What is a VPN and Why Should You Use One?
You’ve probably heard of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) before. They allow users to create private, secure connections to other internet-connected devices, encrypting all traffic as it crosses the network boundaries. In other words, a VPN allows you to securely access content from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
Why use a VPN? There are plenty of reasons, but let’s explore the top 3.
Secure And Private Connection
A private and secure connection via a VPN is invaluable. Imagine you’re traveling and want to check your email on the go. Or you’re at home and want to browse the web privately, without risk of your browsing history being tracked. Or maybe you’re at a café and want to log into your social media accounts to see what’s going on. All of these scenarios make sense, right?
With a VPN, you can establish a secure connection with your computer or mobile device via an encrypted tunnel, thereby preventing other users (including the NSA) from eavesdropping on your activity. Plus, all traffic is encrypted, ensuring that your personal data is secure even if they do manage to gain access to some servers. So, in short, a VPN creates a private and secure connection to other devices, protecting you from hackers and cyber-criminals. It also enables you to do many of the things mentioned above, when and wherever you want, all without needing to worry about security.
Freedom Of Movement
Another great thing about VPNs is that they allow for freedom of movement. If you have a VPN connection, you can access the internet via public Wi-Fi networks, such as Hotels and airports. So if you want to keep your browsing history private and secure, yet you don’t want to miss out on all the exciting stuff the internet has to offer, then a VPN is your answer. You can browse anonymously, hide your IP address, and access restricted content. Many VPNs also have a kill switch, in case you decide to abandon your device or it gets lost. So if you want to be safe, you can simply turn off your VPN connection when you’re not using it. When you want to use your device again, you have to turn it back on. Otherwise, all your internet activity will be routed through the VPN, and anyone trying to follow your steps will also be protected by the same tunnel. This is extremely useful if you’re traveling and want to keep your personal data secure, as you won’t have to worry about exposing your personal details or risking your device being stolen. You can use the freedom of movement provided by a VPN to explore the city like a tourist, yet keep your real identity safe and sound. So, in short, a VPN gives you the ability to securely access the internet wherever you go, even when connected to a public network.
Location-Independent Content
Finally, let’s not forget about the sheer amount of content that is available to us, thanks to the internet. The more popular sites and services gain traction and grow in popularity, the more content they become able to offer, which means that more potential for fun and exciting things to come. With many sites and services being based in the US, or at least the UK, that means that if you’re based somewhere else in Europe, you might not be able to access certain content. However, that’s no longer a problem thanks to VPNs.
Some VPNs will allow you to access content that is restricted in your location, while others allow you to disguise your physical location, making it seem like you’re visiting the US (or UK, or AU etc) from wherever you are. A VPN is extremely useful for people who use content that is only available to US users, UK users, or Australian users, as it allows them to access that content regardless of where they are. Just make sure that the VPN you choose supports the region that you’re in, otherwise you’ll encounter issues.
To conclude, a VPN gives you a private and secure connection to the internet, freedom of movement, and the ability to access location-independent content. It also prevents internet service providers from snooping on your personal data and allows users to remain anonymous on the internet, helping to prevent cyber-attacks and protect your privacy. So, in short, a VPN is an incredibly useful tool, protecting you from hackers and cyber-criminals, while also giving you freedom of movement and allowing you to access content that is only available to certain users (such as yourself, when using a VPN for the first time). So, what are you waiting for? Why not try out a VPN today? You can also find out which VPN is right for you by consulting our best VPN reviews, below.