A VPN is a virtual private network that creates an encrypted tunnel between a device and a remote server, allowing it to surf anonymously. In fact, the VPN routes the traffic to secure networks and masks the IP address. This prevents, or at least makes it very difficult for unwanted third parties to track the online activities. A VPN enhances online security and can be used for a variety of purposes, from protecting privacy to accessing restricted content in a country. Simply put, a VPN allows one to access an encrypted server and hide the IP address from companies, public institutions and possible hackers. The technology bypasses restrictions imposed by the Internet provider, preventing the connection from being through a hosted server, and can prove a valuable tool for travel, gaming, and streaming.
VPN protects on public Wi-Fi networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they carry some security risks. Someone could be tracking your online activity when you send emails from a coffee shop or scroll through a social feed at the airport. Using a VPN protects your data while using public networks, hiding your browsing history, banking details, account passwords and more from attackers. When you are connected to your home Wi-Fi network, getting in the crosshairs of hackers is less likely than with a public connection. However, your personal data can still be exposed. This information can be collected and sold to advertisers even when you use “private” browsing modes and, in the event of a data breach, could end up in the wrong hands. A VPN can help you hide your IP address from your own internet provider.
VPN protects your data from the apps you use
Your Internet provider is not the only threat to your privacy you may have at home. Unfortunately, many of our favourite apps and services, including Facebook, have received challenges and complaints about how they use their users’ data. A VPN prevents apps and websites from tracing your activity back to your computer’s IP address. It can also block the tracking of your location and browser history. Although many internet providers, apps and data centres claim not to sell browsing information to government agencies, this data still comes into their possession.
Since 2013, when Edward Snowden first revealed that Verizon, a major U.S. telecommunications company, was selling user browsing and phone call data to the NSA, the public has become increasingly sensitive to the various ways authorities collect and monitor user data. If you are concerned about the possibility of governments violating your privacy, a VPN can be an excellent investment to protect your data.
A VPN for streaming and security
Although many companies are constantly working to detect and block VPNs that users use to access foreign catalogues, using a VPN is not illegal and helps solve the problem of geographic restrictions imposed by platforms. VPNs mask your location so that you appear connected from somewhere else. With this feature, you can watch movies and series unavailable in your country. Beware, however: if you are looking for a VPN for a TV series streaming, for example, keep in mind that it may not work for several reasons: it may not be compatible with it, or the platform may have blocked it, or, again, it may not be fast enough to guarantee good streaming quality. Among the benefits of VPNs is the ability to encrypt data. Encryption involves converting data into an encrypted format to obscure its meaning and allow you to keep confidential information safe. If you invest in a VPN for your company, you and your team can count on being able to connect to the office network and access sensitive materials remotely on your devices. Even after the pandemic, remote work continues to prove an increasingly established reality; a VPN can prove to be a valuable investment in keeping confidential information safe even when you are not in the office.
Using VPN on multiple devices
Although most of us first tried a VPN on a business computer, many services offer protection for a range of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and others. Each operator has slightly different plans, features, and levels of protection, but many offer packages that allow you to protect more than one device. If you don’t mind performing a few search tasks, a VPN can help you save money by disguising your geographic location. Many types of companies, such as subscription services and airlines, offer the same services or products at different prices. You can save significantly by turning out to be connected from a country where the services you seek are cheaper.
Limitations
Although a VPN can be a valuable tool that can keep your data and location safe, it cannot hide every aspect of your online activity. If you “like” a post on Instagram while connected to the VPN, the app can still use your behaviour to personalize the ads and in-app content you view. Similarly, if you enable cookies on your device, companies can track your browsing while you are connected to their sites and even at later times.
Your data cannot be obscured entirely through the use of a VPN alone. You need to combine the VPN with other security measures for more complete protection. VPNs are also not foolproof tools. Like any program, they are exposed to malware and cyber-attacks, compromising their effectiveness. Finally, using free VPNs increases the likelihood of experiencing such attacks. In order to cover certain costs, “free” VPN services may give away user data to third parties or show potentially malware-compromised advertisements. If your goal is to strengthen the privacy of your devices, we recommend investing in a paid VPN.
Is VPN use always legal?
In addition to the security aspects of VPNs, compliance with laws must also be considered. For example, there are many countries where VPNs are banned or subject to stringent regulations. It is essential to know the laws in place in your own country and those you travel to before using a VPN, as well as to clarify whether local authorities conduct monitoring activities of their use, thus negating any privacy benefits.
