The internet has countless advantages to
it, but also just as many dangers when using it. The most significant risk we
face when we use it is to our privacy. Every time you log on you face the
possibility of being hacked and having your private details stolen and
maliciously used. Hopefully, for every action, there is a reaction – to protect
yourself from privacy invasion all you need is a good VPN. But let’s start with
the basics first.
VPN Definition
VPN stands for ‘virtual private network.’ It hides your IP address, which is
something every computer has, to make you untraceable. It encrypts your network
and everything that passes through it and makes it virtually unreadable for
anyone on the outside of your private network.
According to Norton, [1] VPN makes a protective tunnel of sorts
around your online presence which hackers cannot get into, making stealing any
information basically impossible. Even if they manage to take any information,
it is all scrambled and remains unreadable to the hacker.
When you browse the Internet without a VPN, anyone can see what you are looking
at, track your behavior online, even hack your network and do things in your
name (using your IP address). Some details of your online activity are not all
that sensitive and do not require special protection, like music you like to
listen to, or movies you want to watch. Some, such as your bank account
details, or your various passwords, do, and that is what VPNs prevent outsiders
from accessing.
Why Get A VPN?
We’ve already covered the primary purpose of VPN – keeping your sensitive
information private. However, there are other upsides of using a VPN for your
day-to-day surfing and internet use.
First of all, It makes your physical location unknown. Your IP address can
reveal your general physical location or in any case the location of your
computer. Every time you log on with a VPN on, your IP address is different,
thus hindering anyone who would want to trace your location, physical or
otherwise.
It also hinders hackers. Everything you do online while using a VPN is
encrypted and unreadable to anyone else, so anything you search on your
computer is entirely useless to a hacker even if they manage to get through the
defenses.
Finally, it allows you to safely log on to and use any public wifi network
without worrying that any of your data will be stolen or tracked.
The Set Up
It’s pretty simple – search online for a provider that fits your needs. Match
up their offer to your device’s specs and your needs, install the software on
your computer if necessary, pay the agreed-upon fee, and you are done.
How To Find The Best Deals
Make sure to contrast and compare providers’ offers. Search for deals for new
arrivals, various coupons, and discounts on offer in your specific area. This
kind of frugal strategy can make getting a VPN extremely affordable for a long
time.
[1] https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-what-is-a-vpn.html
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