What You Should Know About Using a VPN

The internet is an incredible resource. With a few simple clicks of a button, you can find answers to questions, locate businesses, purchase goods or services, and connect with family or friends across the globe.

While there are some amazing benefits associated with the internet, there are also some significant safety concerns. Viruses and other malware can allow hackers to corrupt or steal your information, putting you (and others) at risk. You likely know about antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall. These protections help to secure your online experience. Another great asset is a VPN or virtual private network. Here’s what you should know.

You Can Browse the Internet Securely

You likely already know about the risks associated with using free public Wi-Fi. Your phone or computer could be hacked while you’re at the coffee shop or sitting in a hotel lobby and you would be none the wiser until it was too late.

Using the internet at home or work also presents some risks, even with proper security software and firewall protection. Cybercriminals keep inventing new ways to get by security and intercept sensitive data. Not only that, but your activity could be tracked. Activities such as torrenting (even if it’s legitimate) could cause some major problems.

A VPN allows you to have a more secure online experience. It hides your activity and encrypts your data. Whether you’re online at home, at work, or in a public place, you can browse without worrying about information getting stolen. You can even stay safe using a VPN when torrenting.

You Can Bypass Regional Blocks

Some ISPs (internet service providers) may block access to certain websites. ISPs, websites, and even governments can block access to certain types of content based solely on your location.

When you use a VPN, you connect to a remote server. Connecting to a server outside of your location enables you to bypass regional blocks and access content that you might otherwise not be able to see.

You Can Save Money

While it might not seem fair, some websites do charge differently for products or services based on where you’re located. This means that you could be paying more than you should.

A VPN allows you to do some comparison shopping. You can switch servers strategically to locate the lowest prices on a variety of items, such as shoes, handbags, plane tickets, and hotel rooms. You may even be able to save money on subscription-based services simply by connecting to a server outside of your actual location.

You Can Work from Home

More and more businesses are allowing their employees to work from home. While convenient, your company may be facing some serious security issues. Accessing or sending sensitive data could be intercepted, putting your company and your customers at risk for identity theft and other serious problems.

Rather than going into work to do anything that requires you to access data, you can use a VPN. When using a VPN, all data accessed or sent is encrypted, keeping it safe from prying eyes. You can stay at home, perform everything you need to do for your job, and be assured that everything you do is secure.

You Can Sometimes Get Faster Internet Speeds

A big problem many internet users have with their ISPs is that the providers actively throttle internet speeds. This is often done during activities that use a lot of bandwidth, such as streaming HD movies or playing online games. Using a strongly-encrypted VPN can help to hide such activities, which can then help to keep your ISP from potentially slowing your internet speeds to lower than you were advertised.

Despite the benefits of the internet, you also face certain risks while using it. A VPN can help to make your experience more secure. Don’t just rely on a VPN, though. You should also be sure to install antivirus software, enable your firewall, and keep your computer (and security software) up-to-date.