How to Install a VPN on a Chromebook

If you’re reading this, I assume you’re already pretty familiar with the concept of a VPN – Virtual Private Network. In case you’re not, here’s a little bit of a primer.

What Is A VPN?

Put simply, a VPN is a type of software (typically free) that allows you to connect to other computers (or devices) over the internet. Once connected, all your internet traffic – both public and private – is encrypted and secure.

While this may sound a little bit daunting, it’s actually quite easy to set up. The better part is that there’s a VPN for every major platform – including Chromebooks. So, regardless of whether you use a Windows, MacOS, or an Android device, you can connect to a VPN no matter where you go online.

Why Should You Install A VPN On Your Chromebook?

Aside from the fact that there’s a VPN for every major platform, it’s also easy to see why you would want to install a VPN on your Chromebook. With the world getting smaller and smaller each day, sometimes it’s difficult to remain secure online. Whether you’re in a country with strict cybersecurity policies or simply want to remain anonymous while online shopping, a VPN can help.

Even if you live in a country where online privacy isn’t as much of a concern (yet), there are many other reasons why you should consider installing a VPN on your Chromebook.

Secure, Private, and Convenient

Whether you’re traveling the world or just want to keep your personal data secure while at home, a VPN can fit the bill. Not only does it encrypt all of your traffic, but it also provides you with a randomly generated passphrase that you can use to login to your VPN. This means that no matter who or what gets hacked, your data will remain secure. You can never be too careful when it comes to your personal information. With all the hacks that we hear about daily, it’s easy for data to be compromised even if you’re not doing anything suspicious.

Speaking of security, using a VPN is one of the safest ways to browse the web. Not only do most VPNs provide a feature whereby you can set a specific security protocol (such as a PPTP or L2TP connection), but they also utilize industry-leading security protocols such as TLS 1.2.

Last but not least, let’s not forget about convenience. Using a VPN means that you don’t have to worry about connecting to different servers all the time to access various websites. For example, if you’re connecting from a public place like a café or airport, you’re going to have a hard time accessing private servers (unless they’re located in that same country). This is why most VPNs come with a “least restrictive mode” option. This option lets you connect to a public server, which means that anyone within earshot of you can see what you’re doing online. On the other hand, when you’re in a private mode, only you and the server can see each other. This can be a great way for people to connect to a VPN while still having some level of privacy.

Summary

Aside from the obvious fact that there’s a VPN for every major platform including Chromebooks, what else did we learn from this brief tutorial? Let’s recap.