The popularity of VPNs is rising due to the numerous benefits they offer.
Soon, VPNs may become as essential as antivirus software. However, it’s worth knowing the scope of protection they provide. Otherwise, you may end up being exposed to some potentially dangerous situations.
A few years ago, VPNs were a niche software used mainly by people living abroad, allowing access to content restricted by geolocation. Today, more and more Internet users decide to invest in VPNs due to the opportunities they provide.
Not only does a VPN guarantee you much more freedom, but it also secures the connection and your internet activity.
However, users sometimes misunderstand VPN security and assume that a VPN provides more protection than it does. In our article, we explain how a VPN protects you and the features they offer.
How Does a VPN Work?
The way VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) work is pretty simple.
When you connect to a Virtual Private Network, your internet traffic is encrypted and secure from your computer to your VPN provider. To anyone looking, it’s as if you are accessing the internet from a different location.
Is It Safe To Use A Free VPN?
The level of safety provided by a VPN depends on the service you choose.
Many Virtual Private Networks are available, and antivirus software providers offer VPNs as an element of their service packages.
Generally, the paid options are safe. Installing a free VPN may not end well if hackers use it as a data-extortion tool.
Check the best VPN service 2021 ranking that compares OpenVPN and other popular options to choose the best option.
How Does It Protect You?
Using a VPN is the best way to keep your anonymity while browsing the internet. Using it, you can access restricted content and avoid geolocation blocks with streaming services.
Contrary to common belief, a VPN does not change your IP address. It hides it by connecting with a specific server, and as a result, it seems like you’re browsing from another place. Paid VPNs typically allow you to choose the location, which is useful for people living abroad who want to watch content in their home country.
Since the connection is encrypted, the risk of stealing data becomes much lower. Accessing your passwords, credit cards, and bank accounts will be hard to hack when you’re using a VPN. It doesn’t, however, protect you from viruses and malware. So, if you already have the data-stealing malware on your computer, a VPN won’t be able to help. That’s why it’s crucial to use it together with antivirus software and scan your PC regularly.
Before paying for the service, test the VPN to ensure that it fits your needs and cooperates with your browser (like Chrome VPN add-ons).