Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are services that provide a secure Internet connection by using private servers in remote locations. They are becoming increasingly popular and crucial as people’s privacy online is constantly spied on, hacked, and sold in modern times.
However, there are still a lot of people who haven’t realized the necessity of installing a VPN on their laptops or cellphones.
Now let’s look at the reasons why you should choose to use the web with a VPN.
1. Encrypting Data for Security on Public Wi-Fi
If you use free Wi-Fi at cafes, restaurants, airports, or other public places, your browsing and logins are unencrypted and malware from one laptop could find its way to your device via the router. Thus it is quite risky.
However, if you install a VPN on your laptop or cellphone, a secure, private tunnel will be created for you to send your data through and thus the problem is overcome. In short, a VPN enables you to use public Wi-Fi securely.
2. Bypassing Government Censorship
Some governments prevent their citizens from browsing websites that are useful for them. For example, in many countries, you’re not able to use online services like YouTube, Facebook, or Gmail.
If you live or are travelling in such a country, you definitely need a trustworthy VPN to freely surf the web and make all materials or services available to you.
With a VPN, your online action turns private, as it allows you to manipulate your IP address, cloak your internet traffic, and perform your work without any risk.
3. Improving Online Gaming Experiences
It is not so ordinary for people to play an online game by using a VPN, but there are really some advantages. As your account credentials may contain credit card information, you can use a VPN to keep anonymous and thus your account credentials are secure.
In addition, you can experience faster connection speeds by using a VPN, as you won’t get frustrated by throttling, and could also connect to a faster gaming server which might not be accessed without the VPN.
Furthermore, you can overcome geo-blocking restrictions by using a VPN. For example, an American can continue to play a US-based game if he or she travels in another country.
4. Helping to Save Money in Online Shopping
It is not a secret anymore that some online stores display different prices for the same product in different countries due to the location-based price targeting. For example, you may spend less money on the same plane ticket via a Norwegian IP address instead of a Malaysian IP.
Although it is completely unacceptable for us, it occurs constantly over the internet.
But if a VPN has been installed on your laptop or cellphone, you are able to choose the VPN server’s location to change the online shopping site. Then you can find the lowest price by switching VPN servers.
5. Using Chat Apps Privately and Securely
Some chat apps have encryption built in (such as WhatsApp). However, voice-over-IP (VOIP) apps, a cheap way to make internet phone calls, have no such feature. To be even worse, VOIP apps are blocked in some countries.
Besides that, you’re using Skype, or Google Hangouts chat, you will also encounter similar problems. Thus you need to use a VPN to change your IP address to a location outside of a problematic country. You can also be protected from the attackers who try to spy on your calls.
But, the downside is that your usual VOIP speed might get a little slower.
6) Accessing Location-Based Content in Other Countries
Such streaming services as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime can’t broadcast all their catalogs outside the United States because of their copyright agreements. To solve this problem, you need to use a VPN.
A VPN service can change the IP address of your computer, so that you can unlock all location-based content and catch the latest streamed releases on the U.S. version of Netflix.
6. Accessing Location-Based Content in Other Countries
Such streaming services as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime can’t broadcast all their catalogs outside the United States because of their copyright agreements. To solve this problem, you need to use a VPN.
A VPN service can change the IP address of your computer, so that you can unlock all location-based content and catch the latest streamed releases on the U.S. version of Netflix.
7. Claiming and Controlling Privacy
A VPN has become a necessity and a basic internet security practice for you to claim and control your privacy online. Even if you’re a normal citizen, you are advised to use a VPN service when you use email and cloud storage services, which are a ripe target for hackers.
8. Bypassing Restrictions at Work or School
It is quite common that you are only allowed to browse just a few internet websites in school or office. For example, you cannot get access to Facebook or YouTube.
This works for the protection of users in certain cases, but in most cases, it can be frustrating when you are trying to access the blocked information.
If you are trying to get around a web content blocker at work or school, a VPN is a perfect choice for you. A VPN can help you get access to the full internet, and bypass any unreasonable restrictions.
Image Credit: M-SUR via Shutterstock
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