Have you heard about VPNs but aren’t exactly sure what they do or how they protect you? You’re not alone, but I’ve done some research and have found some very good reasons to use one. Here’s why I use NordVPN, and you might want to as well. There are other benefits as well, but these are the ones that have been most relevant to me.
Also, a VPN might be the most inexpensive way to protect yourself online. (NordVPN starts at under $4 a month.)
Protection when using Wi-Fi
I always avoid using public Wi-Fi, but there have been times when I have had to, because the cellular signal was too weak. I’m not a hacker and I don’t know how they do it, but I do know that other people on the same public hotspot can intercept data leaving your computer, stealing your information and threatening your privacy.
When you use a VPN your online traffic is invisible to them. (Read on to learn how that works!)
Shopping
This is something many people don’t know. Many online shopping sites (and travel sites) use targeted pricing. Meaning that depending on where you are, the price of the same goods and services can differ. But with a VPN, you can actually change your perceived location. So you can see if the price DOES change, and you can get the best price.
Browsing
A VPN lets you keep your browsing data to yourself. Government agencies, marketers, and internet service providers would all love to track and collect your browsing history and other private data. The best way to avoid it? Using a VPN.
Traveling
Have you ever been in a hotel room, logged onto a streaming service on a Smart TV or your laptop to watch the show you’re binging, and can’t because you’re not in your home location? I have! Even though I’ve paid for the subscription. With a VPN you can set your location to your home city and access your streaming services. Learn more.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN works by creating a secure encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. Your data is encrypted before it leaves your computer (or phone or tablet.) This way, your data can travel in secrecy instead of through your internet service provider. A VPN changes your real IP address and encrypts your internet connection to make your browsing safer and more private.
Other ways to protect yourself online
Although a VPN is an effective way to protect yourself from many online threats, it’s not the only thing you need to do for online safety and privacy.
- Use strong passwords and don’t use a password for multiple sites
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique, strong passwords for each site you use
- Don’t automatically “accept all cookies” on sites. It does slow you down to selectively accept only the cookies that are necessary for the site operation, but it can help with privacy
- Use multi-factor authentication whenever it’s available
- Thwart phishing attacks. Never click on a link in an email just because it looks like it’s from a familiar source. Instead, go to the known website from a browser, or at least copy the link into a document so you can see what it actually is.
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