> 00:07:34,400 and a bigger network usually means better performance. 195 00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:36,640 Got it, security and network coverage. 196 00:07:36,640 --> 00:07:37,480 What else? 197 00:07:37,480 --> 00:07:39,620 Speed is key, especially if you're streaming 198 00:07:39,620 --> 00:07:41,100 or downloading big files. 199 00:07:41,100 --> 00:07:44,100 A slow VPN is just frustrating. 200 00:07:44,100 --> 00:07:46,000 Then really look at the privacy policy. 201 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:47,120 What data do they collect? 202 00:07:47,120 --> 00:07:48,160 How do they use it? 203 00:07:48,160 --> 00:07:49,680 And finally, cost. 204 00:07:49,680 --> 00:07:52,520 VPNs can be free or pretty pricey. 205 00:07:52,520 --> 00:07:53,800 Figure out what fits your budget 206 00:07:53,800 --> 00:07:54,840 and the features you need. 207 00:07:54,840 --> 00:07:55,960 All right, taking notes. 208 00:07:55,960 --> 00:07:57,320 So much to think about. 209 00:07:57,320 --> 00:08:00,020 Any resources you recommend for learning more. 210 00:08:00,020 --> 00:08:02,120 That's where our friends at Safe Server come in again. 211 00:08:02,120 --> 00:08:04,000 They're the experts, you know? 212 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:07,000 Digital transformation, server security, VPNs. 213 00:08:07,000 --> 00:08:08,160 They've got it all. 214 00:08:08,160 --> 00:08:12,040 Check out their website, www.safeserver.dd. 215 00:08:12,040 --> 00:08:13,940 They even help you pick the right VPN 216 00:08:13,940 --> 00:08:15,320 and get everything set up. 217 00:08:15,320 --> 00:08:16,880 Perfect, we'll put a link in the show notes. 218 00:08:16,880 --> 00:08:20,200 We'll also link OpenVPN's website and their GitHub 219 00:08:20,200 --> 00:08:21,640 so you can explore on your own. 220 00:08:21,640 --> 00:08:23,440 And you know, checking out some independent reviews 221 00:08:23,440 --> 00:08:25,340 and comparison sites is a good idea too. 222 00:08:25,340 --> 00:08:26,520 Lots of resources out there 223 00:08:26,520 --> 00:08:27,960 to help you make the right decision. 224 00:08:27,960 --> 00:08:30,580 This is like peeking into a whole new world. 225 00:08:30,580 --> 00:08:34,880 So much to learn about OpenVPN and like VPNs in general. 226 00:08:34,880 --> 00:08:35,800 Oh, absolutely. 227 00:08:35,800 --> 00:08:38,320 And we've only just scratched the surface. 228 00:08:38,320 --> 00:08:39,600 Welcome back to the Deep Dive. 229 00:08:39,600 --> 00:08:42,880 We're picking up where we left off, exploring OpenVPN. 230 00:08:42,880 --> 00:08:44,320 Ready to go deeper. 231 00:08:44,320 --> 00:08:46,040 We talked about what OpenVPN is. 232 00:08:46,040 --> 00:08:48,400 You know, a powerful tool for online security 233 00:08:48,400 --> 00:08:50,640 built on this whole open source idea. 234 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:52,320 But how does it actually work? 235 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:55,460 Are there like little elves building tunnels 236 00:08:55,460 --> 00:08:56,780 through the internet? 237 00:08:56,780 --> 00:08:59,720 Not quite, though that'd be a pretty cool image. 238 00:08:59,720 --> 00:09:02,000 Imagine you want to send a secret message to your friend 239 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:03,320 across the playground, right? 240 00:09:03,320 --> 00:09:05,800 You could just write it down, risk someone seeing it. 241 00:09:05,800 --> 00:09:10,560 Or you could use a secret code that only you two understand. 242 00:09:10,560 --> 00:09:12,360 That's basically what OpenVPN does. 243 00:09:12,360 --> 00:09:16,400 It creates this secure encrypted tunnel 244 00:09:16,400 --> 00:09:18,640 between your device and the internet, 245 00:09:18,640 --> 00:09:20,680 making your online activity unreadable 246 00:09:20,680 --> 00:09:22,160 to anyone trying to snoop. 