It doesn’t matter if you are working from home and want to secure your connection or want to stay anonymous while browsing the web – a VPN can help out. It is a useful little tool that can come in handy in various situations.

The popularity of VPNs has been on a steady rise for a couple of years now, as internet users are more aware of their usefulness. As a result, there are plenty of VPN services to choose from. Options are great, but finding the right one could be a bit tricky. VPN services vary in terms of speed and overall security.

Not everyone knows what a VPN is and how a VPN works. So, let’s take a closer look at the subject and answer all your burning questions!

What is a VPN?

A VPN, also known as a virtual private network, is essentially an encrypted connection. Encryption plays a crucial role in securing the shared data. Nobody can see what you do or send from your device while connected to a VPN, meaning that your traffic is hidden from prying eyes.

A virtual private network not only encrypts your data but can also hide your IP address. It is achieved thanks to a VPN’s ability to connect to a server located in a completely different country. Therefore, your connection, as well as the traffic, will be secure.

Users who have a habit of connecting to public Wi-Fi networks could use VPN software to safeguard their data. Public Wi-Fi is available nearly everywhere – from airports to your favorite cafes. Since they are common, hot spots are popular among hackers and cybercriminals due to the low-security measures.

Not to forget that a virtual private network is highly recommended to remote workers, especially if they handle sensitive data on a company’s network. Projects and classified documents should stay within a business, and VPNs provide that extra layer of security that will protect them from unauthorized access.

If you are wondering if it is safe to use a VPN, the answer is: absolutely. A VPN software works by “digging” a tunnel between your computer or phone and a VPN server. This tunnel secures your connection and hides your browsing history from your internet service provider (ISP).

All internet users who are concerned about their online safety will benefit from using a VPN. Encryption is such an incredible tool capable of securing data traffic. Even if a hacker somehow gains access to your personal information, they won’t be able to decipher it without a unique key.

While online VPN is a great app overall, it is still not flawless. It can hide your location, but services like Instagram and Facebook may register what you are searching for on the web. Bypassing their targeted ads isn’t always possible with a VPN. Your feeds might still feature suggested content curated only for you.

A VPN can’t do a lot about cookies. When you accept cookies, websites or online shops will not see your actual IP address. However, they can track which pages you are opening while browsing through a store or page.

How does a VPN service work?

We have already explained what VPN stands for. Now let’s dive deeper and take a look at how VPN works. When you switch on a VPN, your original IP address becomes invisible. It is because of the connection to a remote server run by your VPN provider.

The VPN connection to the remote host also encrypts your data. Nobody, including your ISP, can see or track the websites you are visiting while connected to a VPN. Data you send or receive is scrambled, meaning that a VPN is an excellent cybersecurity tool, especially for users who handle sensitive data.

By now, you might be wondering if VPN is legal. It is allowed to use a VPN in the United States. However, doing illegal things like downloading movies or music via torrent while using a VPN is still considered very much illegal.

Sometimes, what VPN is used for is accessing geo-blocked content and websites. For instance, some Netflix shows or movies might be available in other countries only. Let’s say you want to spend an evening watching a show on Netflix UK. All you need to do is connect to a UK VPN server, and that’s it. It isn’t illegal at all, but it is a breach of Netflix’s terms of use.

Users who value online safety should get a VPN for every device they use to access the internet. Even if you already have antivirus software on your desktop computer or laptop, a VPN can increase your cybersecurity levels and secure your devices.

Of course, some of you might want to use a VPN for streaming services only. After all, it can unlock dozens of unavailable TV shows and movies. If this is the case, you could set up a VPN on a laptop you use for watching Netflix or install it on your Fire TV stick.  

While the best VPNs are generally safe, be mindful of free VPNs. These are okay if you want to check something out quickly, but browsing the web with a free VPN is not a great idea. Free VPNs need to stay afloat somehow, and chances are they are doing so by selling your browsing activity.

A user might think that nobody can see their browsing history while using this service for free of charge, but the reality is different. It could lead to risky or bold browsing choices. Not to forget that free VPNs rarely have a stable VPN connection, and you might experience frequent disconnects, which could be a bit annoying.

What are the benefits of a VPN connection?

A VPN connection can be beneficial for everyone. While some see it as a tool that can unlock restricted content, others know its cybersecurity potential. A VPN protection could be important for remote workers and people who want to keep their personal information safe. Let’s explore more benefits of a VPN!

Accessing geo-blocked websites

Certain web content is not accessible from every corner of the world. You have probably noticed by now that you can’t load some of your favorite websites while traveling. The same goes for websites and streaming services from other countries. It is geo-blocked content, and VPN software could help you a lot with the said issue.

A regular connection favors local servers, and you can’t bypass them without a virtual private network. When connected to a VPN, you have an option to select a server and its location. It automatically changes your IP address. A VPN can open up plenty of new content for you to enjoy, including Netflix shows and movies.

Hiding your real location

If you, for some reason, don’t want to share your actual location, a VPN can hide your IP address and essentially make you untraceable. VPN online connects to a server in another country and acts as a proxy.

Top VPN services don’t create logs with your browsing habits and keep them stored somewhere. Remember that some providers do monitor the traffic, but they won’t share them with anyone. Free VPNs are different, and your browsing history might find its way to a third party.

