The internet isn’t a safe place. Your privacy and personal data can be breached at any moment, especially for people who often connect to public Wi-Fi networks. In order to protect their privacy from anyone that can monitor their online activity, many people have started using a VPN. VPN or Virtual Private Network provides privacy and security by hiding your IP address so that your location and identity are unknown.
Since people now use the internet for basically everything, opting for VPN has become a necessity for reasons other than security. VPN allows you to access websites that are blocked in your country, download torrents, and use streaming services anywhere in the world. If you don’t use VPN or aren’t sold on the idea yet, keep reading for reasons why it is incredibly useful to have a VPN.
Protection When Using Public Wi-Fi
When you are at your favorite restaurant or coffee shop and want to check your social media page, you will most likely use their public Wi-Fi. However, public Wi-Fi isn’t secure since your online activity can easily be tracked. Additionally, your device may become infected with Malware from another laptop using the same network. VPN will protect you by hiding your data, private information, and protecting your device.
Privacy While Researching
Everyone should be able to research whatever they want online without any interference from their government. However, there are some oppressive governments that may take issue with what you are researching online. In addition to that, some businesses may also want to be able to find information about their competitors online anonymously so as to prevent their competitors from finding out. This is why, whether you are an individual or a business, you will benefit from using a VPN since it will hide your research activities when you choose a server in a secure and distant location.
Accessing Streaming Services Anywhere
We are all hooked on our favorite streaming services. Who hasn’t spent hours binge-watching the new season of their favorite TV show? However, accessing certain streaming services in some countries is impossible. If you live in the UK, you may want to check the Netflix US version, or when you travel, you may want to watch ITV HUB abroad but you won’t be able to since they are restricted to people outside of the UK. This is why you will need a VPN since VPNs usually have hundreds of servers to choose from, anywhere in the world, to watch your favorite movies or shows on streaming services that aren’t available in your country.
Shopping Online
Do you know that a VPN can save you a lot of money when shopping online? This is because the price of an item can change depending on the country you are browsing from. This includes all items from clothes and perfumes to cars and hotel reservations. When you have a VPN, you can check the different prices of a particular item or service using several VPN servers. Although it may take you longer than usual to finish your shopping, it is worth it since it may save you a lot of money.
Access Blocked Social Media Sites
If you travel a lot, whether for work or just for leisure, then you probably know that there are social media websites that are blocked in some countries. For instance, Facebook and Instagram are blocked in various countries around the world. Therefore, if you are a frequent traveler, a VPN will help you access your favorite social media websites from anywhere in the world.
Better Online Gaming Experience
If you are a gamer who just can’t get enough of online games, then you probably get frustrated when your internet service provider slows down online gaming data. This is another situation when using a VPN can be very beneficial as you can use it to conceal the fact that you are playing online games. That being said, in order to get the best out of your VPN, make sure to opt for a nearby server that can handle the load of online games.
Online Banking
Online banking is very easy and convenient which is why many people prefer to use it. That being said, you want to ensure your bank account information is being kept private and that you are protected from identity theft. A VPN will protect all of your banking information and provide you with a secure connection so you can use online banking in peace.
You should count yourself lucky that you live in an era where technology has made anything possible. One of the biggest fears that many internet users have is that their sensitive information can be stolen. VPN has achieved what many people thought impossible, as it can provide its users with security and anonymity online. In addition to that, it can also allow them to access websites and streaming services that are restricted in their countries.
Published on Holr Magazine