247 00:09:22,160 --> 00:09:24,880 OK, so it's like a secret code for my internet traffic. 248 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:26,720 But how does this tunnel get built? 249 00:09:26,720 --> 00:09:29,760 Do I need to be like a tech genius to set it up? 250 00:09:29,760 --> 00:09:30,720 Nope, not at all. 251 00:09:30,720 --> 00:09:33,680 OpenVPN is actually designed to be pretty user-friendly, 252 00:09:33,680 --> 00:09:36,280 even for those of us who aren't coding experts. 253 00:09:36,280 --> 00:09:38,320 Think of it like using a walkie talkie. 254 00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:40,240 You and your friend each need a device and a way 255 00:09:40,240 --> 00:09:42,000 to tune into the same channel. 256 00:09:42,000 --> 00:09:44,760 With OpenVPN, both devices need the software, 257 00:09:44,760 --> 00:09:46,600 and they need a configuration file. 258 00:09:46,600 --> 00:09:47,920 That's like a set of instructions 259 00:09:47,920 --> 00:09:51,160 that tells OpenVPN how to establish the connection. 260 00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:54,640 So the configuration file is like a secret handshake, 261 00:09:54,640 --> 00:09:56,520 making sure the right devices are connecting? 262 00:09:56,520 --> 00:09:58,360 Exactly, and if you're using something 263 00:09:58,360 --> 00:10:01,640 like OpenVPN access server or a VPN provider, 264 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:03,800 they usually give you these configuration files. 265 00:10:03,800 --> 00:10:05,840 You don't have to mess with all the technical stuff. 266 00:10:05,840 --> 00:10:06,920 That's a relief. 267 00:10:06,920 --> 00:10:09,040 So once the software is installed, 268 00:10:09,040 --> 00:10:11,040 the devices have done their secret handshake, 269 00:10:11,040 --> 00:10:12,760 the tunnel's built, that's it. 270 00:10:12,760 --> 00:10:13,720 Almost. 271 00:10:13,720 --> 00:10:17,040 There's one more important step, authentication. 272 00:10:17,040 --> 00:10:19,920 Like a password, making sure only the right people 273 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:21,040 can get in. 274 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:25,080 OpenVPN uses different methods, like username and password, 275 00:10:25,080 --> 00:10:28,200 digital certificates, even two-factor authentication. 276 00:10:28,200 --> 00:10:30,920 Wait, two-factor authentication, like what banks use. 277 00:10:30,920 --> 00:10:31,840 Exactly. 278 00:10:31,840 --> 00:10:34,680 Adds an extra layer of security, makes it even harder 279 00:10:34,680 --> 00:10:37,800 for unwanted guests to crash the party. 280 00:10:37,800 --> 00:10:40,200 So it's like having a guard at the entrance of the tunnel, 281 00:10:40,200 --> 00:10:42,400 checking IDs, making sure everyone belongs. 282 00:10:42,400 --> 00:10:43,760 OK, that's reassuring. 283 00:10:43,760 --> 00:10:47,360 But we keep talking about OpenVPN being open source. 284 00:10:47,360 --> 00:10:49,760 How does that fit into all this tunnel building? 285 00:10:49,760 --> 00:10:50,560 That's a great point. 286 00:10:50,560 --> 00:10:52,920 The open source part is actually one of its biggest strengths 287 00:10:52,920 --> 00:10:53,920 when it comes to security. 288 00:10:53,920 --> 00:10:56,920 Remember we talked about the code being publicly available? 289 00:10:56,920 --> 00:10:58,160 Yeah, like a public recipe. 290 00:10:58,160 --> 00:10:59,040 Anyone can see it. 291 00:10:59,040 --> 00:10:59,560 Right. 292 00:10:59,560 --> 00:11:01,400 So that means security experts all over the world 293 00:11:01,400 --> 00:11:03,640 can look at the code, see if there are any weaknesses, 294 00:11:03,640 --> 00:11:05,200 and suggest improvements. 