In this article, we will cover a few reasons why VPN services can be useful to you.
VPNs are virtual private networks. They work by extending a private network over a public network. You can send and receive data as if your device is directly connected to the private network, thus hiding your online activity.
Today, VPN services have become essential for many working online. All because of the threat of privacy and scammers who can sell your personal data.
In this article, we’ll cover 9 reasons the average user should consider installing a VPN on their device.
1. Secure messaging
Online communication tools have evolved from simple emails to powerful messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Skype, and Snapchat. Some of them, like WhatsApp, use end-to-end encryption, which means that even the platform owners don’t have access to your encryption keys and can’t read your correspondence.
But, not all popular messaging apps use end-to-end encryption or do not do so across the line. However, using a VPN with these apps ensures that data is encrypted between your device and the VPN server, protecting your communication from interception.
Keep in mind that a VPN won’t protect you from intrusions on these programs’ servers, so it’s important to choose a reliable VPN provider and use apps with end-to-end encryption, such as Signal Messenger, which provides privacy for all types of communication.
2. VoIP
VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol” and has opened up new possibilities for digital voice communication, which is an alternative method to traditional phones.
However, VoIP conversations, just like a telephone, can be eavesdropped on. To make this harder to do, calls can be encrypted by transmitting them over a VPN.
This makes decrypting calls more difficult for spies trying to intercept this data in real time. Choosing a VoIP provider with encryption is also important to provide additional protection.
3. Stopping Google tracking
Google Corporation, previously spotlighted under the slogan “Do No Evil,” has come under increased scrutiny because its actions gradually bring it closer to a Big Brother-like watchdog role. The company’s strategy includes detailed tracking of users’ online activity, even infiltrating their Gmail inboxes to customize targeted ads better. In addition to Gmail, Google collects a significant amount of data from various sources due to its status as an extensive search browser.
Using a VPN allows users to control Google’s intrusive tracking and regain control over their online privacy, ensuring that their online research and browsing activities remain private, especially when they need to conduct sensitive research, chat, or write paper online.
4. Avoiding government censorship
In some countries, the internet is subject to strict censorship from authoritarian governments, which restricts the ability to communicate off-mode and access certain sites. This censorship becomes an obstacle to the free exchange of information and access to important resources.
Obviously, when you visit such a country, you are faced with this online censorship. Therefore, using a VPN can be important if you want to maintain your freedom to use the internet and communicate with others.
5. Online Gaming
Using a VPN while playing online games may not seem favorable because of the possible slowdown in connection speed. But it actually has its benefits.
For example, a VPN helps you bypass geographical restrictions. This means that you can play games available in other countries even when you are abroad.
In some cases, using a VPN can improve connection speeds, as it avoids the intentional speed restrictions that an ISP may apply to game traffic. A VPN also allows you to connect to a server that is closer to the game server, which contributes to better speeds.
6. Secure public Wi-Fi
While traveling, staying connected remains an important task, and free Wi-Fi becomes a universal means to ensure communication with family and colleagues.
But public Wi-Fi can hide some risks. First, any websites you use or data you enter without SSL/TLS can be read by other devices connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
Attackers can also use “SSL stripping” to force your computer or mobile device to use unencrypted versions of websites.
Modern VPNs with effective encryption can protect you and your data from such threats.
7. Location-based price targeting
Businesses tailor advertising and pricing. This is problematic online, but a VPN can help.
Choosing a VPN server allows you to change your virtual location, which can affect the pricing of online stores. You may get a better price, for example, if you are in a region where the item is more expensive.
8. Bypassing local restrictions
Internet access may be restricted and censored in some places, such as schools or libraries. This can be useful to protect users, but it can sometimes limit the exploration of blocked topics. For example, certain words may be banned, which can affect information access.
Using a VPN allows access to websites that may be blocked on the local server, thus circumventing restrictions.
9. A VPN helps to leave no digital footprint
Sometimes, you should conduct research or obtain information anonymously without the risk of exposure. This is especially true if you use a corporate network where an administrator can monitor your activities. In such a case, for example, your browsing of job vacancies on websites may be known to your employer.
In such cases, VPN is an effective solution because all traffic between your device and the VPN server is encrypted, making it impossible for network administrators to see it.
Final Thoughts
Simply put, using a VPN has become a must for maintaining privacy during online activities. Email services and cloud storage can be vulnerable to hacking attacks, jeopardizing sensitive data. However, with the help of a VPN and strong encryption protocols, you can regain control over your privacy.
