If you own a computer or a mobile device, chances are you use it a lot to browse the internet. Unfortunately, that often means you’re transmitting a ton of information about yourself in the open. Most users do this without even meaning to. Whenever you share a photo or video, make a query, complete a purchase, and more, you’re also inadvertently transmitting information on the internet. As most know, the digital world is a space that is rarely secure. If you want to protect your identity and data whenever you browse, it’s worth looking into using a virtual private network. VPNs give you full control over how you’re identified on the world wide web. But what exactly is a VPN and why should you be using a VPN in 2020?
- What is a VPN?
- Privacy and security
- Avoid geo-restrictions
- Shop smarter
What is a Virtual Private Network?
Without diving into too much technical detail, a virtual private network connects your device to a server owned by the virtual private network. Devices you can connect with include laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, and more. Once connected to a VPN server, the service allows you to browse the web using that server’s connection and encryption. If the server happens to be from a different country, it will appear as though you are browsing from that country as well. This means you can access things that you couldn’t normally access from your real location. Overall, VPNs let you bypass geographic restrictions on websites, protect yourself from untrustworthy wi-fi hotspots, become anonymous online by masking your true location, and more.
Privacy and Security
Perhaps the number one reason for using a VPN is because it keeps you safe online. VPNs provide an encrypted tunnel for transferring data to and from your device and the host site. This eliminates all chances of prying eyes spying and snooping on your data. Even your own internet service provider (ISP) can’t get their hands on your data or your browsing activity. What’s more, VPNs also respect and preserve your anonymity. When you connect to a VPN, you can use different servers spread across the world. That way, all the traffic that is directed to and from the server, and your identity and location remain anonymous. Having anonymity can help you deter cyber-attacks while keeping your data private.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions
As previously mentioned, having a VPN allows you to access content you normally can’t. In some cases, content is only accessible by people in a certain location. That’s why people outside of the US can’t watch US Netflix, for example. However, VPNs enable users to go beyond geo-restrictions in order to surf the internet from any part of the world. With remote servers, you can gain entry to websites and entertainment channels that may not be available in your country or region.
Shop Smarter
If you didn’t know, shopping sites and airlines often have different price lists for customers from different countries. If you have a VPN, you can beat this location bias to shop in online stores and buy airline tickets as if you’re from a different country with a cheaper rate. This trick will help you get the best deals at the best rates. While switching servers takes some small effort, the payoff is worth it when you save a good chunk of money.
In Conclusion
A virtual private network can help you hide your browsing activity, maintain anonymity, save on goods and services, and bypass geo-restrictions. In an online environment where cybercrime is rampant, using a VPN pays for itself.
If you want access to a top-rated VPN that never tracks and logs your data and doesn’t mess with your internet speed, check out HotBot VPN today.