295 00:11:05,200 --> 00:11:10,080 It's like having a global team of security auditors 296 00:11:10,080 --> 00:11:14,240 working 204.7 to make sure the tunnel is impenetrable. 297 00:11:14,240 --> 00:11:16,200 So it's not just about the code itself. 298 00:11:16,200 --> 00:11:17,560 It's the whole community around it. 299 00:11:17,560 --> 00:11:18,160 Exactly. 300 00:11:18,160 --> 00:11:19,520 The power of collaboration. 301 00:11:19,520 --> 00:11:22,000 The open source model creates this community 302 00:11:22,000 --> 00:11:24,440 that's constantly improving the software, 303 00:11:24,440 --> 00:11:26,200 sharing knowledge, building trust. 304 00:11:26,200 --> 00:11:29,280 OK, I get why OpenVPN is so well-respected. 305 00:11:29,280 --> 00:11:31,320 But let's move from theory to practice here. 306 00:11:31,320 --> 00:11:34,680 How are people actually using OpenVPN in the real world, 307 00:11:34,680 --> 00:11:37,680 besides hiding from internet spies? 308 00:11:37,680 --> 00:11:39,520 Well, one big use case is securing 309 00:11:39,520 --> 00:11:41,360 remote access for employees. 310 00:11:41,360 --> 00:11:43,000 Imagine a company with people working 311 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:45,880 from home, coffee shops, different countries even. 312 00:11:45,880 --> 00:11:48,400 OpenVPN can connect those employees to the company's 313 00:11:48,400 --> 00:11:49,680 network securely. 314 00:11:49,680 --> 00:11:52,340 So they can access files, applications, collaborate, 315 00:11:52,340 --> 00:11:53,560 just like they were in the office. 316 00:11:53,560 --> 00:11:55,260 Right, like teleporting your office network 317 00:11:55,260 --> 00:11:56,840 to wherever your employees are. 318 00:11:56,840 --> 00:11:59,320 And with so many people working remotely these days, 319 00:11:59,320 --> 00:12:03,280 secure access is essential. 320 00:12:03,280 --> 00:12:04,000 What else? 321 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:06,160 It's also becoming really important for securing 322 00:12:06,160 --> 00:12:09,320 those smart devices, the ones popping up 323 00:12:09,320 --> 00:12:11,640 everywhere in our homes and offices, 324 00:12:11,640 --> 00:12:12,880 the internet of things. 325 00:12:12,880 --> 00:12:15,520 Like my smart fridge that keeps track of my grocery list. 326 00:12:15,520 --> 00:12:16,680 Exactly. 327 00:12:16,680 --> 00:12:18,920 As we connect more and more devices to the internet, 328 00:12:18,920 --> 00:12:21,840 securing those connections becomes crucial. 329 00:12:21,840 --> 00:12:24,360 OpenVPN helps by creating a secure channel 330 00:12:24,360 --> 00:12:27,120 for them to communicate, preventing, well, hackers 331 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:28,520 from messing with your fridge. 332 00:12:28,520 --> 00:12:33,280 OK, so OpenVPN can protect my work files and my refrigerator, 333 00:12:33,280 --> 00:12:35,080 feeling much safer already. 334 00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:36,040 Anything else? 335 00:12:36,040 --> 00:12:38,720 Another interesting use is bypassing censorship 336 00:12:38,720 --> 00:12:40,920 and accessing geo-restricted content. 337 00:12:40,920 --> 00:12:45,160 So some countries block certain websites or online services. 338 00:12:45,160 --> 00:12:48,360 OpenVPN can help users bypass those restrictions 339 00:12:48,360 --> 00:12:50,360 by routing their traffic through a server 340 00:12:50,360 --> 00:12:51,480 in a different country. 341 00:12:51,480 --> 00:12:53,440 It's like they're browsing from that location. 342 00:12:53,440 --> 00:12:55,880 So it's like a digital passport for the internet. 343 00:12:55,880 --> 00:12:56,680 That's pretty cool. 344 00:12:56,680 --> 00:12:59,440 But isn't that kind of legally gray? 345 00:12:59,440 --> 00:13:01,880 That's a really good question, and it's complicated. 