The internet has become a powerful tool that allows us to learn and work anytime, anywhere. It enables us to chat with friends on social media, watch movies online, play games, join video conferences, take online courses, and shop from the comfort of our homes.
Despite its convenience, the internet is an open platform where personal data can be easily accessed or stolen. That’s why it’s important to secure your connection and this is where VPNs come in.
This post explores the meaning of VPN and why you need one to enhance your personal security while using the internet.
Let's begin...
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network." Its main function is to create a private network over a public one and encrypt all communication. Think of it like placing a secure pipe in a lake or river—allowing water to flow safely while keeping others from snooping.
On the internet, every connected device has an Internet Protocol (IP) address. It's similar to a home address, if someone knows it, they can potentially access everything inside. The same applies to your phone, tablet, or computer: if someone gets to know your IP address, they have a high chance of accessing your personal information stored on that device.
The purpose of a VPN is to mask your IP address and, in some cases, change your location when you browse the internet, keeping your online activity private and your identity secure.
Using a VPN makes you virtually untraceable because it masks your IP address, preventing anyone from pinpointing your location.
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How Does a VPN Work?
When using a VPN, it hides your information by turning it into secret code before you go online. This coded information is sent through your internet provider to connect you to the internet. Once it reaches where it's going, the VPN unlocks the code so that the website or app can read it and give you what you need.
Imagine it like this: You write a message using a secret code (that's the VPN). You send it to someone (like a website), and only they have the special key to read it. If someone else tries to see it such as a hacker or tracker, they'll just see nonsense, not your personal info.
When websites send information back to you, the VPN hides that info too, so it stays private.
But if you don’t use a VPN, your information is sent openly over the internet. Anyone watching like hackers or trackers can see what you're doing online, and even trace your location using your IP address.
The Reasons You Should Use a VPN
1. To Keep Your Data Private From Your Internet Provider
Your internet service provider (ISP) can see what you do online. For instance: the websites you visit and how much time you spend on them. Depending on the agreement you accepted when signing up, your ISP might even sell your personal data to advertisers. Otherwise, most ISPs claim they keep your data private.
In the UK, ISPs are legally required to keep a record of your browsing history for 12 months. If the government asks for it, the ISP must hand it over. In serious cases, like threats to national security, the government can even access your data without a warrant. Local police can also request your data with a warrant and use it in criminal investigations.
Even if you’re not doing anything illegal, you might not feel comfortable knowing your ISP is keeping track of every website you visit.
So, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps hide your online activity. At the very least, it offers some peace of mind.
2. To Access Blocked or Restricted Content
A VPN doesn’t just protect your privacy, it can also help you access content that’s blocked in your country or region.
In some countries, strict government rules prevent people from visiting certain websites, especially those with views that oppose the government. A VPN can hide your real location and make it look like you’re browsing from another country. This lets you access blocked websites and stay anonymous at the same time.
A VPN can also unlock more entertainment. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu offer different shows and movies depending on where you are. For example, if you're in the UK, you might not have access to some titles available in the US. But with a VPN, you can switch your virtual location and enjoy content from other regions.
These are just a few ways a VPN can help, whether you're looking for more privacy or more freedom online.
3. To Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
When you're at the airport checking emails or relaxing at a café scrolling through news on your phone, you might want to connect to public Wi-Fi. It feels harmless after all, it’s free and provided by a trusted place like an airport or restaurant.
The good news is that online browsing has become safer over the years. Most websites now use HTTPS instead of the older HTTP. The “S” stands for “secure” and comes from something called an SSL certificate. This helps protect any information you send or receive on those websites, like when you shop or pay online.
But here's the catch: most public Wi-Fi networks are open and don't need a password. This makes it easy for hackers to sneak in and steal your data while you're browsing.
Using a VPN adds a strong layer of protection. It hides your identity and encrypts your data, even on an open network. So, even if a hacker is using the same Wi-Fi, they won’t be able to see what you're doing.
4. To Protect Your Personal Data From Businesses
Many stores offer free Wi-Fi and apps with special deals to attract shoppers and it’s hard to resist. If you download a store’s app, you might get exclusive discounts. Also, some buildings naturally block mobile signals, making the free Wi-Fi more tempting.
But there’s a catch: businesses use these services to collect your personal data, which is very valuable to them. They track things like your shopping habits, location, and more.
That’s why using a VPN is a smart move. It helps protect your privacy by hiding your online activity, even while you’re using store apps or free Wi-Fi. So, you can still enjoy the benefits without giving away your personal information.
5. To Protect Company Information
With many businesses now allowing remote or hybrid work, employees can work from home, cafés, or just about anywhere. While this is convenient, it also creates security risks. You can’t always be sure how safe someone’s internet connection is outside the office.
If the connection isn’t secure, a hacker could intercept sensitive company data while it’s being sent online, especially on public or unsecured Wi-Fi.
One way to reduce this risk is by giving all remote employees access to a VPN. A VPN encrypts data and helps ensure that company files, emails, and projects stay protected, no matter where your team is working from.
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