VPNs are networks that have been protecting the internet privacy of people since 1996 by keeping their data safe and improving the security of their connection. They allow the users to browse anonymously and even unblock the geo-restricted content.
VPNs are very easy-to-use and affordable and now it has become a must tool for small businesses and remote workers for reasons such as streaming Netflix, online banking, watching shows on the public Wi-Fi securely, and more. On the other hand, there are also business VPNs that are used for security and privacy reasons usually by large organizations to enable trusted users to access servers from any location.
The corporate-style networks protect the security of a company but they are not made for anonymous browsing or unblocking geo-restricted content. For such a purpose a regular VPN is needed. VPNs are a must need for you as these private networks create a private network for your computer while you are using a public internet connection and let you browse anonymously.
Why Do We Need VPNs?
A VPN assures online privacy
A virtual private network ensures to keep your data is safe from hackers. If you are worried about your security and don’t want to have your identity stolen, you can use a VPN to protect your online activity. When you have a VPN no one can keep a watch on your data or activity- not the hackers, not your ISP, and not even the government.
So, no matter if you are a journalist who wishes to transmit sensitive content, a traveler who is journeying through a country that blocks access to certain sites, or you are collaborating remotely and concerned about protecting intellectual property, you can use a VPN powerful encryption that will secure all your online surfing.
A VPN lets you access the Blocked Content
There are countries with repressive governments and blocking few contents is a hallmark of them and you can at times not access the contents that you wish to for reasons like geo-restrictions or licensing.
But no matter if you want to access your company’s website content or wish to view a foreign show competition if you use a VPN, it will allow you to make the connections that you need. As a VPN provides a new IP address for your computer system that allows you to connect with servers all around the world without any restrictions.
A VPN provides better bandwidth than your ISP does
Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides a certain level of bandwidth but sometimes you experience endless buffering and sudden drops in the speed that affects your gaming and some ISPs even throttle bandwidth deliberately to prioritize the need of customers, avoid traffic jams, or restricts your ability to complete massive uploads or downloads that may slow down the entire network.
The bandwidth also slows down if you share the connection with others, whether within your neighborhood or business. Here comes the role of a VPN, with a VPN your ISP will not be able to see what you’re doing so it will not throttle your bandwidth. You can stream a live sports event, transfer huge video files, and more and your ISP will not be able to do anything about it as you will be using a VPN.
A VPN protects your data from the outside networks
There is no doubt that you all must have connected your device with Wi-Fi offered at a restaurant, airport, or coffeehouse as it is very convenient to use the free Wi-Fi when you are out but there is no way you can be sure if it is safe.
You might just be using a café Wi-Fi unaware of the fact that the Wi-Fi there might be connected to a phisher who can infect your device with malware or even by downloading your data at a high speed.
But here comes the role of a VPN, if you are logging into a public Wi-Fi while using a VPN then your data will not be visible to the phishers or any other. Even if by chance you are inadvertently logged on to a fake site, all any other person can see is a lot of indecipherable code.
A VPN protects you from “evil twins”
There are times when you need an internet connection when you are outside somewhere and wherever you get a source of connection you connect your device with it but sometimes what happens is the hackers create fake Wi-Fi hotspots to deceive you, and in case if you transfer money or do shopping while using this public hotspot your security comes under threat.
As when that happens, your device connection is re-routed to the “rogue access point” of the hackers. At times the hackers also managed to disable the official network of a place by combing this threat with a “denial of service” attack that makes the fake hotspot network the only available one. And once you log into that illegal network the hackers easily access all your pre-stored password and login details, photos, and so on.
If you wish to prevent this from happening a VPN is what you need. You just have to download a personal VPN that will shield your traffic in an encrypted tunnel, hide your IP address, and makes it very hard for criminals to hack into your device.
A VPN prevents browser fingerprinting
Browser fingerprinting is a way in which your data is collected and your whereabouts are identified as whenever you visit a site on the internet your device communicates with the websites submitting your passive footprint including the IP address and the device location.
Browser fingerprinting also permits the websites to recognize your device and if you have taken any measures to anonymize your connection. A dedicated browser like Brave or DuckDuckGo is what you need while using a personal VPN as going incognito may erase your browsing habits but it still retails your passive footprint.
Here comes the role of a VPN, a virtual private network directs your traffic through a server in another region by hiding the IP address that determines your location and then replaces it with a virtual IP thus allowing you to freely watch any show, film, and games from anywhere you wish to.
