How to Use a VPN? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
With the rapid rise of the internet and smart phones, mobile apps are becoming an integral part of our life. In 2022, there will be more people using VPNs than ever before.
You may be familiar with VPNs as a means of keeping your personal data secure when using public Wi-Fi, but did you know that these tools can also be used to hide your online activity from your employer, your internet service provider, or even the authorities?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using a VPN, including easy ways to get started and advanced features that can make a difference in your day-to-day life. Let’s get started.
What Is a VPN?
The short answer: A VPN stands for virtual private network. In reality, VPNs are a type of software that allows for the creation of a private network that exists solely within the confines of a computer or mobile device.
VPNs are commonly used to enable remote employees to connect to company networks from home, allowing them to easily work from wherever they choose. They can also be used to connect to trusted public networks like Google and Facebook, where you can shop, bank, or perform other day-to-day tasks without fear of your personal info being compromised.
VPNs were originally used to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots, but they now work with any type of internet connection, including 4G LTE and cable companies like Comcast and Optimum who offer VPN services specifically for their subscribers. Even satellite providers like Telenet and StarBand now offer VPNs as a free addition to their services.
Why Are So Many People Using VPNs In 2022?
Thanks to the rapid rise of the internet and mobile apps, privacy concerns have become a major talking point in 2022. Thanks to the likes of Edward Snowden, people are more aware of the perils of online privacy and are looking for ways to protect their personal data.
Many large tech companies like Google and Facebook are committed to making their services user-friendly while also staying competitive, which has led them to make substantial changes to their programs and business models to ensure they comply with EU data protection regulations, which came into effect this year.
These regulations demand that organizations provide customers with ‘comprehensive choices’ regarding their personal data, including giving them the right to be forgotten, access to the information they have provided to the company, and the option to change or delete the data they have provided to a company.
Privacy-focused services like VPNs are popular for a number of reasons. First, they encrypt your data as it travels to prevent anyone from easily snooping on your online activity. This makes it more difficult for hackers to access your personal information. Second, many VPNs offer privacy modes that disable your device’s IP address, hiding your location and ensuring your personal data remains untraceable. Third, many companies that provide VPNs also host their own servers, meaning they can offer faster speeds and superior performance than most public VPN providers can.
How Do I Use a VPN?
To get the most from your VPN, you need to use a dedicated server or virtual private server, which are types of servers that host websites or apps that you visit, as well as any data that you store in the cloud. You’ll also need to make sure that your device is properly configured to utilize the service.
To set up a dedicated server, you’ll need to contact the vendor or service provider and purchase either a hosted server (allowing you to install and configure the software yourself) or a VPS (which they will set up and maintain for you).
Alternatively, you can use a reputable free VPN service to connect to a public server, making your activity visible to the general public but still secure and private.
Once you have your dedicated or public server, you can set up VPN connections on your devices (including your phone, computer, or other connected devices) to access the private network. You can use a dedicated or public server for all of your devices, or if you prefer, set up a separate VPN for each one. As long as you are consistent, you will find that using a VPN is a great way to protect your personal data while also being able to access the services you need when you need them.
How Long Does It Take To Get Started With A VPN?
Setting up a dedicated or public server takes only a few minutes to an hour, depending on your familiarity with the process and the type of server you have chosen. Once you have your server up and running, you can then set up your devices to connect to it, which will then allow you to use the service. If you decide that you want to keep your VPN active 24/7, you can choose a dedicated server or purchase a VPS.
You will need to register with your phone carrier (usually for free) to get a 4G LTE connection, as public Wi-Fi is currently not supported by all carriers. This may take a few days to a few weeks depending on your plan and whether you are using 4G or LTE.
Is It Worth It To Use A VPN?
As we’ve established, VPNs protect your personal data and allow you to access private networks like Google and Facebook, as well as other online services that are commonly used to commit fraud and cybercrime. As a result, many security professionals recommend that businesses invest in a VPN for their staff to protect against the threats we’ve discussed and for the protection of their business.
If you conduct business online or use online services that are not securely encrypted, like Gmail or Facebook, then it is worth it to protect your personal data. On the other hand, if you are already securely connected to the web then there is no reason to hide your activity behind a VPN.
In our opinion, when it comes to using a VPN for personal use, it is not worth the effort. When considering whether or not to use a VPN for business, it is important to keep in mind that in addition to the security risks discussed above, there are also legal risks that you need to be aware of. Depending on where you live and what type of business you are doing, you may be legally required to log and store certain types of information. If you are unsure of what information your company is required to log and store, then it may not be worth the effort to use a VPN for business.
Where Can I Login To With A VPN?
Having your own VPN means that you can access any website, service, or app that is secured by that provider, without having to worry about your data being visible to the public or compromised by hackers. As long as you log in with your username and password, you’ll be able to access everything you need.
This could prove useful if you are traveling and want to access certain content that you cannot get while abroad. For example, if you’re in Germany but want to access your bank account or look up flight information, you’ll need to rely on public Wi-Fi to do so (consult your bank’s website for information on how to access your account from abroad).
If you use a VPN to access sensitive information, then it is a good idea to limit the data that you transmit and the places that you connect to while abroad. Some VPNs have a feature that stops users from connecting to certain sites or services while abroad (like Facebook or YouTube), preventing potential leaks of personal data. Alternatively, you can use the geo-blocking features in some VPNs to restrict access to content or services that are available regionally.
In terms of availability, most VPNs are available to use worldwide, making it simpler for users to connect to fast, reliable, and secure services anytime and anywhere they choose. If you’re looking for an online service that operates within the EU, then you’ll need to make sure that it is approved by the EU and/or has sufficient data centers within the region to ensure fast and reliable speeds.
Do I Need To Configure My Device To Use A VPN?
As we’ve established, VPNs are a type of software that operates within your device and requires no special configuration on your part. However, there is one setting that you need to be aware of if you are using a mobile device.