VPNs have become a lot more popular over the last few years, transitioning from a niche tech-world tool to a cyber-essential for many. But how do VPNs work, and what has prompted the drastic jump in their popularity?
What is a VPN and how does it work?
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a cyber security tool. When connected to a VPN, your internet connection gets rerouted through a secure tunnel, connecting to one of the remote servers offered by the VPN service. This means that your real IP address gets hidden in the process.
Many people assume that their internet connections are already private, that they’re the only ones who can see what they’re doing online. Actually, your internet service provider can always know what you are doing online, even if you are using a “private” browsing mode. What’s worse is that many of these companies will sell this data to third parties. In turn, these third-party companies use the data to improve their advertising capabilities, tailoring their ads to the user’s personal tastes.
VPN is the most effective and accessible way to prevent your internet service provider or anyone else from spying on your internet activity. VPN is the solution to many other issues like if anyone wants to access information from Canada but due to location problems, they can’t access it. Then using a Canada VPN will solve the issue immediately.
Having your IP address exposed leaves many opportunities for hackers to figure out a way into your accounts or even your devices. That is why it is worth it for an individual to invest in a good VPN that secures your connection from attacks and keeps your data private.
Why did VPNs become so popular?
As more people gain access to the internet and worldwide news, they become better informed about issues that may have missed their minds otherwise. The rise in global online security breaches, including those that have occurred with email service providers like Google and Yahoo, has made people more alert to online safety issues and the general risks associated with cyberspace. The biggest reason for a surge in VPN users is that people have become more aware of all sorts of real dangers that exist for uninformed users on the internet.
Are VPNs worth it?
While it makes sense for big companies to invest in VPN services, it may not be such an obvious choice for everyday people. But in reality, the stakes may even be higher for individuals when considering the most common online threats. Browsing the web online exposes users to all kinds of fraudulent activity, ranging from financial fraud to identity theft, to some life-threatening risks, for example, when the hacker can pinpoint your general location.
If you are an avid internet user, you probably keep all your important data online as well. While it is a lot more convenient to keep your documents and other important data digital, it also means that you need to apply additional precautions to ensure that your data isn’t exposed or used against you in any way.
Having your IP address exposed leaves many opportunities for hackers to figure out a way into your accounts or even your devices. That is why it is worth it for an individual to invest in a good VPN that secures your connection from attacks and keeps your data private.
In addition to that, choosing to invest in a VPN is a lot easier these days than some available options years ago. You can get a highly customizable subscription plan tailored to your finances. Plus, investing a bit in your cyber defense is always a better bargain than being careless with your online presence and activities and paying a huge price later when your unsecured connection gets attacked.
VPNs also provide other perks, besides improved online security. When connected to a VPN server, you can easily overcome the geo-blocks, meaning you can get access to blocked content in your country but available somewhere else. VPNs also help you avoid bandwidth throttling, often used by your ISP when you are using too much data. This means that you may even increase your connection speed when using a VPN.
VPNs are the best way to stay private online while also getting some other perks on the side, like the ones mentioned above. So really, a VPN is an excellent investment for anyone who spends a lot of time online and wants to be able to use the internet without being constantly watched.
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