VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are a type of program that conceal people’s identities, preventing cybercriminals from being able to track or monitor their movements. One common way for criminals to steal people’s information today is to hijack their Wi-Fi networks, which is exactly what VPNs protect against. If you are a regular internet user, you need to take steps to protect yourself. VPNs are one way of doing this. By investing in and using VPNs, you won’t ever have to worry about your internet connection becoming vulnerable again. Read on to find out more about the role of VPNs in cybersecurity.
Anonymous Internet Use
VPNs allow you to browse the internet privately. You don’t have to worry about anybody watching you. It has become commonplace for people’s ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to collect information about them. They do this so that they have something to sell to marketing companies. Whether you use a VPN for Chrome or one for another browser, these programs have the power to mask your identity and IP address, which makes it impossible for ISPs or hackers to monitor what you are doing. Total online anonymity means you can use the internet in peace, without having to worry about somebody watching your movements. Make sure you find a VPN with a kill switch, so if your VPN connection drops, your device’s internet is cut off. A kill switch will prevent you from unknowingly browsing while unprotected. Most VPNs will use kill switches as talking points on their websites, so if the VPN you are considering using does not advertise their program as having a kill switch, it probably doesn’t.
Encrypting Your Data
Data encryption is important. A lot of people have no idea how important it is, though. Data encryption is not a given on the internet. While most websites have SSL certificates, there are ways criminals can bypass protective measures and intercept data transmission. A VPN is an added layer of protection you can use to ensure that your data is fully encrypted. In addition to using a VPN, you should also download and use a firewall. A firewall will prevent criminals from being able to hack your computer and access your personal data and information. Most firewalls come with anti-malware software, which is a further layer of protection. Anti-malware software can be used to scan your computer and find registry files that contain viruses. There are many different firewalls and even standalone anti-malware programs available on the internet today. Shop around and find the best ones you can. A good way to determine a program’s suitability, be it a VPN or a firewall, is to read its reviews. A program’s reviews will tell you everything you need to know about it.
Bypassing Blocks
Blocks and restrictions are imposed by governments and websites all around the world. Sometimes they are introduced to cull dissent, and other times they are introduced purely because streaming platforms don’t own the license to certain movies in specific countries, so users in different countries see different versions of these platforms. Did you know that VPNs can be used to bypass internet blocks, however? This is because VPNs allow you to pick an IP address from almost any country in the world, which means you can access content that’s restricted in your country by selecting another country that it isn’t blocked in. You do have to be careful if you are using VPNs to bypass blocks, however. Streaming services, for example, forbid this kind of activity. If they catch you, your account is guaranteed to get terminated.
Public Wi-Fi Protection
Finally, VPNs can be used to protect you while you use public Wi-Fi networks. Did you know that public Wi-Fi networks are very dangerous? It’s relatively easy for a skilled hacker to compromise a public Wi-Fi network. When they do, they can monitor the movements of all of a network’s users. This means all data transmitted through that network can be harvested and stolen. More and more people are starting to use public Wi-Fi, due to the rising cost of bills and living in the United States and beyond. The last thing people who are using public Wi-Fi out of necessity need is to have their data and perhaps even financial information stolen. A kill switch is especially important if you are using public Wi-Fi networks, because the last thing you want is your VPN’s connection to drop and for you to be browsing the web unprotected.
If you are a regular internet user, now’s the time to invest in a VPN. A VPN can provide extensive coverage and prevent criminals from being able to hijack your network. There are more advantages to VPNs than just those mentioned here, so look into getting one if you think having one could benefit you.
