If you spend any amount of time online, chances are that you’ve thought about security. While antivirus software, firewall, and other programs are available to keep your computer (and your information) safe, there’s one more thing you should have.
A VPN (a virtual private network) creates an encrypted connection between your device and a server. It hides your activity from surveillance and ad trackers. It protects your data from cybercriminals. It also helps you to get around location-based restrictions. If you don’t yet have a VPN, here are six reasons why you should get one.
Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
Many places (such as retail stores, coffee shops, hotels, and airports) provide free Wi-Fi. While convenient, free Wi-Fi presents some serious safety risks. Additionally, you have to provide personal information before signing in, which could then be used to track you.
A VPN allows you to avoid the potential threats associated with connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. You can install it on your laptop, smartphone, or other internet-connected devices and safely browse the internet. You enjoy the benefits of a free connection without the downsides.
Keep Your Online Activity Private
You don’t necessarily want everything you do online to be monitored by your ISP. Some activities, such as torrenting, are risky. Even if you’re doing it for completely legitimate reasons, the activity is generally frowned upon and can get you into some serious trouble.
A VPN helps you to avoid such problems. No matter what your reasons, you should find the best vpn to use while torrenting to help keep your activity private and keep you safe.
Keep in mind that while a VPN keeps your activity private, it can’t protect you from malware contained within torrents. To boost your security, ensure that you have other protections in place.
Get Better Deals
Believe it or not, you may find that certain products are advertised for different prices based on the country you’re browsing the internet from. From shoes and handbags to hotels and flights, prices can vary greatly.
A VPN can help you combat this unfairness and allow you to find the best deals possible. You can comparison shop by methodically switching servers until you find the lowest price. While this may take some time, it can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
Secure Voice Chats
Some chat apps have built-in encryption while others don’t. Using one that doesn’t have encryption means that your private voice chats could be overheard.
A VPN helps to protect your private conversations. Whether you’re chatting with a family member and sharing information about your children, discussing sensitive work details, or discussing your health information with a physician, you can speak freely without fear of having your privacy invaded.
Perform Research without Interference
Just about everyone who needs information turns to the internet these days. Some types of searches, however, are considered to be more “sensitive” than others. Researching topics that might raise some eyebrows (such as censored books or movies) could catch some unwanted attention.
Or, perhaps you’re a business owner who wants to get a leg up on your competition. Your competitors could catch wind of what you’re doing, which could then derail your efforts. A VPN helps in both of these scenarios, keeping your online research hidden from view.
Protect Vital Work Data
More and more businesses are discovering the incredible benefits of working from home. When working from home, however, you may still need to access sensitive data. The last thing your business needs is for this information to get intercepted by cybercriminals. This not only affects your business, but it also affects your customers.
A VPN allows you to work from home safely. All data sent and received is encrypted. If it is intercepted, it will be completely illegible and therefore useless to hackers. You can work from home safely and do everything that you need to do without having to worry about traveling to the office.
Security should be a top priority when it comes to doing anything online. Whether you work from home or just want to keep your activity private, a VPN (along with other security measures) is vital for internet safety.