VPNs to Choose From
As you know by far that VPNs are extremely useful. However, it is equally important which VPN service you use. Using free VPNs is not bad but it is not safe. As such, it is always recommended to use safe, secure, and data-protected VPNs. Below are a few VPNs that you can choose from.
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is a popular VPN provider that offers you the best VPN experience. With Surfshark, you can use secure your digital privacy, access the content safely, hide your IP address, stay safe on public wifi, take control of your data, and whatnot. There are some advanced VPN settings in Surfshark where you can:
- auto-connect to a preferred location on the browser load,
- block the ads, malware, and trackers,
- Breach or Data Leak notification,
- Block cookie consent popups and much more
Surfshark is easy to use and you can start using it at as low as $2.49 per month (billed 2 yearly).
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the leading VPN providers. It is known for its robust security and features. NordVPN offers you many servers in over 60 countries. You will not feel a slow internet connection even after connecting to any server of your choice and an easy stream and play games without lag.
Whether you want to download/upload files or access blocked websites, you can easily do that.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a fast, reliable, and affordable VPN solution. It is not diplomatic to say that ExpressVPN is by far one of the most recommended VPNs in the past few overs. Like most paid VPNs, it provides you with stronger data protection, quick connectivity, and multiple servers in countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, France, Italy, and much more.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear respects and understands the worth of your privacy. It is an affordable VPN solution. This VPN is very popular and trusted. Anyone who is concerned about browsing the web anonymously can make use of TunnelBear and of course any other VPN on the list. TunnerBear however makes sure you get better speed and security no matter to what server you are connected. It is available for all your devices including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
You can start using TunnelBear at $3.33/m and connect 5 devices.
IPvanish
IPvanish is a well-known VPN provider that protects your privacy and offers cutting-edge features. This VPN is available for almost all your devices. Undoubtedly, it is fast and reliable. It is highly reviewed on the media sites and has got a good response from the original customers on G2. At first, this VPN does not look as good as it is, but eventually works as best as it can. One can start using IPvanish VPN for $3.75/mo at an annual subscription and save 65%.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a popular VPN provider that safeguards your digital information. This VPN is best for streaming and gaming. It offers apps on all platforms and devices. There is also chrome and firefox extension to make use of Cyberghost. Cyberghost has servers for the majority of popular locations. You can save 82% by purchasing 39 months plan for $89.31 with 45 day money-back guarantee
Virtual private networks look like hot commodities but do they worth a try?
You must have seen many of your friends complaining about hacks and other data breaches that must have concerned you about your privacy. But you need not worry about it while using a VPN as it works to protect your security, privacy, and anonymity.
What are the advantages of using a VPN?
There are a lot of advantages of using a VPN like it provides security, allows you to access blocked sites, keeps your data safe from hackers, and more.
How does a VPN works?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works by using encryption protocols to funnel all of your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel between your PC and a remote VPN server. Thus securing your data, preventing and 3rd parties from accessing it.
How can you get access to a VPN?
There is a cost you need to pay before you enjoy the benefits offered by the VPN. Setting up a VPN is also very easy and requires you to do just a few steps and in just a matter of a few minutes, you could be up to run with all the online protection you need.
Do you need to have a VPN installed on all your devices?
The answer is “Yes”. You need to install a VPN client on each and every device you wish to connect with a VPN. The majority of the VPNs allow you to hook up to multiple devices all under a single account. So no matter if you are using a laptop, Windows PC, iPhone, Macbook, or even an Android mobile you can easily hook up to your VPN account without even registering for another account.
What are some of the best VPN services that you can trust on?
Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN are some of the few VPN services that are worth the try.
Over to you
VPNs are virtual private networks that increase your overall online security by separating your online activities from your IP address or masking your device’s IP address.
It prevents anyone from the internet to track your location and learn any other details about you through your information or connection on your computer.
You need a VPN if you wish to protect your information by encrypting your data and hiding your identity while browsing the internet. And the major reasons that show why you need to have a VPN are- VPNs bypass geo-blocks to stream movies, TV shows, and more, keep your data secure and safe, maintain your anonymity to avoid tracking, monitoring, and hacking, access blocked websites all around the world, combat censorship at home as well as while traveling, and provides safer web browsing, and torrenting, and downloading.
