A virtual private network (VPN) is a powerful tool that can help you keep your data safe and your identity hidden whenever you go online. Instead of connecting directly to the website host, your traffic gets directed through a private tunnel via a remote server. That way, your data gets encrypted, and your connection is completely safe from prying eyes. With most VPN clients such as Express VPN, you can select a location through which you want to connect, which allows you to virtually change your location to anywhere on the planet.
Many people think a VPN is something only tech-savvy users need. In fact, it’s a powerful cybersecurity tool everybody who connects to the internet should use. These are three situations in which a VPN is extremely useful, it might even save the day.
When using a public wi-fi hotspot
Public wi-fi hotspots can be very convenient. No matter if you’re having coffee at your favourite café, waiting at the train station, or working at the library. You might be scrolling through your social media feed, checking your emails, doing some online shopping and maybe even checking your online banking to see if your salary has already arrived. While enjoying all the perks of a free public wi-fi hotspot, many disregard the risks that come with it. As many people are connecting to the same network, it is incredibly easy for someone with bad intentions to hack into your system and see what you’re doing online. They might only see your friends’ holiday photos on Instagram, but worst case they will be able to steal your bank data and passwords.
All these risks can be eliminated simply by using a VPN. Whenever you connect to a public wi-fi hotspot via a VPN, your connection and your data will be safe from prying eyes. No third party and not even the network host will be able to see your traffic. And even if they did manage to hack into your connection, they would not be able to read any of it, as everything is encrypted thanks to the VPN.
When travelling
Especially these days, when Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max etc. ensure endless entertainment with a push of a button, a VPN can be a real lifesaver when you’re abroad. Streaming services and other online entertainment providers offer specific content libraries to users based on their location, while some services might not be available in certain regions at all. That means, when you’re abroad, your favourite TV show or online game might not be accessible. To circumvent these geographic restrictions, you can use a VPN wherever you are.
If you usually reside in the UK and like using the BBC Player, you will have a hard time watching your favourite show when you’re abroad. Simply switch on your VPN and connect to a server in the UK, and you’ll be able to access the player. This is also valid for certain game providers online that aren’t available globally. For instance, if you live in Canada and want to play classic casino games on a platform for Canadian players when you’re abroad, a VPN is the way to go. There are many online casinos available online, offering a wide game library of slots that are geared toward users from Canada. If you want to access the best platforms, which have been reviewed and rated by Vegas Slots Online, during your travels, connecting to a VPN will do the trick.
Whenever you go online
A VPN is an essential tool when you’re connecting to the web on a public wi-fi network, and it will let you get around geographic restrictions to access your favourite online entertainment anywhere with a breeze. But the truth is, a VPN is an integral part of your arsenal of online security tools that can save the day whenever you connect to the web. No matter if you are at home, at the office or abroad, using a VPN offers that extra layer of security online and will ensure your data stays private and safe. Even if you already have the best antivirus software installed, which PC Mag has reviewed and rated, a VPN is just as important to surf the web safely.
There are many situations in this digital age where a VPN can prove to be immensely useful. Adding an extra layer of security, it is an essential cybersecurity tool any internet user should use.