What is a VPN
VPN stands for virtual private network. Essentially, a VPN is a barricade which protects an internet user from the prying eyes of unscrupulous individuals or entities. The VPN allows an internet user to do everything online in private. This also includes hiding one’s ID address which most sites access in the background without the user knowing. Looking at the nature of VPN, it’s crystal clear that VPNs are perfect for all internet users who want to keep their identity online anonymous for whatever reason.
To use VPN services, internet users should first set up a VPN feature or install a VPN app on their devices. The VPN in the background will mask every activity the users do online. Once a user installs a VPN app, the app will encrypt all the data that the user sends to any website. Likewise, the VPN app encrypts all the data that a website sends to the user. Thanks to the encryption, if any unauthorised or unscrupulous individuals intercept the data, s/he won’t be able to decode the message in the data. The data will just be unreadable and gibberish rendering it useless.
Top Reasons to Use a VPN
There are four top reasons why internet users should opt to use a VPN. These are as follows:
- Render your data unreadable to your ISP
ISPs enable all internet users to conveniently access the internet. However, most folks prefer that the relationship between them and the ISP end there. Unfortunately, recent history has proved that many ISPs go a little further into reading user data even without permission. Often, ISPs do this to further their business interests so they can provide tailor-made adverts and the like to users. In some instances, some ISPs have been found pants down after selling the personal data of thousands and millions of users to third-party advertisers. To prevent your data from being used for any other reason you haven’t specified, you can use VPN.
- Stay anonymous on public WIFI
There are many times when we use public WIFI such as at airports, restaurants and the like. While some businesses may mean well by doing this, there is always that danger of the data being intercepted by hackers over public WIFI. To prevent this from happening, it’s recommended to install a VPN app.
- Keep one’s data safe from the prying eyes of businesses
Most businesses nowadays offer mobile applications. At times, the businesses may even run mobile-only promotions such as offering exclusive coupons to mobile app users. Often, businesses that do this have a hidden agenda which is to read a user’s data and know the likes and interests of the user. Armed with this data, businesses can tailor-make their ads to convince users to buy specific products.
- Access blocked content
In addition to protecting your data, VPNs also unlock access to blocked content. Some websites be it business sites, online casinos or political sites/blogs block content for certain regions/jurisdictions for different purposes. However, when you install a VPN, your IP address can pin in a location that grants access to the blocked content.
How to Set Up a VPN
The first step is to sign up for a VPN service (can do this by installing a VPN app). Once done, activate the VPN service. To do this, often users just need to click on the ‘Connect’ button. Once done, the VPN will start searching and tracking for open servers. Once the service finds a stable open server, it connects to that server. This in essence paves the way for users to start surfing the internet in privacy.
Round-Up
VPN service is great for all internet users who want to keep their data safe online. This may just be folks eager to preserve their online anonymity or those looking to mask their data from unscrupulous businesses and hackers. VPN service also allows users to access blocked content.