Tired of being tracked online by your Internet Service Provider (ISP)? Want to increase your security on public and private internet connections? Want to keep prying eyes out? Then, you need to start using a VPN now.
In this article, you’ll learn about the 10 most significant benefits of using a VPN.
To understand why you need a VPN, you first need to know what a VPN is, what it does, and how it works.
What Is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.
Let’s break it down.
- Virtual means you’re connected to the internet as if you were at the VPN’s location. You can physically be in the U.S. and connected to the internet in Europe or anywhere in the world. You go completely anonymous, and nobody knows your real location.
- Private, the name says it all. Basically, it encrypts all your internet activities from your internet service provider.
- Network means a group of computers linked together.
Think of a VPN as a group of computers connected to the internet. Okay, what’s the big deal now? How does that protect me?
How Does a VPN Work?
Well, let me tell you, the connection to the VPN server is fully encrypted. Basically, what VPNs do is they securely connect you to the internet through a private network.
The easiest way to understand how a VPN works would be as a tunnel connection between your devices (computers, tablets, cellphones, etc.) and the websites you visit.
All the data that flows back and forth from your computer to the web is encrypted. Not even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) would be able to know about your online activities.
This will come in very handy since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to end Net Neutrality in December last year. By doing so, they would allow ISPs to do what they want with users’ data.
At this point, you may have an idea of how important a VPN is. However, you may not be convinced to start using one yet. Here are 10 reasons why you should use a VPN service for all your online activities.
Benefits of Using a VPN
- Browse the internet securely on public Wi-Fi
- Access full Netflix content and other streaming Services outside the U.S
- Bypass restrictive networks at workplaces and schools
- Stop Google from tracking you
- Downloads (Torrenting app)
- Bypass oppressive government censorship
- Protect your privacy when using VOIP services
- Researcher, Journalist, Activist
- Buy cheaper online
- Because you have a right to privacy
1. Browse the Internet Securely on Public Wi-Fi
Who doesn’t like free Fi-Wi? I do and use free Wi-Fi all the time at airports, malls, coffee shops, etc.
But did you know it can be quite dangerous to surf the web through public Wi-Fi connections? Because they don’t offer any type of encryption for their users.
You’re on your own. Anybody with a bit of knowledge can snoop into your browsing activities and steal all your sensitive data.
To have peace of mind, after you connect to a public Wi-Fi, immediately connect to a VPN to have your data encrypted and cloaked from any prying eyes.
2. Access Full Netflix Content and Other Streaming Services Outside the U.S
Due to copyright agreements, popular streaming services like Netflix won’t let you broadcast their content if you’re outside the United States.
If you’re on vacation in the Caribbean, you won’t be able to stream your favorite shows not until you come back to the U.S.
Those streaming services know your location because of your IP address. You can fool them with the use of a VPN service, which can change the IP address of your devices.
3. Bypass Restrictive Networks at Workplaces and Schools
Schools and companies have strict policies regarding online activities. Some don’t even let you visit social network websites like Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.
Gotechtor will never recommend you break those policies. However, if you feel it’s necessary to visit one of those restricted websites, a VPN connection can help you out.
4. Stop Google From Tracking You
Google, one of the best search engine, keep track of and save all your web searches. Imagine all the web searches you’ve performed in the past. There should be some that you don’t want anybody to know about.
With the help of a VPN, you can search the web anonymously because nobody should know about your web searches. It’s nobody’s business, either.
5. Downloads (Torrenting App)
If you use torrenting services to download legal or illegal content, you should consider using a VPN service, especially one for torrenting.
Some ISPs don’t usually allow you to download copyrighted content. A VPN will keep your torrent activities private and protect you from being in trouble with MPAA or any other music/movie association.
You should note your VPN provider won’t be responsible for your online activities, and Gotechtor doesn’t encourage or recommend the fraudulent downloading of copyrighted content.
Keep in mind your download speed may be reduced due to the VPN connection, but it’s completely worth it.
6. Bypass Oppressive Government Censorship
Many countries around the world, like China, North Korea, Iran, etc., heavily censor the internet. They don’t believe in freedom of the internet.
Those governments limit what websites their citizens can access, therefore controlling their online activities.
If you happen to live in one of those countries and believe in an open internet, a connection to a VPN server should be your best companion. A VPN will allow you to bypass all those censorships.
7. Protect Your Privacy When Using VOIP Services
You’ve probably used VOIP Services at least a couple of times in your life. VOIP services like Skype are not encrypted and can be easily hacked.
If you’re serious about your privacy and often discuss highly classified information through VOIP services, you should definitely think about using a VPN service.
But you should note connecting to a VPN server will reduce your internet speed. So, your VOIP phone calls will eventually drop due to a poor internet connection.
8. Researcher, Journalist, Activist
If you’re a researcher, journalist, or activist, you may not want your research to be traceable. This is one of the times when using a VPN service is a must.
VPNs will protect you from eavesdroppers by manipulating your address IP and making it untraceable.
9. Buy Cheaper Online
This one is extremely helpful.
Who doesn’t want to save a few bucks? I do.
Did you know depending on your location, ticket planes have different prices? The same practice applies to stores. They show different prices for the same item based on your geographical location.
You could save some money if you’re connected to a VPN server located in a cheap country.
But be aware some companies may deny the payment because your billing address is not the same as your IP address.
10. You Have a Right to Privacy
Privacy is a basic and fundamental right of every human being.
By surfing the internet without a VPN connection, you’re exposing yourself to potential hackers. You may have heard many hacking stories about credit cards and stolen SSNs.
So, save yourself from that heart attack and start using a VPN service for all your online activities.
