Privacy issues and data breaches are some of the most common threats in the online realm. That’s why one of the many questions people ask is: “Do I need a VPN?”
VPNs (virtual private networks) encrypt data, enable access to restricted content and provide protection on public Wi-Fi networks. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about VPNs, including their main purpose and benefits. We hope this guide can help you to decide if a VPN is worth it in 2023.
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What Does a VPN Do?
A VPN forms an encrypted connection between a device and an online network. It encrypts your online data and hides your IP address to conceal your browsing history and location from companies and third parties.
VPNs route your device’s online connection with a VPN network to create a secure tunnel. As the intermediary between your device and the internet, it can anonymize your IP address and protect your identity. All data that passes through the VPN tunnel is encrypted, which means it’s indecipherable until it reaches the final destination.
Since VPNs can hide your geolocation, they’re also useful for bypassing restrictions in countries with high censorship. Similarly, viewers can also use them to access streaming services and online shows that are not available in their region.
Benefits of a VPN
Let’s explore some of the benefits of VPNs that you can consider for your business.
Increased Privacy on the Web
Every time you browse online, you leave behind digital footprints such as cookies, cached data and browsing information. Fortunately, a VPN masks your IP address to conceal your online identity and encrypt your information.
Here are some of the things that a VPN can hide to protect your online identity:
- Search history: VPNs can hide your search history, such as your links clicked, websites visited and search terms
- IP address: VPNs can hide the unique address linked to the online activities of your device
- Geolocation: VPNs have geo-spoofing capabilities that enable you to fake your current location online
- Personal information: Data is encrypted, which offers an added layer of protection for your credit card information, Social Security numbers, emails and private conversations or messages
Access Restricted Content
VPNs allow users to access restricted content that is not available in their current location. For example, people living in the U.S. won’t be able to watch Disney+ shows exclusive to Australia, Europe or any other parts of the globe. But with a VPN, you can change your IP address to one that is based in Australia—or whichever country you want to access content.
In countries with strict online censorship, such as China or Russia, VPNs allow residents to bypass restrictions in their region. However, not all VPNs are equipped with the technology to bypass encryption methods imposed by governments.
The best solutions usually have a kill switch feature or an advanced security measure that will keep your data encrypted online. Plus, they will keep your device undetectable even when your connection becomes unstable.
Public Wi-Fi Protection
Public Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, trains and shopping destinations provide you with a convenient means to access the web when you’re on the move. However, these networks are often unsecure, leaving your devices vulnerable to hackers looking to access your password, login credentials, bank account details, credit card information and other sensitive information. In addition, your devices could be infected by malware or worm attacks.
Fortunately, a VPN can help you protect your data and prevent unwanted parties from accessing your private information. This makes a VPN especially useful for frequent business travelers who often work out of airports and coffee shops.
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Surfshark
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Bottom Line: Is a VPN Worth It?
Whether a VPN is worth it for you depends on several factors including whether you’ll need to access region-blocked content. A VPN may seem like an additional expense that is not necessary for everyone, so it’s important to consider whether you’ll need an additional layer of security. With that in mind, most VPNs can be had for just a few dollars per month and are exceptionally easy to use. Just about anyone can get value out of a VPN regardless of needs, budget or device setup.
Not all VPNs are created equal. When making your decision, it’s important to evaluate whether the VPN services have the ability to bypass region-specific restrictions and protect data from prying eyes. You can read our article on the 10 Best VPN Services to determine which option is best for your business. We hope this guide has helped you figure out whether you need a VPN service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good VPN?
There are a lot of reliable and secure VPNs if you know where to look. Some of the best VPNs are CyberGhost, NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark. You can check out our list of 10 Best VPN Services to determine the best option for your business.
Are there any good free VPNs?
Yes, there are a few good free VPN services available, such as the free plan from Hotspot Shield. There are limitations that may not be worth it though, including data limits, fewer devices allowed and fewer location options.
Does a VPN slow down your internet?
A VPN can potentially slow down your internet connection, depending on a variety of factors such as the location of the VPN server, the number of users connected to the server, the strength of your device’s processor and internet connection and the VPN’s encryption protocols. The distance between you and the server can also affect the speed because the further away the server is, the more time it takes for data to travel back and forth. It’s also important to note that using a VPN can improve your internet speed in certain cases, such as if you’re using a VPN to access georestricted content or to bypass ISP throttling.
Are VPNs safe?
In general, yes, VPNs are safely used by millions of people all over the world. The vast majority of users are able to browse the web anonymously and without issue. However, there have been times in which VPN providers have been compromised and had their customers’ information stolen. It is also worth noting that, depending on the provider’s country of origin, the VPN might be beholden to government surveillance programs.
