Using a VPN, also called a virtual private network, can help you protect your private information online. VPNs prevent sniffers, computer programs that decode encrypted data, from working. This keeps criminals from stealing your identity, hijacking your devices, or violating your privacy. Here’s some more information about how VPNs protect your data on the internet.
How VPNs Work
A VPN creates an encrypted virtual tunnel between you and a remote server. Since all of your internet traffic goes through this tunnel, your data is secure and your computer seems to have the IP address of the server. This keeps nefarious people from learning your identity or location, even if you’re using an unsecured, unencrypted network. After your data reaches this remote server, it enters the public internet. If your data is intercepted by a hacker, tracing it back to you will be difficult. Most VPNs use a unique encryption to secure your data.
They Provide Protection While You’re on the Road
With a remote access VPN, you can protect yourself from anywhere. If you work from home and you need to communicate with your office, you can use a VPN to keep your company’s information and correspondence secure. You can also improve your peace of mind when you use free Wi-Fi in a hotel, an airport, or a coffee shop. Some criminals provide free networks so that they can get an opportunity to look at credit card information, bank account information, passwords, browsing history, downloads, and anything else that someone might send through the internet.
They Keep Corporations and the Government Away From Your Data
A VPN can protect your information from organizations such as the NSA and your internet service provider or ISP. Although no type of software or hardware can work 100% of the time, the right VPN will make your data extremely difficult for anyone to decrypt or trace back to you, protecting you from mass surveillance and keeping corporations from using your data without your knowledge or consent. However, a VPN won’t protect you from cookies or websites that ask for your email and other information.
Since the FCC rolled back rules designed to protect net neutrality, ISPs can profit from your data along with large companies. While you can choose not to use Facebook, Google, or other popular websites, changing ISPs can be tough. Some areas only have one internet provider, and others offer few options, especially if you enjoy gaming or other activities that require lots of bandwidth.
There are many different VPNs available, and they come with a variety of features. Some also have more extensive privacy policies than others. Before you choose a VPN, make sure that it can meet all your needs. It should protect your data while providing an internet speed high enough for you to complete routine tasks. Some VPNs can even let you play games with ease. The best VPN for you will protect you from malware, information theft, and many of the other common dangers of using the internet.
