How to Use Avast SecureLine VPN – Everything You Need to Know
In today’s world, privacy and security are at the forefront of everybody’s minds. That’s why it’s no surprise that there’s been a boom in the popularity of VPN services in recent years.
You may be familiar with VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) from using them to access geo-blocked content or to encrypt your internet traffic while traveling. But did you know that you can use a VPN to protect your personal data when using public Wi-Fi? Or that you can use a VPN to defend your business against malware and hackers?
The purpose of this guide is to provide you with the basic information you need to know about using a VPN for private and business purposes. We’ll discuss everything from how to choose the right VPN for your needs to the pros and cons of using a VPN vs. other forms of data security.
How to Choose the Right VPN For You
One of the first things you need to do before you start using a VPN is to decide what type of VPN you need. This largely depends on what you intend to use the VPN for. For example, if you need a VPN for privacy and security while you’re online, you should look into NordVPN. They’re not only strong against data security threats but they also have a no logging policy which prevents the government from accessing their logs.
If, however, you need a VPN for business reasons such as to connect to a company’s network while abroad, you should look into a business VPN such as IPVanish or VyprVPN.
Private Vs. Business VPNs
There are two types of VPNs: private and business. The main difference is that private VPNs are designed to provide privacy and security to individual users (e.g., home users or students), while business VPNs are typically used to connect to a company’s network or provide privacy to employees while traveling or accessing company data from home (e.g., business travelers or executives).
Whether you’re a business or a private user, chances are you’ll want to keep your personal data (e.g., email, password, credit card information) private while you’re online. That’s where the privacy and security oriented VPNs come in. For example, PrivateVPN protects your personal data via 256-bit AES encryption, strict IP whitelisting, and uses a dedicated IP that’s not shared with other customers. In addition, PrivateVPN has an excellent customer service team that is available 24/7/365 via live chat, email, and a ticketing system.
If you need a VPN for business or personal use and are worried about keeping your data secure, privacy protected, and away from prying eyes, then consider the PrivateVPN. However, if you’re looking for a VPN to connect to a company’s network or to provide security for employees while traveling, then you should look into a business-class VPN.
Features You Should Look For In A VPN
When choosing a VPN, you need to make sure that it provides the features you need to protect your personal data and ensure secure, private connections to your apps and devices. To that end, here are some of the features you should look for in a VPN.
No Logging Policy
Just like the name suggests, a no logging policy prevents the VPN service from keeping any logs that could implicate your personal data or browsing activity. If you’re concerned about keeping your personal data private, then you should look for a VPN that has a no logging policy.
The vast majority of VPNs have a no logging policy, so you know you’re going to get solid privacy when you use one of these services. There are, however, a few exceptions to the rule. For example, if you’re using a VPN to access geo-blocked content or if you’re trying to avoid surveillance while using public Wi-Fi then you might want to consider a VPN with a logging policy. Still, the vast majority of VPNs that offer these features don’t log, so you’re going to get privacy even if they do log.
Strong Encryption
If you’re looking for something robust and highly secure, then you should look for a VPN that uses strong encryption. There are a few different types of encryption, but the most popular ones are OpenVPN (recommended) and IPSEC (integrity protection only).
For those unfamiliar, OpenVPN is a type of VPN that uses a combination of public key cryptography and Diffie-Hellman key exchange to establish a secure connection between your device and the VPN server.
OpenVPN is one of the most popular and most recommended protocols because it’s very easy to set up and use. And, as we mentioned, it’s very secure. It also supports all the major operating systems (e.g., Windows, MacOS, and Linux) and mobile devices (e.g., Android and iOS).
Double VPN
Double VPN is similar to the regular VPN in that it provides you with privacy and security when you’re online. The difference is that with double VPN, you get that privacy and security from two separate VPN services. Say you have a VPN service called VPN1 and a separate VPN service called VPN2. You connect to VPN1 while at home and abroad to access geo-blocked content or to secure your business network. If you’re connecting to a public Wi-Fi network while abroad, you’ll want to use VPN2 as a shield against Internet traffic analysis and traffic interception.
So if you’re looking for something simple and cost-effective, then double VPN is the way to go. But if you’re looking for something that offers additional security and privacy features, then you should consider a premium VPN service.
Unlimited Data
If you have a limited data plan, then you don’t want to invest in a VPN that has a data cap. Data caps can be an annoyance if you ever go over your limit, and they’re the worst when you’re abroad. For example, let’s say you have a 1 GB data limit and you need to use a VPN while abroad. Well, unless you want to pay extra for international data, you’re going to have to go over!
This is why most VPNs don’t have data limits. If you do have a data cap, then you should consider a VPN that has a huge limit (e.g., 50+ GB). Just make sure that once you go over your limit, the VPN slows your internet connection to a crawl and nags you about it constantly. This is obnoxious and can turn off casual users.
Nowadays, the vast majority of VPNs provide you with unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about hitting your data cap.
Fastest Connection
You never know when you’re going to need to log online quickly and securely. That’s why you should look for a VPN that has the fastest connection. Now, usually when you’re choosing a VPN, you’re also concerned about price, but the fastest connection comes with a price. Remember: speed equals cost. If you want fast speed, then you need to pay for it. However, if you’ve got a limited data plan and don’t want to pay for more than you need, then you should look into a VPN that has a lower speed.
The Benefits of Using A VPN
Using a VPN has many benefits, both private and business-oriented. Here are just a few:
Privacy
The most obvious and perhaps most useful feature of VPNs is that they provide privacy. Your personal data is protected, whether you’re using public Wi-Fi while traveling or at home, and your identity remains anonymous. This ensures that you have complete control over what data is made available to third parties and prevents your personal data from being stolen by hackers or the government. Of course, this also means that the VPN service you choose needs to have a no logging policy as well.
It’s always nice to keep your personal data private and secure, especially when you’re traveling. You don’t want anyone to know what you’re doing or who you’re doing it with. It’s not only enjoyable but it’s also very useful when you’re abroad. You can use VPNs to remain anonymous and untracked online, which could potentially help you access content that’s not available in your region.
Security
VPNs also provide security for your internet connections whenever you use them. This is especially useful if you’re connecting to public Wi-Fi while traveling or if you’re connecting to a business network abroad. Using a VPN prevents your personal data from being intercepted by hackers or the government while transiting international traffic.