A virtual private network (VPN) is a useful service that will protect you and ensure your privacy when you’re browsing the internet or using digital devices. VPNs encrypt your data and information and conceal your location. They also allow you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.
In this article, we’ll tell you six reasons why you might want to use a VPN:
1. Public Wi-Fi Security
As was mentioned in the introduction, VPNs allow you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots and networks risk-free. If you use a public Wi-Fi hotspot without a VPN protecting you, hackers will be able to track your internet activity and steal your information. VPNs protect your data, hide your browsing history, conceal your financial and personal information, and stop people from being able to steal your passwords.
Another danger of public Wi-Fi is rogue hotspots. This is when a hacker opens a Wi-Fi network with a similar name to that of a genuine hotspot. When you connect to this hotspot, all of your data will immediately fall into the hands of the network’s owner, the hacker.
Most tech security experts recommend that you never use a public Wi-Fi hotspot without a VPN protecting you and your device. You can never guarantee that the network hasn’t been compromised by hackers and scammers, and there’s always the risk that you could be joining a rogue hotspot.
2. Home Wi-Fi Security
Even when you’re connected to your own Wi-Fi router, there’s always a chance that strangers could be accessing your information. You also need to be aware that your ISP can access your data whenever they want. Often, data is collected by ISPs and sold to advertisers, even when you’re using your browser’s incognito function.
If you don’t like the idea of your data being stolen, sold to marketers, or strangers being able to monitor your internet activity, then you need to download a VPN. A VPN will protect you at home just as well as it would if you were using a public Wi-Fi network.
3. Your Data Privacy
If you don’t use a VPN when you’re browsing the internet, then applications and services that you use on your digital devices can collect your information. This information is usually sold to third-party companies that use your data for marketing research.
A VPN will protect you and will prevent your applications from being able to collect your data. A VPN prevents applications from connecting your browsing history to your device’s IP address. This ultimately prevents any of your search histories from being linked back to you. When applications fail to establish your location, they’ll be unable to sell on your information or use it to target you.
4. Watching Television
Not everybody uses a VPN to protect their data. Some people use a VPN so that they can watch international streaming services. Streaming services often restrict what users can view according to the country that they’re in. Netflix in the United States has a completely different movie catalog to Netflix in the United Kingdom, for example.
If you want to watch Hulu in Germany, France, or anywhere in Europe, then you’ll need to download a VPN. A VPN masks your real location and provides you with a fake one. You can then access streaming services available to your new, fake location. If you set your VPN’s location to the United States, then you’ll be able to access streaming services available to U.S. citizens, like Hulu!
5. Government Restrictions
Unfortunately, in many countries, governments monitor and restrict peoples’ internet access. A VPN allows people in countries that have restricted internet access the opportunity to browse the free web without limitation. A VPN also prevents your ISP from selling your browsing history and internet data to the government, which is a lot more common than you might think.
A VPN is a great way to protect yourself from your government. It’s also a great way to anonymize yourself if you’re in a country with internet restrictions.
You mustn’t ever use your VPN for criminal activity, however. Just because a VPN can make you completely anonymous and untraceable, it doesn’t mean that you free license to break the law.
6. Work Security
If you’re using your laptop or computer for work, then you’ll want to protect sensitive work-related information. A VPN will come with encryption features, which allow you to maintain the confidentiality of your work.
VPNs are a great investment to make for your business or for your clients’ peace of mind. Hundreds of thousands of people are working remotely now because of the pandemic. If you’re one of them and you haven’t been using a VPN while you’re working, it’s time that you invested in one. It’s especially important to use a VPN when you’re handling sensitive financial or personal information.
VPNs are a great way to keep yourself secure when you’re browsing the internet. For all of the reasons listed in this article, invest in one. You won’t ever have to worry about your personal information being stolen ever again.
