The adoption, awareness, and usage of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are increasing throughout the globe as technology end-users become more aware of the cybersecurity risks and more conscious about protecting their digital identities, data, and personal information online. Unsurprisingly, today’s hostile, complex, and constantly changing cyberspace pose a host of security risks to both organizations and technology end-users alike. Using a VPN can offer you a plethora of benefits apart from protecting your digital footprint, identity, and data.
What exactly is a VPN though?
A VPN is a digital security solution that is designed to protect your digital information, identity, activities, and data/information. In other words, a VPN is a software that can provide you complete online privacy, security, and anonymity.
How does a VPN work?
Every device and internet connection on the planet has a unique IP address. That IP address allows companies, online applications, web pages, and cybercriminals to identify and track a device. A VPN works by protecting your device’s IP address by hiding it from everyone online. An effective VPN encrypts network connections and replaces the original IP address of your devices with virtual IP addresses making you practically untraceable.
5 Reasons to use a VPN
Despite remarkable progressions in modern tech, the world is still far from making today’s cyberspace peaceful. Modern cybersecurity threats are continuously emerging, making digital security and privacy more challenging and complex. Not everyone is tech-savvy enough to learn detailed security methods to protect their digital footprint and data.
“You do not have to be a certified security expert or tech-savvy to use a VPN.”
Using a VPN is one of the easiest ways to improve your internet security while enjoying a host of other benefits. To start, here are five benefits of using a VPN that can give you enough reasons to start using a VPN today.
1. Digital security and data privacy
The primary reason why business organizations and end-users use VPNs is because of digital privacy and security. VPNs encrypt the connections and do not allow online websites, applications, and web pages to track your activities, locate your device, and collect your personal information or data. Not only does this increase your digital freedom and anonymity, but it also reduces the risks of hackers spying on you or targeting your device to infect it with malicious malware. Additionally, VPNs will also not allow your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to track your browsing history or other digital activities.
2. Security for devices
A common internet user can browse hundreds of websites in a single day. Many such websites can be engineered by hackers for scamming purposes, or for stealing credentials, or can contain malware. Keeping track of websites and verifying their legitimacy can be a daunting task. VPNs can provide real-time protection against the malicious scams of hackers. An effective VPN solution will immediately notify you of suspicious, harmful, or phishing websites preventing you from visiting such unsafe websites and downloading any harmful files that may infect your device and compromise your data/information.
3. Security on public internet/wifi
Using a free internet connection or wifi in public places may seem convenient, but it unfortunately comes with a legion of security risks. Public networks are not built with the security of users in mind, to begin with. Apart from most public networks having less than required security, some hackers intentionally host fake Wifi networks. Many unsuspecting users connect with such malicious wifi networks, thus allowing hackers to eavesdrop, spy, and gain access to their devices and personal data. VPN solutions can hide your IP addresses, browsing history, banking information, account passwords, and other critical information while you use public internet connections.
4. Unrestricted access to everything, anywhere
You might reside in a country where websites and applications such as Netflix and Hulu may be unavailable. A VPN can allow you to break free from geographical boundaries and access all the content that may not be available in your region. By assigning your device a virtual geographical location, a VPN can provide you unrestricted access to all the unavailable websites and applications in your region.
5. Ease of use
As an average internet and applications user, you may not have the time and luxury to go through extensive security training and exercises to learn the essentials of internet security and privacy. Luckily, using a VPN does not require any technical expertise or complex operations. It is as simple as downloading, installing, setting up, and forgetting it. Today, most VPNs have a very friendly user interface and allow you to maximize your digital security and privacy with just a few simple clicks.
Top 3 VPN choices for 2021
Choosing a VPN can be a daunting task at first, especially if this technology is new to you or if you do not know anyone in your social or professional circles who are already using one. To start, some companies do offer free VPN services, though most of these services are limited and require a paid account to access more servers or bandwidth. ProtonVPN offers one of the most comprehensive free accounts, but many other companies offer a money back guarantee as well. While there are thousands of choices out there, here is a list of my top three picks for a VPN, with some reasons why.
3rd Choice: CyberGhost VPN
Do you want to be a virtual ghost on the internet? The anti-tracking and privacy features summed up with a clean and easy-to-use interface will not only make you completely invisible on the internet but will also guide you on every step by providing proper educational articles and material if you are a beginner or not a tech-savvy geek. Features of CyberGhost include:
- Dedicated torrenting profile: Yes
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Routers, Raspberry Pi, Chrome
- Data logging: Strict no-logs policy
2nd Choice: Nord VPN
It is a well-established all-around best for all purpose and affordable VPN. Nord is highly appreciated by users for all of its features, but especially for that of its ultra-secure AES-256 encryption that makes the activities and data of its users completely anonymous. The peaceful thing is that the encrypted data cannot be decrypted even if it was to be exposed to hackers or cyber-criminal groups. Features of Nord include:
- Dedicated torrenting profile: Yes. P2P specialty servers available
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Routers, Raspberry Pi, AndroidTV, Chrome, Firefox
- Data logging: Strict no-logs policy
1st Choice: Express VPN
If dedicated high speed is your priority, coupled with a range of excellent privacy and security-related features, then Express VPN would be your best choice. Express VPN has been rated as the number one choice of users in many publications based on their positive engagement with users. Another major bonus in their favor is commitment to security. The company boasts on their site that they keep no activity logs or connection logs, as well as using independent auditing services. With high speed, customer satisfaction, and a no log policy, Express VPN is an easy winner. Complete features include:
- Dedicated torrenting profile: No (but all servers support P2P activity)
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, SlingTV
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux. Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Routers, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield
- Data logging: Strict no-logs policy
Caveat Emptor, Let the Buyer Beware
Choosing a VPN is not only about service options, however.
“You get what you pay for”
As the idiom goes, “you get what you pay for,” which holds true here. While a VPN is a privacy solution for your data, now that company has your data. This information can then be stored for unethical purposes, as happened in the case of Onavo Protect by Facebook. After acquiring the software in 2013, Facebook was later discovered funneling that information into Facebook Research. Once installed, the app was able to monitor mobile phone activities for users as young as 13.
Therefore, always choose a reputable and quality VPN, paying extra attention to their privacy policies and fineprint. A free trial might be a good way to test out a new technology, but that free option may not be a good long-term privacy solution.
Today, the world is witnessing an unprecedented increase in cybercrimes. Digital security and privacy have never been more important. A VPN is one of the most effective, popular, and affordable cybersecurity solutions that can enhance your internet security and privacy instantly.