Nowadays, people are thinking more and more about their security and privacy on the Internet. Have you ever wondered if someone could access your data when you connect to public Wi-Fi? And the answer is — yes! Any hacker with basic knowledge can hack most public networks in coffees, train stations, shopping centers, and more.
This is why a virtual private network, aka VPN, is a tool that you need to protect yourself. VPNs are used to forward all your traffic through another computer called a server located anywhere on the internet. This is masking your activity and making it look like you browse from the other computer (server) connection. Imagine you are in the US, but you use a VPN, and your server connection is in Germany — then it will appear that you are browsing from Germany.
This article will focus on some of the main benefits of using a VPN and how you can choose the best one for yourself.
The main benefits of a VPN
Depending on your online activity, you might have different reasons for needing a VPN in your daily life. Let’s take a deeper look into the most common ones:
1. Secure your connection
If you are regularly connecting to public networks, then a VPN is a mandatory tool for you. Public Wi-Fis is rarely very secure. If you decide to open your email or social media account while in a coffee shop, someone may track your activity.
When you use VPN, you will be sure that no one on the same network will track what you are doing, not even the network operators. You will rest assured that your personal information like passwords, credit card information you saved on your browser, or anything else is secured.
2. Protection even at home
When you are at home, you are more secure from attacks by hackers because they cannot connect to your private network that easily. However, your internet service provider can still access all of your data and browsing activity.
General practice is that the ISPs are collecting your data and then selling it to advertisers. And this is done even if you use a private browser. Not all ISPs are very picky about who they are selling your data to. Using a VPN will hide your data and browsing activity even from your internet provider.
3. Encrypt your company/work data
If you are a person that works regularly remotely or you are a business owner with a remote team, a VPN is a perfect solution for you. A virtual private network tool will encrypt your company data into a coded format. An investment in such a tool will keep any sensitive data protected. In this way, no one without this VPN connection will be able to access your documents, tools, etc.
4. Access to any content from anywhere
During the pandemic, streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and others became even more popular. Those services are not offering the same content in every region they are available in. So, maybe the tv series you would like to watch is not available at your location. Then a VPN is your savior!
With a VPN connection, you can access any content from any location in the world. Imagine watching everything you want on your smart TV — now this is possible with services like IPVanish that works flawlessly on all Fire TV devices or other VPNs more suitable for you and your devices.
Check out this article if you want to know more about cybersecurity threats while streaming.
5. Helping you to save some money
The spoofing functionalities of a VPN can help you save quite some money. Many services are showing you prices based on your cookies and browsing history. Some examples are subscription services, event sites, airlines, and others. They might be showing you slightly (or significantly) increased prices if they notice you are coming back over and over again checking the same product or service. Using a VPN will help you disguise yourself, see the lower prices, and save money.
There are other benefits of using VPN like anonymity, using torrent sites and services, and others. If you are already convinced that you need VPN access, here is some advice on choosing the best one for you.
How to choose a VPN
When you are choosing a VPN, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Which locations are you going to be able to connect to;
- Is it possible to use it on different devices;
- Is it compatible with your operating system;
- Is it easy to use;
- The price.
Finding a VPN that covers all your needs will not be that hard because there are many free or paid options with different functionalities.
Conclusion
Your privacy and security on the internet shouldn’t be taken lightly. Using a VPN to protect yourself is the easiest way to go. And the bonus of being able to browse any content is not to miss. Take a couple of minutes to research which tool will meet your needs and go for it. It is worth it.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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