(Newswire.net — May 4, 2017) — Of course, the internet is so useful that we can’t do without it. In fact, it has become a necessary part of our lives, whether you love it or hate it.
But do you also worry about how secure the internet really is? Do you cringe every time you have to do a transaction online or when you need to send (or receive) sensitive information online? In other words, are you ever worried about internet security?
If you say you’ve never for once even given internet security a thought, then you’re probably different from most of the other people in the world. Fear in the cyber age is general, and valid.
Now, how do you protect yourself? There are myriad of ways, but in this article I’ll be discussing VPN – not just what a VPN is, but why you should start using it.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. Generally, a VPN helps to enhance your online privacy and security.
A VPN does this in 2 ways. Firstly, it encrypts your signal to make your online activity illegible to intruders, and secondly, it manipulates your IP address to make you appear to come from a different location or device.
You might think this is some complicated stuff you don’t need, but it’s really not as complicated as it seems. More so, here are 6 valid reasons you should use a VPN:
1. To use public Wi-Fi securely
You might never suspect this, but using public Wi-Fi, even at hotels and restaurants, is far from secure. Anyone with basic hacking skills can eavesdrop on your activities online, because public Wi-Fi generally lacks encryption security and users’ signals are broadcast for anyone to eavesdrop.
With a VPN however, all your online activities will be encrypted and hidden from unauthorized eyes.
2. To access geo-restricted content
A basic example of this is Netflix. Because of copyright issues, some content on Netflix and other streaming platforms cannot be broadcast outside the USA. And the only way this happens is to restrict non-US IP addresses. With a VPN, you can manipulate your device’s IP address to make it look like it’s from within the USA, and you’ll have access to more (unrestricted) media streams.
VPN goes beyond media streaming. There are some countries that have been blacklisted from visiting or using the features on some websites. In this case, buying a good VPN is totally worth it: your access to the otherwise blocked sites would be as seamless as that of authorized browsers.
3. To download and upload peer-to-peer files privately
For copyright purposes, authorities try to prevent people from sharing movies and music online. So they try to look out for file sharers online so they can apprehend them. A VPN ensures you’re unidentifiable by authorities, by cloaking the files you’re sharing and your IP address.
4. To bypass internet restrictions at work or school
While it’s not recommended to violate Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs), if you have a genuine and justifiable reason for breaking internet restrictions put up at work or school, then a VPN is your ideal tool. Some schools or companies restrict members from visiting sites like social media and email services during work or school hours. With a VPN, you’ll be able to access otherwise-restricted websites, even with the organization’s network.
5. To bypass web censorship
Citizens of countries that censor and limit internet usage, like Afghanistan and North Korea, can use VPN to escape such restrictions or surveillance, and enjoy unlimited access to the internet.
6. For secure internet telephoning
If you think your Skype call or online voice chats cannot be eavesdropped on, then think again. VOIP (Voice-over-IP) is actually very easy to hack, even with some basic hacking skills. With a VPN, your VOIP calls will become encrypted, and therefore more secure and private.
These are 6 reasons you should use a VPN. Remember, any price you pay for security and online privacy is always more than worth it.