How Does a VPN Benefit You?
It’s fair to say that most of us are completely unaware of the benefits that a VPN offers. Sure, we may know what a VPN is and what it does. But, beyond that, few of us truly understand the role that a VPN plays in our day-to-day lives. So, let’s take a quick moment to highlight some of the most useful applications for VPNs.
Security And Privacy
If you’re reading this, I assume that you’re already aware of the many threats that cyber-criminals pose to your personal information and data. If not, you should be. That’s the main reason why we need a VPN. To keep our personal data secure and private. There are many different types of VPNs to choose from. However, not all of them offer the same level of security and privacy as others. To ensure that you’re getting the most out of your VPN, it’s important to understand which features and tools are necessary for your personal needs and which ones you may want to avoid. Vulnerabilities such as weak passwords, and the inability to limit device usage, play a big part in data breaches and account theft. These are just some of the reasons why security professionals recommend using strong, dedicated passwords and keeping your devices locked down. A VPN that offers the best security and privacy features will usually have strong encryption, a kill-switch, and remote wiping capabilities.
Unrestricted Access To Content
Whether you’re reading this on your laptop, tablet or smartphone, you probably already have a dedicated device for accessing content on the internet. Unfortunately, that also makes it ripe for the picking for cyber-criminals. To keep your personal data secure and your devices protected, it’s important to utilize a VPN that offers the best possible security and encryption features. When connecting to a VPN, your device will act as a proxy, meaning that all of the data that you transmit to the internet will be scrambled and unreadable by anyone else. This means that even if your device is compromised by a cyber-criminal, your personal information will still be safe. Thanks to the advanced encryption algorithms that are built into most VPNs, no one, not even the authorities, will be able to access your personal information. While this may be reassuring, it also means that you’ll have to rely on a third party to have all of your personal data. This brings us to the next point.
Increased Privacy On Social Media
We’re all aware of the dangers of posting personal information on social media. Whether it’s a status, photo, or video, everything that you post can be accessed by anyone with the willpower to do so. This may include your employer, your friends, and even the authorities if you post enough. One of the great things about a VPN is that it disguises your true identity on social media. This means that even if you post personal information online, it will be visible only to your followers and those who you choose to share content with. In most cases, this will be your closest friends and family. Since your personal information is only visible to those you choose to make it visible to, it will be that much harder for cyber-criminals or malicious individuals to figure out who you are. This increased privacy is one of the main reasons why so many security professionals recommend using a VPN.
Access YouTube Without Restrictions
YouTube is the world’s biggest video platform, so it’s no wonder that many people want to learn more about a subject or browse through the various videos that are available. However, there are numerous restrictions that you have to deal with, including the inability to filter content by topic or country. Even if you try to avoid these types of restrictions, you’re often faced with ads popping up at inconvenient times, heavy-handed monetization, and malvertising. Thanks to the wonders of YouTube encryption, these are just some of the things that you have to deal with when accessing YouTube without a VPN. Once you’re connected to a VPN, you won’t have to worry about any of these restrictions. Your device will appear to be originating from another country, allowing you to browse and access content without any restrictions. This may be one of the main reasons why so many people use VPNs to access YouTube.
Downtime And Errors
Even the most reliable, highly-experienced teams of software developers and servers can experience unexpected downtime and errors. While these issues may not always be harmful, they can also cause major problems for those who depend on the services that these teams provide, such as healthcare providers, financial services firms, and academic institutions. Unless you’re prepared to deal with occasional downtime and errors, it’s best to avoid using any internet service that you don’t need. Not only will this save you from experiencing any negative effects, it will also limit the likelihood of you getting caught up in any incidents. One of the great things about a VPN is that it offers the ability to tunnel all of your internet traffic, regardless of whether you’re in a public or private network. This means that you don’t have to worry about any of this as your internet connection will always be steady and reliable. There’s also the added peace of mind that comes with knowing that even if your internet connection suddenly drops, you’ll still be able to access your VPN and stay secure. This is one of the reasons why so many people choose to use VPNs.
Remote Wiping
We’re slowly but surely moving towards a world where our digital lives will be completely online. This is great for many reasons, not least of which is that it saves us from having to remember endless passwords. However, it also makes our data much more vulnerable to cyber-criminals and malicious individuals. When a hacker hacks into your device, they may decide to go through your files, looking for something or someone valuable. While this may be an academic exercise for them, it could also be an attempt to blackmail you or ruin your reputation. Luckily, most reputable VPNs offer the ability to remotely wipe your device. This means that, in case of a data breach or account theft, your personal information can be completely deleted, preventing further damage. The best VPNs will also have the ability to unlock your account and restore all of your files, should the need arise.
Protect Your Money
Like most things in life, money can be both good and bad. This is especially true when you’re talking about spending online. Since the world’s best VPNs are based in Panama and the Bahamas, along with other regions with strict banking laws, it’s relatively easy to keep your financial information secure when using these services. This is also made easier because your financial data is usually hidden from plain view, instead appearing on a secured page or in an encrypted space. The great thing about a VPN is that it also allows you to remain anonymous, protecting your personal information should you choose to conduct financial transactions online. Most of the time, if you’re doing something online, you’re also broadcasting your IP address to the world. While this may not seem like a major issue, especially since VPNs typically mask your IP address, this can also be problematic when it comes to keeping your personal data secure. Thanks to the fact that VPNs often have to give your data to various third parties, including banks and credit card companies, in order to function.
No Advertisements
This may be a big one for many people. Advertisements on the internet have become so bothersome that many users avoid them like the plague. This is especially true on social media platforms where advertisements can appear at seemingly random times, demanding attention from users who want to relax and enjoy their content. Thanks to the power of the internet, social media platforms, and the various ad-blocking tools and add-ons, it’s now possible to avoid most advertisements on most major social media platforms. Many people flock to these services because they want to avoid having to deal with unsolicited advertisements. While this may be a minor inconvenience for many, it’s still a significant benefit to those who want to stay ad-free.
Enhanced Security
When we think about protecting our data and our devices, the first thing that comes to mind is security. However, we often forget about the importance of having a strong password. If you’re really determined to keep your data secure, it’s important to look for additional ways to secure your computer. This includes using a VPN, keeping your software up-to-date, limiting the devices that you use, and using a firewall. Your security will greatly improve with the use of any of these products. Once you use a VPN to protect your device and your data, you may never go back. Strong passwords, updated software, and firewalls are all a part of maintaining a secure home network.