Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
5. What is a virtual private network (VPN)? Discuss its applications and security issues associated with it. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The new rules issued by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) for Virtual Private Network providers could spell doom for the privacy of Indian internet users. Amidst strong pushback from various corners, the Central government tells the companies to either comply with rules or exit from India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about VPN, its application and concerns associated with it.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining VPN.
Body:
First, in brief, explain the working of VPN.
Next, write about applications of VPN – Security on Public Wi-Fi, Data Privacy From Your Internet Service Provider, Data Privacy From the Apps and Services You Use, Data Privacy From Your Government and Access to Any Content in Any Place.
Next, mention various concerns associated with VPN – Security of remote machines, VPN implementation, interoperation and network availability etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to address the above issues.
