What is a virtual private network and what is its purpose?
– 👌
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network is a very useful tool for every Internet user, no matter how much time you spend on the Internet or what kind of things you do on the Internet. A VPN gives you more security and privacy when connected to the Internet – things that are hard to come by in today’s information age.
Although more and more people are using a VPN, the technology behind it is still unclear to many. If you’re looking to learn more about the concept of a VPN and what you’re using it for, here’s everything you need to know about it, plus how to take advantage of a VPN to secure your online activity.
What is a VPN and how does it work?
If you have a general idea of how the Internet works, you probably know that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and some other organizations have ways of tracking your Internet activity. Not only can your browser’s private browsing mode help protect your data and give you peace of mind, while a VPN can do more than that.
A VPN is a technology that protects your online activity by adding an extra level of encryption to your data. It connects your computer or smartphone to a private network, allowing your data to pass through an encrypted “tunnel.”
It travels from your device to another point on the Internet, often in another country, before making its way onto the public Internet. Your data remains hidden all the time. All your ISP can see is that you are connected to a private network.
When you connect your device to a VPN, it behaves as if it is on the same local network as the VPN. It allows you to access local network resources even if you are actually accessing the internet from a different country. You can also surf the internet as if you were staying at a VPN location. For example, if you are using a USA-based VPN from outside the US, websites will see your online activity as if it was coming from within the country.
What are the uses of a VPN?
Some people associate using a VPN with the need to hide your online activity. In fact, a VPN comes with a number of advantages that can help any internet user in their daily life. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to start using a VPN.
Secure your connection when using public WiFi
When you surf the internet at home, your connection is via a password-protected router and a private WiFi network. However, when you connect to a public WiFi network – whether it’s in a coffee shop, hotel, or airport – your traffic isn’t protected anymore. These networks provide open access to all users, which greatly facilitates the interception of wireless network traffic.
That’s why it’s a good idea to use a VPN the next time you decide to connect to a public WiFi to send an email or check your Instagram account.
Regain your privacy online
There can be a number of different reasons why you want to keep your online activity private. There is the fact that your ISP can track your activity and privacy concerns about what they can do with this tracked data, other websites that collect your browsing data and problem targeting ads, as well as torrent trackers and other monitoring systems.
Using a VPN is one of the simplest and most effective ways to restore your online privacy and prevent others from collecting your data.
Access geo-blocked content
One of the most common reasons to get a VPN service is to access geo-blocked websites. Sometimes you will find that certain content, streaming services, or websites have been blocked or access restricted based on your location. Using a VPN is the easiest way to bypass those restrictions.
This can come in handy if you ever find that certain movies or TV shows are not available on your streaming platform in your area. Connecting to a VPN server from the appropriate country can easily fix this.
When traveling, you may find yourself in a country where entire websites and services are geo-blocked. For example, if you want to access LinkedIn in Russia, you will have to use a VPN or other means to get around geo-restrictions.
Bypass the school or workplace firewall
When using the Internet in your school or workplace, you are sure to come across blocked websites that the management does not want you to access. They do this by using firewalls that filter all web content and keep you away from blocked websites.
There are a number of solutions that can help you bypass the school or workplace firewall. One of the easiest ways to do this is via a VPN service. When you connect to a VPN and start browsing, all your internet traffic is encrypted, and the firewall can’t see what you’re doing and what sites you visit on your network connection. This way you can view the sites you want regardless of time and place.
Save money on shopping
Aside from the obvious benefits you get from using a VPN, you can get some extra perks if you think outside the box. A VPN can help you save money when shopping. Admittedly, it takes some time and effort.
You can use a VPN to connect to different servers all over the world and find the cheapest rates. Things you can save money on include streaming services, software subscription plans, airline tickets, and even hotels. In theory, you can find cheaper prices for everything. However, do not forget that some of the spreads will be covered by exchange rates and bank fees.
Do you need a VPN?
While VPNs come with many benefits, they are not without drawbacks. The biggest drawback of using a VPN is the low connection speed. Since you are sending your data to another location before it reaches the correct server, it is inevitable that your VPN connection speed will be slower than your normal internet speed.
However, if this isn’t a huge issue for you, or if the connection speed drop isn’t that much, then using a VPN is definitely a good idea. All that remains is to choose the right VPN service for you. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there – from built-in Windows, Chrome VPN extensions, the best free options for Mac, and the best VPN apps out there.
Have you used a VPN service before? What did you use it for? Share your VPN experience with us in the comments below.
[ad_1]
Don’t forget to share this post with friends !