346 00:13:01,880 --> 00:13:04,800 The legality of using a VPN to bypass restrictions 347 00:13:04,800 --> 00:13:07,200 really depends on the country and their rules. 348 00:13:07,200 --> 00:13:10,840 It's always best to check local laws before you do anything. 349 00:13:10,840 --> 00:13:11,400 Good point. 350 00:13:11,400 --> 00:13:16,040 So OpenVPN can protect my data, secure my devices, even 351 00:13:16,040 --> 00:13:17,840 help me access blocked websites. 352 00:13:17,840 --> 00:13:19,400 It really is versatile. 353 00:13:19,400 --> 00:13:21,840 But with all this talk about encryption in tunnels, 354 00:13:21,840 --> 00:13:26,120 I have to ask, is OpenVPN difficult to use? 355 00:13:26,120 --> 00:13:29,480 Do I need a computer science degree to set it up? 356 00:13:29,480 --> 00:13:31,280 That's a common concern, but honestly, 357 00:13:31,280 --> 00:13:34,720 OpenVPN has gotten a lot more user-friendly. 358 00:13:34,720 --> 00:13:36,920 Setting up a VPN can be a bit technical, 359 00:13:36,920 --> 00:13:39,000 especially if you're doing it manually. 360 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:41,480 But there are tons of resources and tools 361 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:42,680 now that make it easier. 362 00:13:42,680 --> 00:13:44,600 Like those configuration files we talked about. 363 00:13:44,600 --> 00:13:45,480 Exactly. 364 00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:49,440 And services like OpenVPN access server or good VPN providers, 365 00:13:49,440 --> 00:13:51,440 they usually handle the technical stuff for you. 366 00:13:51,440 --> 00:13:53,360 Makes it really easy to get started. 367 00:13:53,360 --> 00:13:55,360 And once it's set up, using it is often 368 00:13:55,360 --> 00:13:57,720 as simple as clicking a button to connect. 369 00:13:57,720 --> 00:13:58,580 That's good to hear. 370 00:13:58,580 --> 00:14:01,080 Technology should work for us, not the other way around. 371 00:14:01,080 --> 00:14:02,780 So where do we go from here? 372 00:14:02,780 --> 00:14:05,520 We've covered the what and the how of OpenVPN. 373 00:14:05,520 --> 00:14:06,400 What else is there? 374 00:14:06,400 --> 00:14:07,120 Oh, there's more. 375 00:14:07,120 --> 00:14:08,560 We've only scratched the surface. 376 00:14:08,560 --> 00:14:09,360 Welcome back. 377 00:14:09,360 --> 00:14:11,800 We're wrapping up our OpenVPN exploration. 378 00:14:11,800 --> 00:14:14,360 And I got to say, I'm feeling pretty knowledgeable about VPNs 379 00:14:14,360 --> 00:14:14,800 now. 380 00:14:14,800 --> 00:14:17,480 Yeah, we've covered a lot of ground from the basics 381 00:14:17,480 --> 00:14:22,440 to the inner workings of OpenVPN, even some real world uses. 382 00:14:22,440 --> 00:14:25,120 And honestly, the more I learned, the more impressed I am. 383 00:14:25,120 --> 00:14:26,400 You mentioned some advanced features 384 00:14:26,400 --> 00:14:27,720 we haven't talked about yet. 385 00:14:27,720 --> 00:14:30,680 What makes OpenVPN stand out from the crowd? 386 00:14:30,680 --> 00:14:34,120 Well, one of its biggest strengths is flexibility. 387 00:14:34,120 --> 00:14:37,000 It's like a toolbox full of options. 388 00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:39,000 You can fine tune your VPN connection 389 00:14:39,000 --> 00:14:43,360 for specific security needs, tweak encryption algorithms, 390 00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:45,680 set up custom routing rules, even configure it 391 00:14:45,680 --> 00:14:47,840 to work with different network protocols. 392 00:14:47,840 --> 00:14:50,320 OK, that sounds a bit advanced. 393 00:14:50,320 --> 00:14:51,920 Can you give me a real world example? 394 00:14:51,920 --> 00:14:54,080 How would someone use these features? 