A VPN is a great tool for protecting your privacy and security when browsing the internet. You can use it to encrypt all of your traffic on public wifi, browse anonymously with no one knowing who you are or where you're from, and more.
How much do you value your privacy?
If so, then read this blog post for some helpful information about what a VPN can offer and what are the benefits of using a VPN at home or public-wifi!
Why do I need VPN?
VPNs protect your privacy and security. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, a type of internet service that encrypts the traffic going to and from your computer so that it can’t be read by others on the same network or traced back to you. Using a VPN also allows users with data caps an option when they need to download lots of files like movies, games etc.
How do I avoid these risks if I don't USE a VPN?
When using public WiFi at airports, libraries, cafes, hotels etc., all information, including passwords and messages, is sent in clear text format (unencrypted). This means someone could intercept this data while connected if they were nearby.
VPN encrypts all data in and out of your device so that it's unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it, even if they are nearby. VPN also hides the IP address of the internet service provider from where you're connecting, making VPN a great solution for those wishing to stay anonymous while browsing or downloading content online.
- Use a VPN to protect personal information on public WiFi networks
- VPN will keep people off your laptop when using public WiFi
- VPN will prevent you from accessing certain websites due to geo-blocking
- By using a VPN, you can keep your browsing history private.
- Depending on what type of VPN package one purchases, it may also come with additional features such as ad/tracker blockers that stop ads before they get loaded into your browser by using filters, malware protection, and file encryption in case someone steals their laptop while away etc.
Do I need a VPN on my phone?
Yes, VPN is a must-have for smartphones. It will keep your data private, protect against malware and prevent you from accessing certain websites due to geo-blocking or firewalls that block VPNs. VPN on smartphones also prevents people from hacking into the phone when connected to public WiFi networks by encrypting all traffic in and out of the device, which means it's unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it, even if they are nearby.
Should I Go For a Free VPN?
Free VPN services should be avoided because they're less secure than paid options. VPN software is designed to protect your data, and free VPNs usually have many issues. They lack the money needed for good coding or strong security features.
There's also no customer service available should you run into any problems with it, which will further increase your risk of being hacked. Using a VPN is one of the best ways to ensure your privacy and security online, so you mustn't skimp on this.
There's no harm in trying out a free trial before committing to an annual subscription plan or paying monthly for service as long as the VPN supports it. VPNs are available for all major desktop and mobile operating systems so that you can connect from any device without any trouble.
Which VPNs Should I Use?
VPNs can enable access to restricted sites, bypass VPN-unfriendly regions, and more. VPN servers have gained popularity over the years because they give internet users a way to protect their identity from online marketers, receive aid in distress situations, and bypass VPN-unfriendly regions or geo-restrictions on services like Netflix & BBC iPlayer.
We recommend Using A VPN from the list below:
ExpressVPN
- You'll be able to unblock sites and services that were previously inaccessible.
- With ExpressVPN, your data will be encrypted, safeguarding your privacy online.
- You'll feel safer browsing the internet because you're anonymous.
NordVPN
- Unblock geo-restricted content with NordVPN
- Protect your data with military-grade encryption and a strict zero-logging policy.
- Feel safe browsing the internet without worrying about hackers or government surveillance.
SurfShark
- Surfshark has the best value and provides you with everything a top VPN service should: multiple advanced security features, reliable network and speeds, consistent unblocking abilities, and a strong commitment to user privacy.
- You can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
CyberGhost
- CyberGhost's VPN apps are super user-friendly.
- You can access streaming sites from around the world with ease.
- It protects your data and offers military-grade encryption, so you never have to worry about your security again.
VyprVPN
- Your data is safe, and your online privacy is secure.
- Get access to your favorite streaming sites from anywhere in the world.
- Browse the web freely and never be blocked again by geo-restrictions.
- VyprVPN can help you watch what you want, when you want, without being tracked or spied on.
Steps To Follow Before Using A VPN
For VPNs to work properly without any hassles, you need to follow some key steps:
Choose Your Connection Type
There are two main types of connection offered by VPN providers – the “Point To Point” type (less secure but faster) and the “Others” type, which tends to be more secure but slower than P2P VPN connections.
- VPN providers have different protocols that provide security for your data, like OpenVPN and LTP.
- VPN connections can be either secure or less secure – the difference is in how it encrypts your connection and speed.
Then you need to:
Choose Your VPN Provider
This is a hard decision because there are so many good VPN services on the market with pros and cons, which depend on what you want from them (speed, price, location). For example, Nord VPN offers fast speeds and high prices, while CyberGhost has low prices and slow speeds. Again, VyprVPN has relatively low prices compared to other VPN services of comparable quality and higher speeds.
- VPN providers also have different protocols that provide security for your data, like OpenVPN and LTP.
- VPN connections can be either secure or less secure – the difference is in how it encrypts your connection and its speed; another factor to consider when choosing a VPN is bandwidth (speed).
Choose Your VPN Protocol:
There are two main types of protocol offered by VPN providers – Point To Point type (less secure but faster) and Others which tends to be more secure than PPP VPN connections but slower than PPP VPN connections.
Point To Point Type includes PPTP, Lesteel, and SoftEther, while Those include IPsec/IKEvII, OpenVPN, SSTP, and VPN-over-Tor.
Choose Your VPN Channel
There are three types of VPN channels – “Open Wi-Fi” type, which means you can connect to any open Wi-fi network and your VPN connection will be connected to the internet via that channel; “No Logs DNS Proxy” type, where a proxy server is set up in front of your entire traffic, so it becomes encrypted and then sent through its channel on the VPN provider's servers without being logged (not very secure but faster); “VPN Tunneling Server” meaning a standard VPN tunnel which has one endpoint point for data exchange at two points, this type does not have logs as well as Private Internet Access.
A popular protocol VPN providers use VPN-over-Tor, which enables VPN connections to function over the Tor anonymity network and provides a higher level of privacy protection than “Open Wi-Fi.” This type of VPN connection can be seen as more secure but has slower speeds.
Some other popular VPN protocols are OpenVPN, LTP (Layer Tunneling Protocol), and IPsec/IKEvII.
Each provider also offers different types of VPN channels – you need to choose one that best suits your needs in terms of how much data encryption there will be, whether or not logs will be kept on all internet traffic while using this channel, and what kind of speed you want for your VPN service overall. For example, VyprVPN has no VPN logs, high VPN speeds, and the channel is Open VPN.
VPNs are useful for people who want to protect their privacy while browsing or accessing video streaming services that might otherwise be geo-restricted in certain countries (like BBC iPlayer). VPNs can also help you get around service blocks imposed by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Comcast XFINITY, BT Home Hub or Virgin Media.
While VPN providers offer different types of protocols, channels, connection types and speed rates, they all provide security for your data – which means that if you need assistance in distress, VPN will give you aid without any hassles. The features offered vary from provider to provider, but there are key points when choosing one: bandwidth (speed), encryption, VPN channels, VPN protocol and VPN location.
Conclusion
A VPN is a good addition to your PC or phone if you want security from hackers while browsing the internet (even on the free wifi at a coffee shop). It's also useful for getting around ISP-imposed restrictions like bandwidth throttling of streaming services; as a bonus, it can help in distress situations when necessary – though this needs to be set up beforehand with some providers so they know where to send their assistance should anything happen.
So do I need a VPN? If you're going online, then yes! You don't have any other choice but to use at least one type of protection service. VPNs are among today's best options because they provide security and privacy.