Are you concerned about your online privacy? Have you contemplated using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)? Well there are many reasons that can make one wary of their online privacy. From the need to protect yourself from advertising trackers, to the desire to access content streaming websites such as Netflix that may not be accessible in your location.
In the recent past, VPNs have transformed from being an obscure product utilized by a minority to a popular networking concept. With advancement in technology most people are growing cautious about their online privacy. Virtual Private Networks are designed to protect your privacy while online. In this article, we will discuss why you need to use a VPN when online.
How a VPN Works?
VPNs work by creating an encrypted connection also referred to as a tunnel between your connected device and a remote server operated by your VPN provider. The remote server will then reroute all your online activity from its end, thus giving the impression that your activity is coming from the VPN server location. Similarly all data from the internet will first reach your VPN servers and thereafter be forwarded to your device.
Most VPNs do not keep logs of your browsing history, your location or of your personal details. Always go for the VPN’s that have a no logs policy for you to get the most security. To know the best VPNs of 2023, check out vpnbrains.com.
Top Reasons To Use a VPN
There are dozens of reasons why everyone should use a VPN and we are going to highlight some of the most common ones below:
1. To bypass censorship
The internet might seem like a very free environment where free speech is guaranteed, however this is not always the case. The phrase “the internet never forgets” reminds us that big brother or some interested party is always watching us. For instance some governments, institutions and networks control what actions people are allowed or not allowed to do while online. This is where a VPN comes in handy by helping you browse freely with no restrictions.
2. Online privacy
While you’re accessing sensitive and personal data on your device there is a risk that some of your information might leak to unwanted parties. Using a VPN offers you peace of mind that your data is safe and your activities online are confidential. In addition, you may also use a WebRTC leak checker to test whether your browser is leaking your IP address
We have become so accustomed to free public Wi-Fi that we consider it a human right. Be it at airports, restaurants, banking halls and other public places, we rarely take a second thought while connecting to these networks. However these hotspots are not completely safe for confidential information such as logins. This is one major reason your mobile phone should have strong VPN software.
3. Avoid throttling by your ISP
Using a VPN slightly slows down your internet, though there are some instances where it makes your internet connection faster. On the other hand some ISPs throttle content that they deem not appropriate. For this reason using a VPN will hide what you are doing and your ISP cannot throttle you.
4. Protect you from malware
A number of VPNs say that they offer some form of protection against malware. This is possible because the VPN usually scans files thereby ensuring that any threat is dealt with before it can get to your device. Most people would however not bother with malware protection offered by VPNs because their computers are already installed with anti-malware software. Though it doesn’t harm to know that you have that extra layer of protection from your VPN just in case.
5. Gain access to content streaming services
Some content streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix and Hulu are geo locked. In most cases these content streaming service providers do not broadcast all their content outside America. But engaging a VPN will solve this hurdle. Remember we said VPN is capable of changing your IP location address thus unlocking such content streaming services.
6. Work remotely
Since the pandemic more organizations are allowing their staff to work from home. It is important to remember that VPN’s were first designed to allow people to access networks remotely and in a secure way.
There is a significant rise of people working remotely who use their company’s VPN to access internal or local area networks (LAN) and servers. VPN encrypts the data to and from your home as you work remotely, this guarantees safety of data.
Conclusion
The market has a wide variety of VPN services, so it is important to know what your needs are before deciding which one to purchase. Levels of privacy vary from one VPN to another for instance some offer a no logs policy while others do not.
On the downside some free VPNs grab your personal info and sell to marketers and other third parties. This however should not deter you from getting a good VPN. The pros of having a VPN outweigh the cons by a mile.
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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