Surfing the web is always a fun activity. However, there’s always the threat of cyber attacks from criminals that can compromise your activity and your system. Luckily, there is one thing that can help: a VPN.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and its function is to protect you while you’re online by creating a virtual tunnel that encrypts data coming in and out of your device. This way, no one can access your private information and online activities, such as online banking or emails.
However, with so many VPNs available on the market, it can be a bit of a challenge to find one that suits your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled an essential list of things to know about before getting one. Read on below to get started.
#1 – Secures a Public Wi-Fi Network
If you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, such as found at a café, library, or restaurant, your activities on the web can be compromised. Hackers can use a technique called “sniffing” to eavesdrop on your activities and steal your sensitive information.
However, you can secure yourself and your online activity with a VPN, even when using Wi-Fi networks. It does this by encrypting your data and making it very difficult for third parties to intercept your communication. This can be done through public Wi-Fi and when you use a public network at home or the office.
#2 – Grants Access to Your Home Network Remotely
If you often travel or have friends and family that live far away, you might want to use a VPN to protect your home network when you’re not around. In doing so, you protect yourself against threats such as snooping on a neighbor’s network or even vice-versa.
#3 – You Get To Save Money on Certain Expenses
Not many people know this, but using a VPN lets you save on certain expenses such as plane tickets because many airlines or airports demand you pay a fee to access the internet. With a VPN, you can access the web without paying any such fees. You can even use your VPN to access any website without any restrictions.
#4 – Protects Your Chat Messages
If you want to protect the contents of your chat messages, including those that you send on apps such as Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, and Viber, get a VPN. It encrypts your messages and removes any trace of them, so no third party can ever get a hold of them.
#5 – Protects Mobile Devices
Most VPNs are compatible with mobile devices, so you can use them to protect your smartphone or tablet from hackers. Just install the VPN on your device, and you’re all set to go.
#6 – Prevents Bandwidth Throttling
Bandwidth throttling is one of the Internet’s greatest annoyances. ISPs do it to limit your internet speed to make you pay more. You can get around it using a VPN since it changes your IP address and makes you think you’re accessing the internet from another country.
#7 – Lets You Download and Upload Files Privately
If you’re looking to download and upload files privately, then you’ll have to make sure that your activities are encrypted. And one of the best solutions to do so is using a VPN. So, even if you’re downloading borderline illegal content or files, no one can see them because they’re encrypted.
#8 – Grants Access to VoIP Anywhere
If you’re looking for a way to protect your VoIP calls, which are calls made over the internet, you can use a VPN to encrypt your calls and make them private. This way, no one else can listen in on your conversation besides you and the person you’re talking to.
Conclusion
A VPN can be a convenient tool to protect you and your online activity. It’s pretty easy to use, and all it takes is a few minutes to set up. Make sure to check out most VPN services first before subscribing to one so you can get the most out of it.
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