Data transfer

Remote work usually includes accessing a company’s network. It is where all the information is stored. Many businesses require a VPN to grant access to the workers. After all, the files need to be secure and safe from anyone who doesn’t have permission to view them.

A VPN software uses encryption to secure your connection and minimize the possibility of a data breach. It is why remote workers could benefit a lot from this app and keep their businesses safe from cybercriminals. This nifty tool will minimize the possibility of a data leak, which is extremely important right now, considering how frequent cyberattacks are lately.

Protecting your devices

VPN protection can cover all sorts of devices that use an internet connection. The list includes desktop computers, phones, laptops, tablets, and many more. All of these could be a target for cybercriminals. Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network could be particularly dangerous in terms of cybersecurity.

It might be unclear for some users how VPN protects you in these situations. Essentially the VPN’s encryption does all the heavy work by scrambling the data you send or receive on your devices. It also means your personal and financial information is secure too.

You may shop online, use your credit card, and send emails without worrying about your privacy, thanks to encryption. Hackers can’t access your data even if they somehow get their hands on it because they need the encryption key.

Why should you use a VPN connection?

Using VPN is not restricted to techies only. We have already talked about how significant a VPN can be for remote workers, but students should use them too. After all, some prefer to study in libraries or cafes, which includes public Wi-Fi networks.

Cybersecurity threats are getting quite serious nowadays, and large companies are not the only targets. If you are still on the fence about why to use VPN, view it as a companion to your device to minimize the potential cyber threat. Here are a couple of reasons why using VPN is a great idea:

A VPN is easy to use

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity wizard to use a VPN. What makes this service great is its accessibility. Most VPN providers offer pretty intuitive apps with simple layouts. There is no way you can press the wrong button.

Safe browsing on public Wi-Fi networks

Most of us connect to public Wi-Fi networks almost daily. We quickly check our mail or browse the web to pass the time. Cybercriminals might use this as an opportunity to track your online activity, get their hands on your passwords, or even worse – gain access to your banking account. Therefore, using VPN should keep your personal information safe.

Gain access to streaming content

Streaming services like Netflix don’t offer the same content in all countries around the globe. For instance, Schitt’s Creek might not be available on Netflix in your part of the world, but you want to enjoy this award-winning show. The easiest thing you could do is switch on your VPN, select a server, and Schitt’s Creek will appear in your feed.

You can use a VPN on multiple devices

If you look at VPN reviews, you will notice that most VPN services are available on multiple devices. Of course, not all subscription plans have the same features, and you need to decide how and when to use a VPN. Once you select a VPN plan that suits your needs, your home computer, laptop, or phone will have complete protection.

Encryption for remote work

Most companies ask their employees to use a VPN while they are remotely connected to the network. Remote work wasn’t so ordinary before the pandemic, but things have changed now. VPNs became almost mandatory because of the encryption that keeps confidential and sensitive data safe from hackers or anyone without authorized access to a network.

How to choose the best VPN service?

Assuming you want to try using a VPN, we should see what VPN providers have to offer and how to choose the best option for you. Users should consider various factors before committing to a single VPN. Reading VPN service reviews is practically a must because you need to find out as much as possible about your best VPN options.

Since privacy should always be your number one concern, start there. After all, a VPN keeps your personal information secure. Make sure a VPN service of your choice doesn’t keep browsing history logs or track your browsing habits.

The locations of available servers could be crucial, especially if you already know the country you want to connect to. They are fundamental if you are using a VPN to access geo-blocked content on a streaming service.

Then, there is a data limit. A paid VPN service will rarely set a monthly data limit for its users. But it doesn’t hurt to double-check. Free VPNs, on the other hand, do have a weekly or monthly bandwidth.

Top VPN providers usually allow the use of multiple devices on a single account. Most of us will need to connect a laptop and a phone to VPN. Nevertheless, see if your preferred VPN service allows this option as a part of a subscription.

Finally, we have to discuss the prices of VPNs. The monthly subscription could play a huge role when it comes to selecting a VPN service. But if you are not on a tight budget, always give thought to the available perks and options.

The truth is most VPN providers have similar subscription rates. The price varies for just a couple of dollars. A monthly subscription is excellent if you want to try out a paid VPN service. Consider a yearly plan if you know you will use a VPN regularly. It could save you money in the long run.

Free VPNs might seem like a great idea, but you won’t have the same levels of protection as you would with a paid VPN service. You can forget about unlimited broadband with a free VPN, and there are fewer security options available too.

Furthermore, free VPNs might sell your browsing history to a third party and spam you with ads as well as pesky popups. Overall, a subscription to one of the VPN providers is your best VPN option.

Final thoughts

Using a trusted VPN will keep your devices protected which is of great importance in today’s world. This software secures your internet connection by encrypting your data traffic. On top of that, VPN usage hides your IP address and grants you access to geo-blocked content.

There are almost no downsides to using a VPN. The only thing worth mentioning is that your internet connection might be slower than usual because of the encryption. It could occasionally create a tiny lag, but most don’t even notice it.

New users might not know how to get a VPN, but the process is super easy. It is just like installing any other software or app. A safe VPN is a valuable tool for remote workers, students, and frequent travelers. Users who devote their time to cybersecurity also need to include it in their daily routine.