A virtual private network (VPN) has become an essential internet security tool for many people. By routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server, a VPN hides your IP address and online activities. This protects your privacy and anonymity while browsing the web.
But when should you actually turn on your VPN? Here are the most common use cases and reasons why individuals and businesses utilize VPN services today.
Accessing Public Wi-Fi Hotspots
Public Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, airports, hotels etc. are convenient but often not very secure. Connecting to them could allow hackers to intercept your data or infect your device with malware. A VPN for public Wi-Fi adds a layer of protection by encrypting everything you send and receive.
So whenever you need to check emails, shop online or access sensitive apps on public networks, be sure to connect your VPN first. It takes just seconds but will keep snoops out and prevent attacks.
Image via Viktor Hanacek / PicJumbo
Accessing Geo-Restricted Content
Many popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and Disney+ restrict certain movies/shows to specific countries. A VPN allows you to bypass this geo-blocking by changing your virtual location.
For example, connect to a UK-based VPN server and you can suddenly access the much larger library of shows on UK Netflix. So if you ever get the dreaded "content not available in your region" error, fire up your VPN to unlock it right away.
Image via Charles Deluvio / Unsplash
Fighting Online Censorship
In many restrictive countries, accessing information is extremely limited by state censorship and surveillance. Websites, apps and entire online services may be completely blocked by firewalls.
A VPN allows citizens to bypass blocks and access the open internet by hiding traffic from local ISPs. So activists, journalists and regular internet users in China, Iran, Russia etc. rely on VPN services daily to freely connect with the outside world.
Browsing Anonymously
A key appeal of VPNs is providing anonymity while you browse the web. By masking your IP address and encrypting traffic, a VPN prevents websites, ISPs and snoops from tracking your activity and identifying you.
So whenever you want to cover your digital tracks, turn on your VPN. Whether reading news privately at work or researching something sensitive from home, a VPN adds an extra layer of anonymity.
Accessing Work Networks Remotely
Employees connecting remotely to office networks should always use a business VPN. This allows secure encrypted access to internal servers, databases and shared drives over the public internet.
So remote workers, road warriors and work-from-home staff need to utilize their company VPN whenever signing in. This protects corporate resources and prevents external attacks.
Safe Public Browsing on Mobile Devices
Our smartphones and tablets contain a wealth of sensitive personal information that needs shielding on public networks. Banking apps, travel portals, insurance apps and other services you use daily hold huge value for identity thieves.
By running all mobile traffic including Wi-Fi through an encrypted VPN tunnel, you vastly reduce vulnerability. So it‘s wise to use a VPN for iPhone or Android VPN by default whenever outside your home.
Online Gaming & Streaming
Gamers and streamers should run a gaming VPN for multiple reasons. It prevents DDoS attacks, lag, hides your IP address from other players for security, and improves ping times to game servers.
A VPN also unblocks access to games not available locally or still in beta testing abroad. So get the edge over rivals and unlock perks with a high-speed gaming VPN.
Other Personal & Business Uses
There are plenty more instances where firing up a VPN makes sense:
- Protect IoT devices like smart home tech that can‘t run native antivirus
- Secure business Wi-Fi networks from unauthorized access
- Encrypt voice/video calls for greater privacy
- Bypass sports blackout restrictions when traveling
- Defend against swatting attacks and doxxing by hiding your home IP
- Evade price discrimination that charges higher fares based on location
- Shield internet traffic from spying by your ISP or at the network level
- Prevent advert tracking and hide purchases from personalized ads
So as you can see, virtual private networks have become vital for privacy, security and access in daily personal and professional digital activities. They are powerful privacy tools that everyone should be utilizing frequently during all sorts of online tasks.
Image by Gerd Altmann / Pixabay
Finding the Best VPN for Your Needs
With so many crucial use cases, it‘s important you select a proven no-logs VPN that offers all the features you need. The best VPN services provide reliable connections, high speeds, unlimited bandwidth and easy-to-use apps.
Top-rated providers like NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN check all those boxes. Each offers military-grade encryption plus unlimited device coverage so you stay protected across all your gadgets.
Go through their websites to find the one that best fits your budget and use case. Take advantage of the exclusive discounts we‘ve arranged from the links above too. Then stay secure with your new VPN running in the background whenever you connect online.