395 00:14:54,080 --> 00:14:55,240 Sure. 396 00:14:55,240 --> 00:14:57,960 Imagine a company dealing with really sensitive data. 397 00:14:57,960 --> 00:15:00,400 They might want to make sure only certain employees can 398 00:15:00,400 --> 00:15:03,560 access that data, even when they're connected to the VPN. 399 00:15:03,560 --> 00:15:06,300 OpenVPN lets them set up access control lists, 400 00:15:06,300 --> 00:15:08,160 like virtual bouncers controlling 401 00:15:08,160 --> 00:15:09,480 who gets access to what. 402 00:15:09,480 --> 00:15:11,980 So different security clearances within the VPN itself. 403 00:15:11,980 --> 00:15:12,840 That's pretty cool. 404 00:15:12,840 --> 00:15:15,700 What other tools are in this OpenVPN toolbox? 405 00:15:15,700 --> 00:15:18,120 We talked about multi-factor authentication before, 406 00:15:18,120 --> 00:15:21,080 but OpenVPN actually takes it a step further. 407 00:15:21,080 --> 00:15:24,360 You can require users to provide multiple forms 408 00:15:24,360 --> 00:15:28,440 of verification, like a password AND, a code from their phone 409 00:15:28,440 --> 00:15:30,560 before they connect, extra security. 410 00:15:30,560 --> 00:15:33,240 Double the security, double the peace of mind. 411 00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:35,680 I like any other standout features. 412 00:15:35,680 --> 00:15:38,920 One more worth mentioning is custom DNS servers. 413 00:15:38,920 --> 00:15:41,240 DNS stands for Domain Name System. 414 00:15:41,240 --> 00:15:43,560 It's basically the internet's phone book. 415 00:15:43,560 --> 00:15:46,200 Translates those website names, like google.com, 416 00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:49,000 into those numerical IP addresses computers use. 417 00:15:49,000 --> 00:15:51,320 So it's like directory assistance for the internet. 418 00:15:51,320 --> 00:15:52,160 Exactly. 419 00:15:52,160 --> 00:15:53,640 And usually your internet provider 420 00:15:53,640 --> 00:15:55,200 handles those DNS requests. 421 00:15:55,200 --> 00:15:58,120 Which means, you know, they can see every website you visit. 422 00:15:58,120 --> 00:16:00,480 OpenVPN lets you choose custom DNS servers, 423 00:16:00,480 --> 00:16:02,400 often ones that prioritize privacy. 424 00:16:02,400 --> 00:16:05,160 So your browsing habits stay, well, private? 425 00:16:05,160 --> 00:16:08,480 OK, an unlisted number for my internet activity. 426 00:16:08,480 --> 00:16:10,400 OpenVPN really gives you a lot of control. 427 00:16:10,400 --> 00:16:13,200 My head's spinning a little with all the technical stuff though. 428 00:16:13,200 --> 00:16:15,040 Any simpler way to think about it. 429 00:16:15,040 --> 00:16:15,960 Think of it like this. 430 00:16:15,960 --> 00:16:18,420 OpenVPN is the master key, right? 431 00:16:18,420 --> 00:16:20,760 It unlocks a whole world of possibilities 432 00:16:20,760 --> 00:16:22,680 for online security and privacy. 433 00:16:22,680 --> 00:16:26,640 It gives you the power to customize your connection, 434 00:16:26,640 --> 00:16:28,640 add those extra layers of protection, 435 00:16:28,640 --> 00:16:31,200 even control how your internet traffic is routed. 436 00:16:31,200 --> 00:16:32,400 OK, that makes sense. 437 00:16:32,400 --> 00:16:34,700 But we've been focusing on OpenVPN. 438 00:16:34,700 --> 00:16:36,860 Are there other VPN protocols out there? 439 00:16:36,860 --> 00:16:39,320 Is it like Coke versus Pepsi? 440 00:16:39,320 --> 00:16:41,040 Do people have strong preferences? 441 00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:41,840 Oh, absolutely. 442 00:16:41,840 --> 00:16:47,080 There are a few contenders out there vying for the VPN throne. 443 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:50,960 WireGuard, IPSec, L2TP IPSec, to name a few. 444 00:16:50,960 --> 00:16:52,160 So it's like choosing a car. 445 00:16:52,160 --> 00:16:53,800 They all get you where you need to go, 446 00:16:53,800 --> 00:16:56,100 but they have different features and performance. 