If you frequent the Internet like the rest of the 5.25 billion people across the world, you most likely have heard of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) either through advertisements or various articles on Internet security. But despite being bombarded with VPN ads, you still don’t use one for your devices.
There are many reasons why you may not feel the need for a VPN. You may think that you can browse the Internet securely enough without it, and you’d be correct, but that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from using one. After all, VPNs aren’t just for security.
What does a VPN do?
A VPN provides Internet users another layer of security by routing traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel. This means the data you send and receive is hidden from potential hackers. It doesn’t make you invulnerable to attacks, but it makes it harder for malicious parties to get hold of your data.
VPNs offer something for everyone
There are plenty of reasons why people believe they don’t need to use a VPN. Among those reasons is the misconception that VPNs are just for the tech-savvy. VPNs aren’t only beneficial to advanced users; it’s beneficial for everyone. Whatever your reasons for browsing the Internet and how much you use it, there’s a VPN feature that’s sure to serve you well.
VPNs improve security
At public places
Starting with the obvious, VPNs improve network security. Your private network at home might be secure enough without the need for a VPN, but what if you’re browsing the Internet outside, using a public WiFi network? Potential intruders might be lurking around, seeking to access your personal data as you work at the coffee shop. Through a VPN, you can be at peace as it hides your IP address and location and encrypts your data against hackers. Please note that most sensitive information is safe from this type of attack these days as long as its connection is https encrypted. Http content however can still be hijacked and intercepted.
At home
Even at home, the improved security that VPNs offer can be well worth it. In the comfort of your home, the biggest threat to your data would be your internet service provider (ISP). The US Congress has allowed ISPs to collect and sell the data of their customers. By using a VPN, you hide your data from your ISP and buff up your network security.
For employers
Before the pandemic pushed everyone to live their lives inside their homes, it was the rise of the gig economy that was popularizing remote work. And now that humanity is picking itself up after the pandemic, the gig economy has grown bigger than ever. This means companies, big or small, will be working with plenty of freelancers and remote workers. While this is advantageous to both the employer and employee, it comes with a security risk.
Employees who work away from the office are most likely using their own, less secure equipment and a less secure network. By using a VPN, employers can guarantee data security without requiring remote workers to use company property. Needless to say, businesses that depend on a lot of remote workers need a VPN to ensure critical information won’t get leaked or stolen.
VPNs provide better anonymity
By default, the Internet already provides anonymity to its users. It’s the reason why there are so many trolls anywhere you go. However, anyone eager enough to track down your activity will succeed with relative ease. But not if you’re using a VPN. A VPN will hide your activity, making it way more difficult for anyone to violate your privacy.
VPNs allow you to bypass blockers
One nifty ability VPNs may provide users, is bypassing filters and blockers. Many websites restrict access to content according to users’ location. This can be really frustrating if you’re trying to watch a movie or show that’s blocked in your country. With a VPN, this isn’t a problem as you can change your location and easily bypass restrictions. If you’re a gamer, a VPN can let you bypass region locks so you can join players from other regions. Unluckily content providers tend to try to detect VPN servers there’s days so this might not work in all cases.
VPNs can help save you money
One trick people aren’t usually aware of is getting better prices through a VPN. Airline operators and reservation centers sell tickets at different prices, depending on the cost of living there. Some subscription prices also differ based on location. With a VPN, you can search for the lowest prices available, switch your location, and save money as long as the payment website allows VPN access.
VPNs can help improve performance
This is far from a VPN’s selling point, but it can contribute to improving network performance. In certain circumstances, a VPN can improve network speeds. For instance, a VPN can circumvent the speed throttling imposed by ISPs for specific services such as streaming and others.
VPNs are affordable and easy to use
No one will decline free better Internet security. But as it stands, better Internet security will cost you. Either you restrict your Internet activity and play it safe or you fork out money. If you’re going to spend the money anyway, spending it on a VPN is the way to go. VPNs are more affordable than ever and they’re easy to use. Most VPN providers offer discounts for year-long or multi-month subscriptions that allow you to save more money.
Conclusion
VPNs aren’t just for super users or tech-savvy Internet surfers. They offer a slew of features that will benefit even the most casual Internet users. From security to smart savings, a VPN is a versatile product that is affordable and user-friendly. But if you’re dealing with massive volumes of critical data, especially data stored in a cloud, a VPN is not going to cut it.