Between your device and online destinations, your data passes through many third-party networks over which you have little or no control. However, there are a number of ways you can make that traffic inaccessible to them, such as SSH (Secure Shell) and VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Although SSH and VPN may seem similar in some respects, they have important differentiating characteristics that make them suitable for different use cases. SSH (Secure Shell) is mainly used to establish a secure connection between two devices, usually between a computer and a server, by encrypting data transmission. This is commonly used for remote access and management of servers. Meanwhile, VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure connection over a public network, allowing users to access their internal network remotely safely and privately. VPNs are often used to protect personal information when connecting to the internet, especially when using an unsecured connection such as public Wi-Fi.
SSH and VPN: What's the difference?
SSH and VPN are both technologies that secure your Internet connection, but they work in fundamentally different ways and serve distinct purposes. SSH provides a secure way to access a remote computer, encrypting data transmitted between the user and the remote machine to ensure privacy and security. It is commonly used to execute commands on remote servers or tunnel traffic securely.
VPNs, on the other hand, encrypt all of a device's internet traffic and route it through a server in a location of the user's choosing. This protects data from eavesdropping and masks the user's real IP address, making it appear to be located in the same place as the VPN server. VPNs are used for a wider variety of purposes, including data security on public Wi-Fi networks, bypassing content access restrictions, and increasing online anonymity.
What is VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in your chosen location. In this way, it masks your real IP address, makes your online activities difficult to trace, and protects data from being intercepted by third parties. VPNs are widely used to enhance online privacy, secure Internet connections, and bypass content access restrictions.
How does VPN work?
A VPN establishes a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the Internet. Instead of connecting directly to the Internet like normal, your device connects through a VPN server, which acts as an intermediary between your device and the websites or online services you visit.
When you connect to a trusted VPN, like RICE VPN for example, it encrypts all the data you send and receive, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. This encrypted tunnel prevents hackers, ISPs, and governments from tracking your Internet activity, ensuring your online actions stay private and secure.
What is SSH?

SSH, or Secure Shell, is a cryptographic network protocol used primarily for secure remote login and other secure network services over unsecured networks. It provides a secure channel over an insecure network using a client-server architecture. It encrypts sessions to protect data and communications from interception or tampering.
Network administrators widely use SSH to control web applications and servers remotely, ensure secure file transfers, remote command execution, and many other functions.
What is an SSH tunnel?

SSH tunneling is a method of transporting arbitrary network data over an encrypted SSH connection. It can secure unencrypted network protocols such as FTP by transmitting data over a secure channel. It is essentially a bridge between the client and the server that encrypts the traffic of live applications that do not support encryption, providing a secure path over an insecure network. SSH tunnels are often used to bypass firewalls that restrict certain internet services or to access network services securely.
How does SSH work?
SSH works by establishing a secure and encrypted connection between the client and the server. The process begins with the SSH client connecting to the server and both parties negotiating a secure encrypted session. This involves exchanging encryption keys to prevent eavesdropping or interception by third parties. Once a secure channel is established, all data transmitted between the client and server is encrypted, providing confidentiality and integrity.
Authentication of the client to the server is typically done using a password or digital key set. It's important to know that only data between the client and the server is encrypted. The rest of the traffic remains unsecured.
SSH vs VPN: Which is more secure?
When comparing the security of SSH and VPN, it is important to understand that both are designed with solid encryption standards to protect data transmission. However, their security strengths lie in different domains and use cases.
SSH is highly secure because of its specific purpose: secure remote login and other network services over an unsecured network. Its security is robust for command-line-based communication and secure file transfers. SSH's encryption ensures data is protected from eavesdropping and interception, making it ideal for administrators managing servers.
VPNs, on the other hand, are designed to secure all Internet traffic to and from a device, not just specific network services. VPNs encrypt the entire data packet, including header information (which contains routing and IP information), providing greater privacy during all online activities. This makes VPNs especially effective for users looking for privacy from ISPs, government surveillance, or accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
In terms of overall security, VPNs provide broader protection for general Internet use, protecting all your online activities from possible interceptors. SSH excels in its field, providing a secure method for server management and specific tasks that require encryption. Choosing between SSH and VPN depends on your specific needs: if you want to secure all of your Internet traffic, then a VPN is more suitable; for secure server access and file transfer, you can choose SSH.
Ultimately, both SSH and VPN are secure, but VPNs provide a more comprehensive solution for everyday Internet users looking for privacy and security in all their online activities.

SSH and VPN are powerful tools for securing your online activities, each with its own strengths and applications. SSH excels at providing remote access and secure file transfers, making it indispensable for administrators and users who need encrypted command-line communication. VPNs, on the other hand, provide a comprehensive solution to encrypt all internet traffic, enhance privacy, and bypass geo-restrictions for normal users.
Whether you prioritize encrypting your entire Internet connection or need secure access to a remote server, choosing the right tool can have a significant impact on your online security and privacy. That's when a top service like VPN RICE appears.