447 00:16:56,100 --> 00:16:57,080 Exactly. 448 00:16:57,080 --> 00:17:00,360 WireGuard, for example, is known for being fast and simple. 449 00:17:00,360 --> 00:17:03,600 While IPSec is often preferred for its strong security, 450 00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:05,320 it really depends what you're looking for. 451 00:17:05,320 --> 00:17:06,680 The right tool for the job. 452 00:17:06,680 --> 00:17:08,960 But looking ahead, what's the future of VPNs? 453 00:17:08,960 --> 00:17:12,680 Are they like a fad, or are they here to stay? 454 00:17:12,680 --> 00:17:15,160 Well, as our lives become more and more digital, 455 00:17:15,160 --> 00:17:17,360 I think VPNs are going to be even more important. 456 00:17:17,360 --> 00:17:19,480 It's not just about protecting our laptops and phones 457 00:17:19,480 --> 00:17:19,980 anymore. 458 00:17:19,980 --> 00:17:23,280 It's about safeguarding our entire digital identity. 459 00:17:23,280 --> 00:17:25,800 So it's bigger than just hiding from hackers. 460 00:17:25,800 --> 00:17:28,440 It's about taking control of our digital lives. 461 00:17:28,440 --> 00:17:29,040 Exactly. 462 00:17:29,040 --> 00:17:31,280 VPNs can help us reclaim our privacy, 463 00:17:31,280 --> 00:17:35,020 secure our communications, and make sure we have access 464 00:17:35,020 --> 00:17:37,680 to information freely no matter where we are. 465 00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:39,880 Wow, that's a powerful thought. 466 00:17:39,880 --> 00:17:42,760 It sounds like OpenVPN, with its open source model 467 00:17:42,760 --> 00:17:45,400 and focus on transparency, is in a good position 468 00:17:45,400 --> 00:17:46,480 to be part of that future. 469 00:17:46,480 --> 00:17:47,280 I think so. 470 00:17:47,280 --> 00:17:50,480 And with that active community always pushing the limits, 471 00:17:50,480 --> 00:17:52,800 OpenVPN is likely to keep evolving, 472 00:17:52,800 --> 00:17:56,840 keep adapting to the challenges of online security and privacy. 473 00:17:56,840 --> 00:17:57,920 This has been eye-opening. 474 00:17:57,920 --> 00:18:00,880 I've learned so much about OpenVPN, VPNs in general, 475 00:18:00,880 --> 00:18:04,360 and why protecting our online activity is so important. 476 00:18:04,360 --> 00:18:05,560 Any final thoughts? 477 00:18:05,560 --> 00:18:09,080 Just that as our digital footprint grows, so do the risks. 478 00:18:09,080 --> 00:18:11,200 VPNs, especially ones like OpenVPN, 479 00:18:11,200 --> 00:18:13,240 are powerful tools that can help us navigate 480 00:18:13,240 --> 00:18:17,040 this complex digital world safely and securely. 481 00:18:17,040 --> 00:18:18,360 Well said. 482 00:18:18,360 --> 00:18:19,840 And a huge thank you to SafeServer 483 00:18:19,840 --> 00:18:21,560 for sponsoring this deep dive. 484 00:18:21,560 --> 00:18:23,960 If you're interested in learning more about OpenVPN, 485 00:18:23,960 --> 00:18:27,120 digital transformation, or just need 486 00:18:27,120 --> 00:18:30,640 help securing your online world, check out their website, 487 00:18:30,640 --> 00:18:33,480 www.safeserver.de. 488 00:18:33,480 --> 00:18:34,440 They're the experts. 489 00:18:34,440 --> 00:18:36,520 Definitely, they can help you figure out what you need 490 00:18:36,520 --> 00:18:37,800 and find the right solution. 491 00:18:37,800 --> 00:18:39,560 And to everyone listening, thank you 492 00:18:39,560 --> 00:18:41,560 for joining us on this OpenVPN adventure. 493 00:18:41,560 --> 00:18:45,040 We hope you found it informative and, well, empowering. 494 00:18:45,040 --> 00:18:48,240 Until next time, stay curious, stay safe, 495 00:18:48,240 --> 00:18:51,240 and stay in control of your digital life.