5 Ways a VPN Secures Your Online Privacy

This article walks you through 5 ways a VPN secures you that most people don't know about

VPNs are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. Cybercrime is on the rise, facilitated by porous internet systems. Thus, making use of the internet without some sort of protection is quite foolhardy. Apart from hackers and internet fraudsters, there is increased internet surveillance from the government, Internet Service Providers, and even advertising companies. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) gives you a secure and trusted connection with which to go about your online activities.

A VPN is also useful for other instances. You can use a VPN to access geo-blocked content. Furthermore, a VPN provides you with excellent speed for downloading and streaming, especially via torrents. A VPN also makes international transactions very easy. If you want to purchase items outside of your own country, you wouldn’t have to go through a lot of hassle if you make use of a VPN.

That said, privacy and security are the chief concerns while making use of a VPN. Here are the ways a VPN protects your online privacy.

Providing Encrypted Servers
A VPN encrypts your data, making it impossible for a third party to know what you are doing online. When you make use of a VPN, you get assigned an encrypted server. Thus, when a hacker attacks you, it will be blocked by the VPN’s encryption, and not just your Internet Service Provider (ISP)’s encryption. Most VPNs make use of military-grade encryption, which is virtually unbeatable. A VPN gives you a second layer of protection, beyond that provided by your network provider.

Also, if you make use of public Wi-Fi, you’ll find a VPN useful. Public Wi-Fi is often quite unreliable. When you make use of one, it is extremely easy for hackers to intercept your traffic. Hence, whatever you do over public Wi-Fi can be accessed by anyone sharing the network. However, a VPN creates a private network for you. Thus, even though you are sharing an internet connection with others, they’ll be unable to detect your presence.
Protecting Data
Another way a VPN protects your online privacy is by protecting your data. Sensitive information such as your bank details, email communications, and login information can spell doom for you if they fall into the wrong hand. A VPN eliminates the possibility of this happening. It protects the details you type into online sites, such as passwords, etc. This further strengthens your privacy.
Preventing ISP Tracking
It will interest you to know that ISPs sometimes track their users. There have been reports of network providers keeping tabs on their subscribers. When they gather such information, they typically sell them to data-mining companies. This is unethical and is a violation of the terms of use agreed to by users. A VPN protects you from being snooped on by your internet provider. When you install a VPN onto any of your devices, it cloaks your internet activities even from your internet provider. That way, your provider will be unable to see what you do and thus making you untrackable.
Preventing Ads
If you have been a victim of incessant spamming in the form of ads, you will relate to how frustrating the experience can be. Advert spamming arises through a form of malware called adware. Generally, these ads could cause discomfort for you. However, the ads could contain malicious links or files too. When you click on any of the ads, you could compromise your security. Most VPNs block ads from showing up on your phone.
Prohibiting Gathering of Information by Websites
Just like ISPs, websites can also keep tabs on your online activities. They target you, using your IP address to collate data on your activities. They would then construct a profile based on the information gathered. This is the reason you get targeted adverts once you search for something online. In some cases, these websites can transfer the generated data to untrustworthy third parties. If this happens, unwanted ads would be the least of your concerns. A VPN prevents this from happening. It keeps your true IP address hidden. This ensures that you are not targeted using your IP address.

Are There Any Dangers Involved With Using a VPN?

There could be dangers associated with making use of a Virtual Private Network. VPN providers have access to your online information when you make use of their services. Thus, unscrupulous providers could mine and sell your data. This is especially the case with free providers. When they provide free services, they also lookout for ways to keep their companies afloat. Engaging in underhanded practices such as selling their users’ bandwidth or data is often the means to make ends meet.

However, risk-free VPNs do not compromise your privacy. They offer you free services through their money-back guarantee period, and still provide premium services while at it. In the category of risk-free VPNs, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the best. ExpressVPN has highly reliable security features, unbeatable speed, and numerous servers. ExpressVPN allows you to access geo-blocked content quite easily. What’s more, you can access all these essentially for free during the 30-day money-back guarantee period.

NordVPN’s AES-256 bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol provide watertight security. The provider also has more than 5,000 servers, giving you an array of options. It also does not keep logs of use, making sure that your data does not get leaked. NordVPN gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee also.

Conclusion

This would be a good time to get a VPN if you haven’t been using one. As you have seen, a VPN protects your privacy in ways you may not have even imagined. There are free options to check out if you are hesitant. However, as we’ve shown you if you want to have a free trial, a risk-free VPN is your best option. With it, you will be assured of both optimum security and excellent service. More so, you can request a refund if you are unsatisfied with the service provided. It is a win-win situation for you.