VPN is not an alien thing for today’s internet users. The number of VPN users are increasing every day but a few years back, there were hardly any users of VPN. Even today, there are many people who aren’t familiar with this term. The rising popularity of VPN raises the questions of what is a VPN and whether you should use one.
VPN is a Virtual Private Network that works as an intermittent service between you and your host site. It can provide a safe mode for surfing the web as it gives you privacy and data security. When used correctly, a VPN helps keep your connections secure and protects your device from prying eyes.
Apart from security, it has numerous other benefits that are making this service worth using. Here are some of the top reasons people turn to VPNs in their home or business lives.
1. Safety and Security
The first and the most important reason people use VPN is its safety feature. It provides an encrypted tunnel for transferring data to and from your device and the host site. This removes all chances of spying and snooping on your data. Even your own internet service provider (ISP) can’t access your data or track your activities.
Whether you are surfing the internet for the purpose of mere entertainment or using it for share important files and information, everything is end-to-end encrypted with VPN. So you don't have to worry about hackers and cybercriminals.
2. Anonymity
Another crucial reason that people choose to use a VPN is because it respects and preserves your anonymity. VPN allows its users to explore the internet from different location servers. This way all the traffic is directed to and from the server, and your location as well as identity remain anonymous even to the host site. This anonymity can also help protect you from targeted cyber-attacks as no one can trace your information using your personal details.
Even if you land on a malicious site while using VPN your identity will still be secured. There are hundreds of VPN providers that promise to give complete anonymity. Some provide their services free of cost while others charge a nominal fee for their service. It is worthwhile to invest in a reputable NordVPN for safer options than the free ones.
3. Breaking Geo-Restrictions
The Internet provides endless sources of entertainment and infotainment but unfortunately, these sources are not accessible for all. Most of the content on the internet is geo-restricted. This means that the content is available only for users living in certain geographical locations while its access is denied for users from other parts of the world.
VPN allows its users to go beyond the geo-restrictions and surf the internet from any part of the world through its remote servers. This allows you to access websites and entertainment channels that may not be accessible in your region.
4. Subsidized Shopping and Traveling
Did you know you can get different rates for booking flights from different destinations regardless of your flight’s arrival and departure destination? Many online shopping sites have different price lists for customers from different countries. The same is the case with airfares.
To beat this location bias, you can shop in online stores and check flight rates using VPN servers from different countries. This will help you in getting the best deals at the best rates. While it may be a bit time consuming and tiring, you might be able to save a good chunk of money. If you are already aware of subsidized rates for a certain country or state then you can simply choose the server of that country and save both your time and money.
5. Using Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is mostly free and is easily available but there are several security threats associated with it like data breaches and attacking malware. These security threats make it completely unsafe for personal and business use.
It is impossible to avoid using public Wi-Fi in various situations, especially if you are away from your hometown and state or are residing in a place that has exorbitant charges for private internet connection. In these cases, VPN comes to your rescue as it provides you a safe and secure tunnel for your online activities and also disguises your identity while using public Wi-Fi.
While using a VPN has become more and more popular for the reasons listed above, there are still some drawbacks to using this kind of network. It should not be used as a comprehensive, end-to-end security solution, for one thing. Your VPN could even be leaking your IP address, unbeknownst to you. And you should always check to see what level of encryption your specific VPN provides before giving away any private or personal details online.
