If you’ve been on the internet for any amount of time in the last few years, you may already know the term “VPN.” It stands for Virtual Private Network, and it’s a different way to access the internet. With a VPN, your computer connects to the VPN, which then connects to the webpage that you want to access. Your computer only knows that it’s connected to the VPN, not the specific web pages you’re accessing. What can you use this unique tool for? Here are a few things to consider.
1. Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi
If you use public Wi-Fi, your access to the internet is not as secure as your access may be when you’re at home. Other devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network may have better access to your internet browsing when you’re just connected traditionally. If you connect to public Wi-Fi with a VPN, on the other hand, other devices have to go through the VPN to get to your browsing information, which is something they won’t be able to do if the VPN has strong security. If you want to browse private web pages on public Wi-Fi, you’ll want to use a VPN.
2. Keeping Your Browsing History Private From Your Internet Service Provider
Your internet service provider typically keeps a log of all the sites you visit on a daily basis. In the United States, internet service providers are allowed to keep tabs on all of their users’ browsing history, and they’re even legally allowed to sell that data to third parties, though whether they do or not depends on the individual provider. If you want to stay private when you browse the internet in your own home, especially if you want to make it more difficult for advertisers to sell to you, you’ll want to invest in a VPN.
3. Access Region-Specific Content
Region-locked content is extremely common; the Netflix queue available in the United States is different in every country, and the same holds true with just about every other content provider that has to make licensing deals to provide access to content. If you’re interested in getting access to the Netflix queue from the United Kingdom, Brazil or another country, you might want to invest in a VPN. VPNs can spoof your internet appearance to make it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from a different location, often removing barriers to region-locked content.
4. Tighten Security for Those Working From Home
For individuals who are currently working from home, security is paramount. Many people who are working from home need to communicate regularly with the people who are working on location, and this process can be laced with a variety of security problems. That’s why some hackers are starting to target remote workers, as it’s often an easier path than targeting the central system. A VPN can enhance your security options, making it easier for a remote worker to have conversations with the non-remote workers without worrying about hackers.
Conclusion
VPNs are extremely beneficial for many individuals’ security and browsing needs. Whether you’re just interested in watching a specific TV show or you’re trying to make sure you can do your job more effectively, a VPN will help you with security and other needs. More and more people are investing in VPNs for their personal browsing and their business browsing, and it’s becoming a standby for many.
If you’re interested in learning more about safety in all forms, check out the PeopleFinders blog. Here, you can learn more about staying safe from scams, making sure your family stays safe in their daily lives, and more. This includes more information on VPNs and other digital safety tools.
Image Attribution: Andrey Popov – stock.adobe.com
