Online security is a top priority, and everyone using the Internet for browsing, shopping, playing games, or watching Reels is showing significant concerns regarding protecting their private data. That’s why the term VPN is heard more times than ever before.
If you have come across this term but don’t know what it means or does, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will teach you the meaning of VPN and how it increases online security. Take a look.
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What is a VPN?
A VPN or virtual private network is a service that protects users’ online activities, privacy, and Internet connection by hiding their true IP address. The service creates a secure encrypted tunnel to access the web. As a result, no trackers snoops, or other third parties can trace the online activities back to the users. This also means users can fearlessly use public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Furthermore, VPNs allow users to gain a new level of Internet freedom. The service hops servers across different countries and circumvents geographical restrictions. It enables users to view and access restricted content.
Once you have downloaded and installed the VPN software, your device will be secure, and you can access global content with a single click. You can even leverage a VPN trial for free and decide if it is the right software for your requirements.
How do VPNs increase Online Security?
VPNs increase online security by encrypting Internet traffic and disguising users’ network identity. Therefore, it becomes difficult for third parties to track online activities and steal personal information.
Thanks to encryption, the data is scrambled, and only authorized parties can comprehend the information. VPN takes readable data and changes it so that it appears random to hackers or anyone trying to intercept it. Therefore, it establishes encrypted connections between devices and often uses the SSL/TLS or IPsec encryption protocols.
The effect of this is that connections remain private even if they are stretching across public Internet infrastructure.
Why Do You Need a VPN?
It is not mandatory that you must have something to hide to use a VPN service. The service is used so third parties like hackers and cybercriminals cannot track or monitor your online activities and steal your personal information. Browsing through a VPN means your Internet traffic is encrypted, which keeps snoopers out.
Some more reasons why you need a VPN are:
- To access your home content while you are travelling the world.
- Stay safe online and prevent marketers, government agencies, and third parties from collecting your messages, browser history, and other data.
- To create a safer gaming environment where bandwidth throttling and DDoS attacks can be prevented from your online opponents.
- Your personal data is at risk if you use public Wi-Fi connections regularly. A virtual private network service is used to browse privately even when connected to public Wi-Fi.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a VPN
By now, you must have a basic understanding of what a VPN is and how it works to safeguard your private information online. However, with so many services available, choosing one may seem challenging. Here are some factors to consider when trying to pick the best service that caters to your specific needs.
- More data and faster
Your Internet speed might be affected when using a VPN service. Therefore, you must pick a provider with a good number of locations and servers. As such, your bandwidth will not be pre-throttled. If you come across providers having data limitations, always opt for one with an unlimited or higher data limit per month.
- The best encryption
It would be best to look for a provider offering the most sophisticated and the latest ciphers, such as 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption. This is critical because the VPN service must encrypt your Internet traffic and hide your IP address, so your online activities are disguised.
- Complete anonymity
Reliable VPNs will not keep your browsing activity, online transactions, or payment information logs. This must be clearly outlined in their privacy policy. So don’t forget to go through the policy before signing up.
- Guarantees safe browsing
The VPN service you select must automatically protect your Internet connection by blocking and filtering malicious websites and protecting you from Internet scams and online frauds.
- Kill switch
A kill switch feature ensures that your data won’t be exposed accidentally, even if the connection to your VPN service provider’s server drops. But your device will be unable to access the Internet temporarily until the VPN’s connection is restored.
- Supports multiple devices
It would be best if you chose a VPN that is compatible with the OS of all your devices. It must also support simultaneous connections.
The Bottom Line
Opt for a VPN service if you want to enhance your online security and keep your personal information safeguarded. Install the service and leverage its benefits. Besides online security, VPNs also allow users to access geo-restricted content.
