Virtual private networks might feel like a difficult nut to crack for less tech-savvy people, but they are not that hard to figure out. A service that costs a few dollars a month offers a plethora of neat benefits, and if you have not bothered getting a VPN for yourself, you might want to change your stance after reading this article.
Keep in mind, though, that if you are planning to use a virtual private network, avoid free services because they are not secure. If anything, they will cause more harm than they do go.
Having said that, let’s take a look at what you can expect from a regular virtual private network in terms of features it provides.
Uses for a Virtual Private Network
Here are a few uses of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), that are worth considering…
Hide Identity
One of the biggest reasons why VPNs are so prominent these days is because people are looking to remain anonymous online. Virtual private networks were created with the intent to protect user privacy and offer a solution to use the internet safely.
VPNs use AES-256 or tougher encryption and a secure protocol to make data unreadable for those who try to intercept it.
Virtual private networks also encrypt and reroute user data through one of their own servers and hide identifying information, such as location or IP address.
Access Geo-Restricted Content
These days, people rely on streaming services to find entertainment. However, there are certain restrictions. If a show is available on Netflix in one country, it does not mean that it is also available in another country.
Region segregation makes it more or less impossible to access certain content depending on where you live. However, with the help of a VPN, you can change your original location to accommodate the Netflix requirements and enjoy the content you would have missed without a virtual private network.
Improve Online Gaming
To enjoy online video games, you need an optimized computer with one of the best apps to remove clutter and prevent cybersecurity threats, to name a couple.
At the same time, you will struggle to have a good gaming experience online if your internet provider throttles and slows down your connection.
In case you are experiencing lag, FPS drops, random crashes, and other performance problems in online games, use a VPN, and you should notice improvements.
Watch Live Sports
Watching sports is becoming more and more expensive, especially if you do not have that much income. Paying ridiculous subscription fees and still missing some interesting games discourages people from following the rules.
Well, you can use a VPN to change your location and watch some sports events for cheaper or even free.
Prevent Trackers
Despite laws against user data collection, governments and ISPs ignore these laws and continue to collect user data for their own benefit. For example, to sell the information to various advertisers.
You are free to trust your internet service provider and government, but if you have a suspicion that they are taking advantage of you, stick to a VPN and prevent them from collecting data.
Enjoy Safety Abroad
When you are traveling abroad, you are likely to use Wi-Fi in a hotel or a bar. The internet that is available to everyone in the area usually lacks the necessary security features.
Connecting to public Wi-Fi puts your device at risk. The odds are that a hacker is waiting for their next victim, and an unsuspecting user who joins public Wi-Fi becomes that target.
Thanks to VPN, you can encrypt data and prevent potential attacks. It is all well and good to trust those who provide the internet, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Keep in mind that this applies not just to the internet abroad. Virtually all public establishments that offer free Wi-Fi do not bother improving their security. Universities, libraries, and cafes at home probably have lackluster internet security as well.
Avoid Location-Based Pricing
Location-based pricing models are quite common. If someone is shopping in an international online store, prices for them might get readjusted depending on where they live. Coming from a richer country means paying more.
Hardly anyone wants to overpay for their purchases. Thankfully, you can take advantage of a VPN and change your original location to circumvent location-based pricing.
Protect Your Smartphone and Tablet
Do not think that VPNs protect only computers. You can find services that work on smartphones and tablets, and the prices are no different from what you would expect.
Many people would find that a VPN could make more sense for their mobile device, especially if they often join public Wi-Fi networks.
Encrypt Online Chats
Even though there are communication platforms that offer secure communication channels, you should still consider relying on a virtual private network for an extra security layer. When you want to keep things between you and the intended recipient, use a VPN.
It is also worth noting that if you are looking to send yourself sensitive information, you will have to handle it with care. As soon as it gets out of your hands, you have no control over the data anymore.
Wrapping Up!
VPN can greatly improve your internet experience. It can allow you to connect to a variety of different networks and perform activities that were off-limits before. It is definitely an amazing solution, but first, you have to pick the best VPN on the market right now.
So, what are you waiting for? If you would like to encrypt and unblock your favorite websites, download a VPN and change your location.