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What Is the Point of a VPN?
Have you ever asked yourself, “What is the point of a VPN?” Simply put, it’s all about security. For example, nearly 30% of people use a VPN for personal reasons, and another 24% use them for business, making them a popular way to conceal your IP address when browsing online.
However, it’s not all about safety and security. Some people use VPNs to stream content in different countries or access websites blocked on certain servers. In short, there are many ways to use a virtual private network.
This quick guide will unpack the fundamentals of VPNs so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not subscribing to one is right for you. We’ll look at how a VPN works and what the point of using one is in the first place. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in.
How Do VPNs Work?
VPNs work by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server located in a remote location. All your internet traffic goes through this secure tunnel, so no third party can easily access it.
The VPN server then sends the traffic to the regular internet, like always. When the data comes back to you, it has to go back through the same VPN tunnel, where it is securely protected while in transit. This makes it difficult for internet service providers, malware, and other software and people to figure out where you’re browsing from or what you’re doing.
This is why virtual private networks are great for avoiding online censorship, geo-restrictions, or government surveillance. All in all, they provide a lot of peace of mind.
What Is the Point of a VPN?
We know what you might be thinking. “I don’t care if anybody knows where I’m browsing from or what I’m doing online.” “So, what is the point of a VPN?” Well, even if you don’t want to protect your IP address or browsing activity, there are several cybersecurity benefits to using a VPN.
Let’s explore three of the most common reasons why most people use a VPN, aside from basic internet privacy (although we’re definitely going to talk about that too!).
Online Security
Connecting to the internet without a VPN is like walking around town without protection. Online predators are out there, and they are looking to take advantage of you.
You can protect your online security using a VPN by cloaking your IP address and encrypting your data. Hence, it’s unreadable as it moves between your computer, the server, and its final destination. That way, even if someone intercepts the communication between you and the online service you are accessing, they won’t be able to extract valuable information from it.
The bottom line? Investing in a quality VPN ensures that your online activity remains private and secure no matter what network or device you use for surfing the web.
Data Privacy
Online data privacy is a huge concern, and your data can easily be at risk without the proper measures in place. A VPN is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your data privacy when connecting to the internet.
The encryption technology used by VPNs helps you protect data like private emails and banking information from hackers and malware. It can also help reduce tracking by web browsers, ensuring ISP-level data security while giving you peace of mind online.
With a good VPN in place, you’ll be able to comfortably browse the internet, knowing that all of your data is secured from malicious threats. This includes your PINs, passwords, credit card number, and more. While they’re not always foolproof (especially not the free ones), they do add another layer of security.
Streaming
Using a VPN can be a game changer for people who stream content, especially those who travel frequently. Usually, when you’re away from your home country, it can be impossible to stream content because of licenses and other restrictions. With a VPN, these restrictions disappear, letting you access all the same content no matter where in the world you are.
Different Types of VPNs
Are you ready to choose a good VPN? Before you do, it’s important to know the many types of VPNs out there that simplify a remote connection and provide data protection. Some of the most common types are remote-access VPNs, site-to-site VPNs, and mobile/wireless VPNs.
Remote access VPNs are designed for single users who need to connect to another network from a remote location securely. On the other hand, site-to-site is best for businesses that need to connect networks to share information between two or more locations.
Lastly, mobile/wireless VPNs are designed for those who need a secure connection when using public hotspots. Or wireless connections that otherwise may be insecure or dangerous for their data. No matter your connection needs, chances are there’s a perfect type of VPN to get the job done right.
Popular VPN Providers
Among the most popular VPN providers are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish. Each provider offers different features designed for various user needs.
For example, ExpressVPN is great if you want your VPN connection to be smooth and fast, while NordVPN promises its subscribers double-hop encryption, which means double protection against online snoopers. With so many options available now, it’s important to compare the different VPN providers before settling on one.
Start by looking at your needs. What will you use the VPN for? If it’s to stream content at school, a streaming-specific VPN is likely best for that. However, if you’re a business owner looking for the best VPN for your remote employees, you might want to look for different features and security levels.
Read VPN Reviews
Let’s recap what we’ve learned here. What is the point of a VPN?
VPNs are incredibly useful for anyone who wants to maintain their privacy online and ensure that their information is safeguarded while browsing the internet or communicating with others. VPNs are also helpful if you’re trying to access websites blocked in your country. Or by your employer due to censorship laws.
If you’re ready to start using a VPN but aren’t sure which to choose, read our helpful VPN articles to learn more about your options.
