A VPN, commonly referred to as a virtual private network, is a server that provides you with a safe data surfing experience. Like Avast, a VPN creates an encrypted connection between the device and the VPN platform for protection against hackers. With the growing surveillance and censorship acts, many governments have taken privacy rights from their citizens. More and more internet users are opting for VPNs to bulwark the threat imposed on their right to privacy.
In this article, I’ll elaborate on VPN’s basics and why it is crucial for you to use.
What is a VPN?
When you use the Internet through your device, all your information flows from the Internet to your device. This information is quite easy to intercept for anyone with the right range of equipment. The situation is even more dreaded in the case of public Wi-Fi, where anyone can access your data.
This is when a VPN helps you get rid of the unwanted situation. It forms an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server (a device that can be placed anywhere else in the world). This encrypted information can only be understood by your device and remains ambiguous to all other sources, including hackers, ISPs, and government agencies.
Why you should be using VPN
Here I’ll shed light on the five fundamental reasons you should opt for a VPN when Internet surfing.
- Your security will be maintained
With the lurking threat of ISPs, government agencies and hackers gaining access to your content, a VPN is the best solution. With the aid of a VPN, you can keep prying eyes away from your content. As all the information is encrypted, it can’t be intercepted by any other source.
- You can be an anonymous user
Some people consider VPN users as the ones who have to hide something, but, in reality, they are just preserving their right for privacy. Being an anonymous user, your browsing history and personal data will not be visible to hackers, so you are saved from any theft threat.
- You can save money
VPNs allow you to save a great deal of money. You can subscribe to specific software from other regions’ servers where it’s sold at a relatively lower price. Also, a VPN hinders the use of cookies. Different booking sites therefore cannot skyrocket their rates because you are visiting their sites again and again.
- You can get access to geo-blocked content
Countries can block content for various reasons, including censorship issues. Opting for a VPN will provide you safe access to normally unavailable sites. With the use of a virtual private network, you can also access popular entertainment sites like Hulu, Pandora, Netflix and more, which are usually blocked anywhere outside the US.
Prevent identity theft
If you’re frequently logging into free or public Wi-Fi then you are in dire need of a VPN. VPNs enable you to confidently use public wifis without the threat of identity theft. Identity theft is a growing concern within the online community. By using a virtual private network your data will remain encrypted and your information secure.
