VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is software that establishes a protected network connection for public and private internet networks. It is designed to encrypt your internet traffic and also disguise your identity over the internet. This encryption technology will make it difficult for third parties to track your online activities over any internet connection. The VPN is designed to provide secured encryption, access to restricted websites or contents, and secure data transfer.
Why Should You Use A VPN?
The question of what is a VPN is best answered by exploring its benefit. There is no single definition of VPN, except you view it from the angle of the numerous benefits it provides. The following are reasons why you should use a VPN;
1. Secured and Encrypted Connection
Everyone should use a VPN, especially when using the internet, to guarantee a secured and encrypted connection. In this era of technology where unsuspecting online criminals can steal data and sensitive materials remotely, it makes sense to protect yourself via multiple layers of encryption when using the internet to surf.
When surfing the internet, you can expose your browsing habit, in addition to exposing your private information. You need a VPN if you are bothered by online security and privacy.
2. Access to Restricted Contents
We all know how frustrating trying to access a website or content online, only to be told that they are not available for your geographical location. With a VPN, you will get a completely new IP address not restricted to the website or content you want to access. You will browse as if you are located in an unrestricted region.
3. VPN Protects You Against Identity Theft
It would be best if you had a VPN to protect your identity online. Online thieves can steal your private information, mainly when you use the insecure internet. When your identity is stolen, these thieves can commit a crime in your name, and you will be held liable for such.
With your identity in the wrong hands, criminals can create a new account in your name, file for tax returns in your name, or even rent or purchase a property in your name. A VPN protects you from identity theft by protecting your private information and data. Private data you left after shopping online or banking online will be wiped out once you log out, and criminals wouldn’t have access to them.
When using public Wi-Fi networks, criminals may capture your login credentials, especially when you log out. A VPN will protect all information you share across your devices, including your computer, smartphone, and other smart gadgets. All information sent and received on your gadgets is encrypted by a VPN.
What Will Your VPN Hide?
There are five basic things that your VPN will hide while you use the internet, these are;
1. Your Web Activities
The VPN will hide your web activities to maintain your freedom on your internet. Your internet service provider and marketing people on the websites always scoop information by checking your browsing history. Similarly, government agencies can track your browsing easier, but with a VPN, no one can access this browsing history.
2. Your Devices
A VPN will protect all your devices at once, and these include laptops, desktops, mobile phones, and tablets. Your devices can be the prime targets for criminals to extract your private information, especially when you use them to access the internet. This is particularly important when you use insecure public W-Fi internet so that hackers wouldn’t track your moves.
3. Your Streaming Location
You may have to pay certain fees for streaming content from outside the legal, geographical area, but a VPN may help you bypass such payment restrictions. A VPN will assign a new IP for you that you can use to stream contents as if you are residing in the protected location for access to streaming contents. You may also use a VPN to avoid speed and data throttling.
4. Your Location and IP Address
Anyone that captures your IP address will know what you do on the internet. Your internet service provider, for instance, can use your IP address to track your activities online.
Since your VPN uses an IP address that is not yours, you can maintain a strong level of privacy when browsing the internet. With the VPN, your browsing history cannot be viewed, gathered, or sold. While an employer, school, government, or any other organization can access your browsing history, a VPN will help prevent such.
5. Your Browsing History
Your web browser and internet service provider can see where you have been on the internet; hence there is no hiding place unless you use a VPN. A lot of websites like to keep records of visitors’ browsing histories. You may have a medical condition, and you want to look on the internet for information, and without a VPN, you may draw attention to your medical condition.
Travel sites also monitor all sites you visit for booking air tickets, accommodation, and other components of your itinerary. This is the reason why your ads of things you search for on the internet. A VPN will ensure that your browsing history is anonymous.
Conclusion
Though the VPN comes with lots of benefits worth considering, you should be careful when choosing your ideal VPN. Avoid free VPN options because they may come with some malware and may not even offer full protection. There are several types of VPNs out there; for specific purposes, you need to find out the one that best suits your needs. You may want to test a VPN for a while before you eventually settle for it. Some products may come as genuine VPNs, but they are used for monitoring users remotely without suspicion. You may want to read reviews on top VPNs on private forums before you settle for any. Please pay attention to any reservation people who have used a VPN in the past posted in these forums, and they can help you avoid getting scammed in the long run.
