If you use the Internet with any frequency, then you’ve probably heard of the term VPN. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN creates a private network connection from a public Internet connection, encrypts your data, and masks your Internet Protocol (IP) address.
Your IP address, to put it crudely, is your Internet connection’s signature. Anyone with moderate computing skills can use your IP address to track you online, find your location, hack your computer, impersonate you, or launch a cyberattack against you.
Interestingly, VPN usage has risen significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic as more people work, communicate, and consume entertainment from home. Read on to learn about the benefits of using VPN technology:
1. A VPN Enhances Your Privacy
Many Internet users claim that they don’t need to protect their privacy because they’re good people and have nothing to hide. But even if you don’t want to shield your privacy from the prying eyes of the government, you should protect your privacy from marketers, stalkers, hackers, and cybercriminals.
For example, unless your privacy is protected by a VPN, a jealous ex-lover easily could locate you. Similarly, a hacker could use your IP address to frame you for an online crime, or a scammer could use your IP address to scam you.
2. A VPN Enhances Your Security
It’s not just spies that need to encrypt their data. In an age where state actors and cybercriminals are growing increasingly intrusive, it’s critical to encrypt your data to protect your security. Remember, a hacker could easily learn your login credentials to your bank or email accounts and steal your money.
3. You Can Use a VPN to Consume More Entertainment
Have you ever tried to watch a video on YouTube, BBC, Netflix, Hulu etc., only to learn that the content isn’t accessible in your geographical location? Well, many streaming platforms use geo-blocking technology to restrict access to specific locations for monetary reasons or to obey censorship laws.
When you’re paying for the content like everyone else, shouldn’t you have access to everything too? With a good VPN service, you can bypass geo-blocks and consume entertainment from just about any corner of the world.
For the fastest speed, use a next-generation VPN service that uses the newest protocols and offers many servers worldwide. But please avoid free VPNs as they’re slow and offer no security or privacy.
4. You Can Buy Cheaper Items
A trick many ecommerce websites use is that they increase the prices for returning customers. For example, a travel website will raise plane ticket prices for returning customers. With a VPN, you can fool any ecommerce platform into believing you’re a new customer. Likewise, you can also capitalize on shopping deals hidden behind geo-blocks.
5. A VPN Is Easy to Use
Some people hesitate to use VPNs because they’re intimidated by the technology, which is a shame. After all, VPNs are easy to use. Simply subscribe to a good VPN service or sign up for a free trial, download the client, and connect to the server. Within moments, you can utilize all the benefits of a good VPN service.
These are five reasons why you should try using a VPN. Not only does a VPN improve your security and privacy, but it allows you to take advantage of new opportunities on the Internet safely.
