Using public WiFi networks can harm your online security, as cybercriminals can easily tap into your data and personal information. With a VPN, your data is encrypted as it travels over an Internet connection, meaning even if you’re working from a coffee shop on an unsecured network, your information will remain private.
Protects Your Privacy
Unless you’re using a password-protected WiFi network at home or work, your internet data is vulnerable to hackers and other cybercriminals when you connect to the internet on public WiFi.
For example, if you log into your bank account or pay a bill online while enjoying a mocha at your local coffee shop, the data you send and receive could be exposed to anyone on the same public network – not just the internet service provider (ISP) that provides you with your WiFi, but also the owner of the router used by the cafe.
Fortunately, a VPN makes it impossible for these strangers to see your private information by encrypting all the data you send online – including browsing history, account passwords, and other personal details.
In addition to protecting you from man-in-the-middle attacks and WiFi spying, a secure VPN connection can assist you in avoiding ISP tracing or government agencies. When you use a VPN, your data is routed through the encrypted tunnel between your device and a server. Your ISP and government can’t read the information because it’s not in their language, making them unable to track your activity or use of certain services.
Some VPNs use robust encryption protocols. These are so strong that even the Department of Defense has yet to crack them, making your data nearly impenetrable. This is why you can trust a VPN to protect your privacy regarding everything from streaming Hulu in countries where it’s blocked to accessing geo-restricted content.
Keeps Your Data Safe
Your data travels in an encrypted tunnel created by a VPN, preventing cyber thieves from accessing sensitive information. It also helps protect you against identity theft. Cybercriminals can use your private data to take over or open accounts, file tax returns in your name, or rent or buy property.
A high-quality VPN offers multiple security features to help keep your data safe. This includes multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires users to provide additional proof of their identity, such as a phone number or email address, before accessing the VPN. MFA is essential for businesses that use a VPN for remote work and other business purposes.
The encryption provided by a VPN disguises your network information so that it looks like it’s coming from a different location than your device. This makes it impossible for hackers to see your private information, whether browsing social media in a coffee shop or logging into your online banking at an airport.
When you connect to a VPN, your IP address is replaced with the IP address of the server you’re connecting to. This means that anyone who intercepts your data won’t be able to trace it back to your device. A VPN also provides perfect forward secrecy, which ensures that if one of your encryption keys is cracked, the next session will be just as secure.
Access Geo-Restricted Sites
Many streaming services geo-restrict their content based on your IP address, meaning certain videos are only available in specific regions. A VPN can change your location, so you can browse the internet as if in another country. This can be useful if you want to watch your favorite shows or read the news.
VPNs encrypt all data from your computer to the server, preventing cybercriminals and hackers from intercepting it or using your information against you. This is especially important when browsing the internet on public WiFi networks since attackers can install tracking devices like keyloggers to track your activities and steal your passwords.
A VPN also masks your IP address and stops ISPs and public hotspot owners from seeing what you do on their network. This makes it harder for them to block you from websites or charge you more money for using their service.
VPNs can also help you bypass website blocks established by schools, businesses, or the government. These blocks can significantly hinder working remotely, but VPNs can get around them by encrypting your connection. Hence, you’re accessing the internet from another country. This method bypasses restrictions on video streaming sites, social media, and websites that store your business’s financial transactions or data.
Unblocks Public WiFi
Hackers and cybercriminals can access personal data and information on unsecured WiFi connections. A VPN protects your data by encrypting your connection to the internet. This prevents anyone from tapping into your data, such as usernames and passwords or images/files you send.
This is particularly important when using public WiFi, as hackers can easily access your information on these networks.
A VPN also obscures your original IP address when you use public WiFi, making it harder for apps and websites to track your activity. This helps you avoid many Man-in-the-Middle attacks and other forms of online tracking.
If you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through servers located all over the world. This allows you to get around content restrictions on games and other services only available in certain regions. This is particularly useful if you play games on cloud platforms, such as Stadia, that require a VPN to access.
If you have a good VPN service, you should look for strong encryption standards and other security features like leak protection, a kill switch to disconnect you from the internet if the VPN loses connectivity, and an automatic connection to your preferred server when switching between network locations. Additionally, it is essential to find a provider that offers multiple protocols and a wide range of servers.
