Here are the three main reasons for using a good VPN service (not just any VPN):
1 Hide your Internet Activity
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In some countries, like Canada, your internet service provider (ISP) can monitor and log everything you do online. They store your web logs and hand them over to government agencies on request.
In the United States, ISPs can also sell data about your online habits to third parties, including advertisers. They can do this without your explicit consent.
We believe this is a huge infringement of your privacy. To prevent this from happening, you need to use a no-logs VPN service.
When you connect to a VPN, your web traffic is route through a secure server first. Then, onto a website or application. But your ISP can’t see beyond the VPN server. Therefore, it can’t track what you do online.
VPNs use high-standard encryption, often AES 256-bit. It makes your web data virtually impossible to decipher if intercepted by a hacker or snooper.
2 Secure Your Data on Public WiFi
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Free public WiFi hotspots in restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels are risky. They often use open connections that are insecure. These are vulnerable to hackers looking to hijack sensitive data transfers.
In fact, hackers can carry out a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack on your device. It allows them to eavesdrop, manipulate, or steal your private communications. MITM attacks can also be used to carry out phishing scams.
A VPN can help prevent these attacks. A VPN adds a layer of encryption to any unsecured internet connection. You can then use public WiFi without worrying of being spied on, or having personal data stolen.
3 Bypass Online Censorship
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It’s not just authoritarian nations like China or the UAE that censor the internet. Any internet network owner can impose blocks to specific websites and apps. For example, many governments block piracy sites like the Pirate Bay.
Web blocks also occur in the workplace, schools, and public libraries.
In China, Google, Twitter and thousands more websites are blocked. The most effective way round these blocks is using a top VPN. However, only a few VPN services work in China.
It’s easier to bypass website blocks in workplaces and schools. But, you can’t always install VPN software on a workplace or school device. When that happens, install a VPN extension onto your web browser, instead.
Limitations of VPNs
A VPN is a great tool for your online security and privacy. But, even the best VPN services come with limits. Here are some things that a VPN can’t do:
- Provide complete virus and malware protection. Always use trusted antivirus software, even if your VPN has a malware-blocking tool.
- Store all your passwords securely. Use a good password manager for that, like LastPass or 1Password.
- Increase your internet speed. The only exception is if your ISP is throttling your connection.
- Block ads. Some VPNs come with an ad-blocker. If yours doesn’t, then it’s worth getting one. We recommend uBlock Origin.
