If you don’t already have a virtual private network (VPN), it’s about time you invested in one. A VPN allows you to connect to the internet via a private network anywhere in the world, giving you complete online privacy, anonymity, and security. Whether you’re looking to hide your internet data from your provider, connect to public networks privately, or avoid security threats, there are many benefits to using a VPN.
Many businesses use VPNs to help their employees ward off the threat of cyber-attacks. Travelers also commonly use VPNs as they help them connect to public WiFi without risking their security. Even if you only use the internet at home, VPN can help in tons of ways, from getting you cheaper prices on your online shopping to giving you more privacy. Here are 8 smart reasons to use a VPN.
1. Privacy From Your ISP
One of the most common reasons to use a VPN is to protect your data from your internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP can see everything you do online, from the websites you browse to the services you use. Even if you’re not doing anything against the terms of service, this can still be discomforting, especially as your data may be breached.
When you connect to the internet via a virtual private network, all your data is encrypted. Instead of being seen by your ISP, you’ll be connected to a different IP, often somewhere else in the world. This allows you to browse privately and securely. VPNs also come with various features to ensure your security.
2. Secure Browsing On Public WiFi
Public WiFi is incredibly convenient. Whether you’re at a local coffee shop, a shopping mall, or the airport, the ability to browse the internet for free can help you carry out any tasks you need to do quickly and efficiently. However, browsing the interview via public WiFi can also put you at risk of various cyber-attacks.
This is another situation where having a VPN can be extremely handy. Connecting via a VPN allows you to browse the internet in peace while you’re using public WiFi and protect yourself from all kinds of vulnerabilities.
3. Save Money On Online Shopping
One of the most interesting benefits of using a VPN is that it can save you a lot of money when it comes to online shopping. Many online stores and services offer different prices in different locations. A VPN allows you to choose which country to connect from, allowing you to get much cheaper prices on your favorite products or services.
Whether you’re looking for a cheaper subscription cost from your favorite streaming service or want to get an Amazon product for cheaper, this can be incredibly useful. As long as you have an international card or a PayPal account with international currencies, you could end up saving enough money to cover the cost of your VPN within one or two purchases.
4. Get Cheaper Flights Across The World
Virtual private networks are particularly popular for digital nomads and frequent flyers. Not only does it come in clutch when it comes to connecting to public WiFi hotspots around the world, but it can also help you save money on flights.
Much like with other products and services, flight prices are often different depending on where you buy from. As such, you might get a much cheaper flight simply by changing your location via your VPN.
5. Access Geo-Blocked Content
Have you ever wanted to watch a show on Netflix only to find out it’s not available in your country? Or perhaps you’ve been linked to a YouTube video only to find out it’s only available in other countries. Luckily, this is an issue that can be solved in just a couple of clicks if you have a high-quality VPN.
Since a VPN allows you to connect from anywhere in the world, you can access content from anywhere in the world. This is particularly handy when it comes to using streaming services but can also help you access free content from websites all over the world, whether you’re trying to watch an online series or read an international news article. This also comes in handy for travelers in countries where a lot of content is blocked by ISPs.
6. Protect Your Data From Apps And Services
One of the biggest concerns for internet users nowadays is how many apps and services are constantly collecting your data. From popular social media platforms like Facebook to shopping sites that collect your data and sell it, many people would much rather have more privacy and security.
Many of these apps and services connect your data to your computer’s IP address. As such, using a VPN and connecting via a different IP is an excellent way to give yourself anonymity and prevent services from hoarding your data.
7. You Can Use A VPN On Various Devices
Another huge benefit of using a VPN is that you can use it on all kinds of digital services and devices. Whether you prefer to browse the web via Google Chrome, Firefox, or Opera, you can find a suitable plugin to instantly browse via your VPN. VPNs are also available for various operating systems.
Plus, you don’t have to be on a computer or laptop to use your VPN. If you want to browse securely and privately via your phone, you can download an app to connect from your VPN. You can also connect to a VPN on your tablet. Even entertainment devices such as Amazon Fire Stick allow you to connect to a VPN.
8. A VPN Can Protect Your Business
Whether you’re running a small startup or a medium to large business, cybersecurity is always a major concern. A single cyber attack can be enough to put your business in serious jeopardy, or even ruin it if you’re unlucky. Fortunately, a VPN can help you ward off many of these attacks.
By allowing you and your employees to browse securely and privately, a VPN helps prevent many common cybersecurity issues. Although you’ll still need to do your due diligence to avoid viruses and dodgy links, a VPN is a cheap solution to many security problems and many VPNs even provide packages tailored for businesses.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a keen traveler, an entrepreneur, or simply want to browse the web with more security, a VPN is well worth it. Although there are free VPNs out there, these are incredibly restrictive and often less secure than high-quality paid VPNs. As such, investing in an affordable yet powerful VPN is often a great solution to get all the benefits of private browsing.
