Why use a VPN?
VPN services have become more and more popular in recent years and so you might be thinking why use a VPN? In essence, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the encrypted tunnel that connects your device to the World Wide Web. It can play a huge role in your online safety, although the details of what they can do can be daunting at first.
There are two types of VPN: one is an online security tool, which is what will be covered in this guide. The other type of VPN is used by workers to access their company’s intranet, allowing them to work securely remotely or abroad, and being able to use all of the same files and programs as if they were in the main office.
Both share similarities, as both offer enhanced personal privacy, which is the primary factor in using a VPN.
And there are a bunch of other benefits too! Besides encrypting the sensitive information you enter online (addresses, passwords, details and more), VPNs are useful when you are abroad and have to rely on free WiFi.
VPNs are also a popular way to access geo-blocked content. By connecting to a server abroad, you can finally fall for those American shows you were going to catch!
VPN guide for beginners
If you are a beginner and would like to learn more about VPNs and how they work, check out our VPN guide.
Why use a VPN?
Using a VPN service gives you many advantages which include the following:
We cover each point in more detail below.
Improve your online privacy
We tend to feel safe when we’re browsing the web at home, but your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see and log your activity. Likewise, various government and websites can track your activity using your IP address, which can tell them a lot about you, including where you are and what pages you are looking for.
We don’t mean you’re doing anything fishy, of course — it’s about your right to privacy online in an age when we share more data than ever before.
VPN excels at this. Instead of connecting directly through your ISP, a VPN allows you to browse the web through a secure VPN connection. The VPN handles your requests and handles the response from the website, acting as a buffer between you and the website.
So, if you think a VPN sounds too good to be true, you’ll be right – but it’s important to have a discerning eye when choosing one. There are pages and pages of VPNs available through a Google search only – but don’t worry, we’ve put together a list of the best VPN services, and we recommend one of these options.
Improve online security
WiFi hotspots can be as dangerous as they are convenient, because cybercriminals will prey on the fact that many of them lack security features.
If you’re connected to an HTTP site in a coffee shop, your activity will be visible to anyone who knows how to search. This means that details like your email, bank login, addresses, and more, are likely to be at risk.
Be careful connecting to public WiFi hotspots without a VPN
There are several ways hackers can trick you, but the most common method is to create a fake WiFi network. This network will be called something believable enough to make you connect without a second thought.
Fortunately, using a VPN on public WiFi will keep your data safe from these criminals. Although they may see your connection, they won’t be able to access any of the packets passed through it, as the VPN will encrypt them.
Should I use a VPN at home?
The idea of being hacked at home may seem far-fetched, but unfortunately it is not.
A VPN will get your back if you suspect or seek your WiFi password – and your WiFi passwords are valuable, as you control who can access your devices and home connections.
Remember the data packets that the VPN encrypts through the private tunnel? This feature protects you from cybercriminals trying to trick you with wrong connections, because you are already connected to the secure VPN, there is no chance of hacking your traffic and injecting it with malware that might steal your personal information.
Let’s also say you weren’t using a VPN in a coffee shop and you accidentally brought malware into the house: it will prey on your router…if you don’t have a VPN. With one, your router takes advantage of the encryption it provides as well, even if it becomes the target of attacks.
Access more content with VPN
When you connect to a VPN server in another location, any sites you visit will see the IP address of that secure server – not yours. So, if you connect to a server in the USA, it will assume that you are physically located in the US as well.
This comes in handy when trying to access geo-blocked content on streaming sites, as shows can vary widely from country to country – just like different Netflix libraries.
Once you select a VPN server in the location of your choice, you will be able to browse Netflix, hulu, Spotify, BBC iPlayer, and a wide range of sports streaming services freely without hindrances.
Bypass internet censorship
Likewise, a VPN can help people who have more than just blocked streaming services. Some countries find themselves with reduced internet access as a result of government censorship, particularly in China, where citizens cannot use Google, YouTube, Facebook and more.
Locations we take for granted can provide an important lifeline to others who need it to stay connected with friends, family and the world at large.
This is a big problem for reporters, too. There has never been more news to report and more ways to do so, through print, social media and digital publications, and many journalists face virtual bans while trying to access these pivotal news sites.
Using a VPN can enable a journalist to conduct high-quality research on sensitive topics, while still being safe and secure. The choice of different VPN servers provides access to global resources. The nature of the industry means that journalists often rely on public networks on the go, and as mentioned earlier, a VPN is a great tool for keeping them safe in public places – no journalist wants their story leaked or stolen from underneath.
If you are using a VPN in a country with strict internet censorship and bypassing these blocks can be punishing, it is imperative that you use a VPN with obscure servers to ensure that your activity is kept private and secure.
Disadvantages of using a VPN
While the downsides of a VPN are relatively few, it is still important to consider them in conjunction with your particular circumstances. Find out what your priority is – Are you after high security or a content unblocking tool?
A VPN affects your internet speed, and unfortunately, this is unavoidable. The good news is that there is an important reason for this. Your VPN takes extra steps to create encryption protocols that secure your data packets, and while you should expect a speed dip due to this, the loss should never exceed 10-20%.
Cons of VPNs:
- Slightly slower speeds due to the encryption process (no more than 10-20%).
- Some log activity logs if you are not using a zero logs service.
- Cost is one factor of premium features and reliable security features.
Some VPNs log your activity, which is not ideal if your goal is to protect your privacy. Activity logs can be ceded to intrusive governments with a simple command. Fortunately, we’ve seen a rise in “no logs” services, which keep your browsing history, IP address, and other personally identifiable details untraceable. However, some logging can be useful in order to enforce necessary restrictions, such as monitoring bandwidth or monitoring the number of devices you have connected, but sticking to a true zero logging provider will keep you safe.
Plus, depending on your budget, a VPN can take a cut of your expenses. This is a personal factor, and only you know what is reasonable and what is not – but as with everything in life, you generally get what you pay for. A high-end and more expensive VPN will provide a range of services; Allowing you to connect multiple devices, improving connection speed, and customer support to name a few.
However, there are a bunch of options for all price ranges with money-back guarantees, and even a number of free VPNs are available. So, regardless of your situation, it is not entirely impossible to stay safe online.
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