A Virtual Private Network, or in simple terms, a VPN, is a tool that creates a defensive barrier around your online presence. It is especially helpful when doing confidential work, dealing with sensitive information, accessing public networks, or just wanting a safer online visit. Moreover, it prevents hackers or individuals from trying to steal your data and keeps data secure and encrypted.
How Does a VPN Work?
A VPN uses certain protocols to secure your network, devices, and location. These protocols encrypt the data going out and decrypt it at the sent location. Also, it encrypts end-to-end, working to increase online privacy.
Another great advantage of a VPN is that it helps open and visit the web-link that are otherwise blocked or restricted in the user’s location. Moreover, it also helps unlock restricted channels like for Mediacom channel lineup.
Advantages of a VPN
There are a number of ways a VPN can help you while you access the internet. The following are some common reasons to use a VPN.
Anonymous Access
If you don’t keep your guard up, your location and identity are easily traceable. This is due to your IP address which is unique for everyone. As a result, anyone with the wrong intentions can access your online activity, track your movements, or even steal sensitive information.
However, when you activate your VPN, your IP address is replaced with a temporary IP of the VPN server. Moreover, your online activity and traffic are readjusted to flow through an external server which becomes untraceable to anyone as a result.
Protections Against Cyberattacks
We, as regular users, are not the only ones greatly adopting the advancements in the internet. But unfortunately, hackers, scammers, phishers, and other threats are also becoming more powerful by implementing new technologies and tools.
Still, they are no match for a good VPN. There may be hundreds of such third parties trying to steal your data and information, including the government, but a VPN makes it a lot harder for them.
Privacy and Security
Nowadays, we are all somewhat addicted to the internet for one reason or another. However, not all of us have mobile hotspots or Wi-Fi devices with us at all times. So, for such cases, free public Wi-Fi is a blessing but a curse too.
If you keep your defenses weak while using such hotspots, you might fall victim to hackers or malware. For complete safety, a VPN is the best option as it encrypts your data and information, so you are safe on such networks.
Connect to Company’s Network
Today, many companies offer work from home or remote work facilities. And to connect to the company’s server, they provide VPN access to make a secure connection to the network.
It also helps keep confidential files, data, contacts, and sensitive information safe and secure.
Cost of a VPN
The price of a good VPN depends on the provider and your selected options. However, on average, a decent proxy tool will cost around $2-$3 a month, with monthly or yearly subscription plans.
If you are unsure about a tool or service, there is also an option to go for the free version and check the software first.
How to Identify a Good VPN?
Using a VPN helps in more than one way. It secures your data, hides your online activity, and prevents malicious attacks on your network. That is if you select the one that is capable of doing that. So, it is necessary to consider the following points to make a good choice when choosing a VPN:
It should take your privacy seriously – that is the whole point of a VPN. Nothing and no one should be able to see your online activity and your personal information other than you (not even the VPN providers)
It should be working according to the latest protocols – the open-source software, OpenVPN is the most secure VPN protocol.
It should not affect internet speeds – often, a VPN restricts data and bandwidth or affects your internet speed. And even if you have a top-level internet plan from a known decent provider such as Xtream Internet, it still sometimes makes it difficult to open a link. So, a good VPN doesn’t do so and instead helps the network run smoothly.
It should be accessible on multiple devices – most people use a single VPN on every device to make it easy to manage different devices.
It should not be expensive – a good level of safety and privacy should not cost you a fortune, so be careful when purchasing the VPN plan.
Final Takeaway
All in all, a VPN is a great software to make your online movement, presence, and activity safe from evil minds. Moreover, it gives you more freedom and helps you browse freely around the web. It is especially necessary in recent times, as hackers and scammers are lurking everywhere to catch unfortunate users off guard. Be smart. Be safe. Protect yourself with a secure place.
References:
https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-a-vpn#VPN-services
