A VPN is a small program or app that you can use to connect to the Internet. With a VPN connection, you can surf the web more securely and privately. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted so that your internet service provider and hackers can not keep up with what you are doing online.
Why your internet traffic may be unsafe
The IP address (a unique ID number of your computer, mobile phone, tablet, etc.) is available on all regular internet connections. Your Internet Service Provider assigns the address, and all your online activity can therefore be traced back to you. The IP address is saved every time you visit a website.
Once the server on which the website is located has stored your device’s IP address, you will be allowed to access the website. It can potentially make you vulnerable to hackers and other boring types because there is an unobstructed path between the Internet and your device.
Criminals can intercept information about you while data is being tossed back and forth between the server and your device. They may also force themselves access to see what you are doing online and what you are entering. They may trick you into installing something on your computer that gives them unhindered access to everything that goes on in your computer.
How a VPN secures your connection
An active VPN connection sends all your internet traffic through a secure server. When you visit a website, it will, therefore, not be your device’s IP address that is stored on the server, but rather the IP address of the server you are connected to through VPN. This means that what you do online cannot be traced back to you because the IP address cannot identify you.
All data exchanged between you and the VPN server and from the VPN server to other servers around it is encrypted. Therefore, no one can access the information while it is being exchanged.
Advantages and disadvantages of VPN
A VPN protects your personal data from being intercepted by websites and foreign third parties. This means that your web traffic will not be traceable or exploited by hackers or scammers.
Increased data security
The advantages of VPN are thus increased personal data security. It can also be used to bypass geo-blocking so that you can still watch your licensed TV shows, even if you are on holiday abroad.
VPN and internet connection speed
The downside of VPNs, however, is that you may find that your internet speed slows down because your internet traffic must first be routed through servers in other countries – or just a server that is far away from your current location.
Which VPN should you choose?
There is a huge range of VPN connections. The best of them cost money, but luckily it is not a fortune. They can typically be bought for between $2 and $7 USD a month. The vast majority have a user-friendly application that you install on your device.
Through the VPN, you can decide when you want to connect to a VPN server and thus surf extra securely and anonymously. VPN providers have all the extra features that, in their way, make the product more than “just” a VPN connection. It can be double encryption, security scans, ad blocking, and much more.
What to keep in mind when choosing a VPN provider?
When choosing a VPN provider, there are several criteria to compare. This includes:
- Is the price reasonable?
- Does it work for your devices (computer, mobile, console, etc.)?
- Is there a data constraint?
- Is it user-friendly?
- Can you get support if there are problems?
- Do they have many servers?
- How often do they change their servers?
- Are their other customers satisfied?
Other good reasons to choose a VPN service
- Use the wireless Internet in hotels and other public places, without having to worry about others being able to intercept your information.
- Buy cheaper travel online by logging in from another country.
- Skype and chat with others without having to worry about people reading or watching your conversations.
- Basically, we recommend getting a VPN connection if you want full access and can surf the web without having to worry about others accessing your private information.
