A lot of people have heard of VPN, but not a lot of people know what a VPN is, why a VPN is useful, and who should use a VPN. So, let’s talk about what a VPN is and who should use it-specifically, users who live or work in a country with strict censorship laws or who travel frequently to countries where Internet access is not guaranteed.
What does VPN mean?
VPN stands for virtual private network, a tool used for privacy and data security. VPN is used mainly to provide security when connecting to the web. A VPN tunnel protects all your traffic, protecting your location and identity. It is a technology that allows users to send data across unsecured networks safely. The tech allows users to hide their IP addresses from third parties and hackers and connect to different servers around the world by connecting to a VPN provider.
A VPN is a private server that encrypts all your data, including your Internet protocol (IP) address. With a VPN, you’ll be able to access censored content, hide your browsing habits, and access your favourite sites. One of the main downsides of using a VPN is that it can slow down your internet speed. This is because the VPN encrypts your data, which takes time and bandwidth, resulting in slower speeds. For faster VPN speed, it is recommended to use a fiber, satellite internet connection, or DSL connection (find out more about fiber or satellite internet vs dsl here). These types of connections are generally faster than traditional internet connections and will make it easier for the VPN to encrypt and decrypt data quickly.
Why Should You Use One?
There are so many reasons to use a VPN. When we think of the term “VPN,” we often think of a software application that encrypts and secures our data while connected to the internet. But, in reality, a VPN is so much more.
Enjoy the anonymity
Anonymity is the state of being completely anonymous or not being traceable. As a result, anonymity is an important aspect of online privacy. A good VPN, or Virtual Private Network, can shield you from prying eyes and online snoopers.
Boosts your security
In today’s world of internet sharing and online privacy, VPN is very much a “must-have.” But it also boosts your security, especially because your real IP address and location can be revealed to anyone you connect to.
Bypass firewalls and filters
Using a VPN can help you bypass blockers and filters, which is especially useful in today’s world where they’re not just for authentication but also for evading blocks, filters, and censorship. Additionally, you can complement your VPN usage with proxies, such as unlimited data residential proxies. These proxies can bypass internet geolocation restrictions while they can also ensure higher internet speeds.
Access the internet safely
VPN is actually a virtual connection on your device that allows you to access the internet safely. It allows you to hide your IP address. Without a VPN, your IP address is visible, and anyone can see which website you’re browsing, which apps you’re using, what movies or TV shows you’re streaming, and your location. With a VPN, however, your IP address isn’t visible, meaning hackers won’t be able to see what you’re doing online.
It is affordable
Even though you may think that Businesses and government organizations only use VPNs, the truth is that they are becoming more and more common and more affordable. Many business owners and government agencies use VPN technology to protect sensitive information, hide their location or data usage, as well as protect their privacy and security online. Apart from using VPNs, companies also make sure that they have a quality online security solution at their disposal that helps them Secure mobile devices (that are used for business operations) and business servers from potential threats. This, when paired with the layer of a private network, becomes less prone to any cyber attack.
Your data is protected
VPN is essentially a secure tunnel between your device and the network you connect to. VPN software is installed on your devices, which then connect to the desired network. When you use a VPN, all of your data is protected. For example, if you connect to a public Wi-Fi in a Starbucks, your data is secured, so hackers cannot see or steal information, like passwords, from your device. They also let you access geo-blocked content, like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
VPNs are clearly on the rise, and even the most casual internet users know they require a valid reason to use them, especially as most VPN providers are subscription-based. They have been around for a while, but they’ve become increasingly popular in the last few years, especially among businesses.