Three reasons why you might need a VPN
Heard of the term VPN and wondered what it was? Discover how VPNs work and three reasons you might need one.
VPNs might sound technical or strange, but they can be extremely useful for every day use. In fact, as many as 33% of all internet users around the world use a VPN.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is software which obscures the IP address of a device you are using to access the internet. It does this by encrypting your data and routing it through secure networks to servers in other states or countries. This allows you to browse the internet anonymously, and stream and access content restricted to other countries.
People often get confused about the benefits of VPN vs. antivirus. The easiest way to think of it is that VPN software protects your data with encryption, while antivirus software protects the device you are using from being infected with malware.
Are VPNs legal?
The good news is that the use of VPNs to protect your online privacy and access geo-restricted content is legal in many countries, including the UK and the US. However, using VPN software for purposes such as hacking or downloading copyrighted material is most definitely against the law.
Three reasons why you might need a VPN
So what reasons might there be to get a VPN? Here are three common reasons why people use them.
1) To protect yourself when using public WiFi
It’s quite common now to make use of public WiFi when you’re out of home. You might be working at a coffee shop, checking your social media while waiting for a flight, or accessing online banking on a train.
But as convenient as public WiFi may be, it does come with security risks. Enter VPNs. By using a VPN you protect your data when using another network. A VPN will hide your passwords, banking details, browsing history, and more from anyone attempting to track your online activity and from cybercrimes like phishing. Having a VPN comes with many benefits, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. For instance, NordVPN discount with Pierogi which allows users to access enhanced online privacy at a discounted rate.
So if you often use the internet or apps when you are away from your home, you might want to consider getting a VPN.
2) To protect your data at home
Using your home WiFi is much safer than using public WiFI, but it’s not foolproof because your internet service provider (ISP), the company who provides your WiFi, is able to access all your internet data. This includes when, where and what you look at online.
They are able to collect and sell this data, even if you choose the private browsing option. In worst case scenarios, this data may up in the hands of people who do not have good intentions. Using a VPN will give you complete peace of mind by hiding your IP address from your ISP.
3) To access content from anywhere
While the first two reasons for using VPN are about protecting your data, the third is about accessing content. Namely the convenience of being able to legally consume content from other states or countries that may restrict that content geographically.
Because VPNs make it look like you are browsing data from another country or state, you can access content available in that area. This means you can read news stories that may be limited or, more popularly, watch TV shows that are not available in your country.
