A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all of the data leaving your device, and routes it through a server, ensuring that your online activities are private and anonymous.
But how much protection does a VPN really offer? Is it merely a way to conceal your IP address or is it genuinely secure? Continue reading to find out more.
What A VPN Can And Can’t Do For Internet Security
It’s critical to note that a VPN is not a type of anti-virus. It will not protect you from malware, viruses, trojans, bots, or snooping software. If your system is infected, your data might be stolen; however, a VPN cannot assist with this.
However, a VPN protects against hackers and makes it more difficult for cyber assaults to gain access to your system. The majority of cyberattacks are carried out via network connections, allowing the attackers to eavesdrop on data traveling between a device and the server in order to disrupt communication
This is especially useful when you’re connected to a public network, such as at a restaurant or a local library. These networks are shared and might have a low level of security, to begin with. Hackers can set up fake WiFi in public spaces, or connect to the same network as you, looking for an opportunity to break into systems and steal information.
As a VPN encrypts every data sent from and received by your device, hackers can’t see what you’re doing online, even if they have control of the WiFi network.
What About Privacy
One of the biggest concerns is that we are constantly being monitored online. Even though you’re using a private network, your ISP can view your internet traffic. That includes everything you do online. Also if regulators or any third party wants this information, there’s a chance they can easily obtain it from your ISP.
In the US for instance, the Trump administration passed legislation that allowed ISPs to collect and sell data on their customers, effectively ending net neutrality. In the EU, it’s illegal for ISPs to sell customer data, but law enforcement can still mandate that they collect it.
A Virtual Private Network, on the other hand, allows you to enjoy actual “internet freedom.” It hides your activity as well as allows you to access and stream nearly every type of online content. There are no geographical restrictions or bandwidth limitations. A VPN will allow you to surf the web without interruption or restriction.
Some VPN clients also include a ‘kill switch’ option. When your VPN connection drops, the encryption provided by the service ends. When your VPN connection drops, the kill switch option immediately disconnects you from the network. As a result, it ensures that you are surfing on an encrypted link at all times.
Is a Free VPN Safe?
The short answer is ‘No!’. A free VPN does hide your IP address and allows you to avoid geo-restrictions, but it comes at a greater cost.
Free VPNs make money by selling your private information to third-party marketers. As a result, while they’re hiding your activity from authorities and ISPs, they’re actually monitoring your surfing habits and allowing advertisers to send you tailored advertisements.
That’s why most free VPNs have so many advertisements and popups. The majority of the advertisements are also unmonitored and imperfect, and they may contain malware. Free VPNs rarely encrypt your information. Some free VPN services that do provide encryption employ antiquated security methods that are easy to crack for hackers.
All of these advertisements, outdated practices, and data monitoring have a negative influence on your connection speed. When using a free VPN for Firestick or the like, you’ll frequently notice that your internet speed has been significantly reduced, with some videos not being able to load in real-time..
Is A Paid VPN Worth It?
To begin with, most paid VPN services provide a free trial. So, before committing to a long-term financial commitment, you may always try it out for free. Furthermore, if you buy a 12-month or a 24-month subscription plan, the monthly payments are quite low. For around $2 per month, you receive a premium VPN service.
You also get a lot more features with premium VPNs than you would with free ones. For example, you may select from hundreds of locations to browse the internet. So, no matter what you’re searching for, it will be accessible to you.
Paid VPNs have little to no impact on your connection speed. In some cases, you’ll also receive a faster connection because it helps you avoid bandwidth restrictions. Premium VPNs also update their security protocols on a regular basis to ensure that you are always secure using the most up-to-date encryption standards. If you want to equip yourself with a quality VPN at a great price, these VPN deals and offers are made specifically for you.
Final Thoughts
A virtual private network will not provide you with total security, however, it will significantly boost your internet privacy, protect you from the eyes of regulators, and assist you to avoid hackers and potential stalkers. Click here if you’re interested in learning more about how a VPN works, or have other questions. Or if you are interested to buy the services to protect your digital privacy, click here to see the SurfShark Deals and offers.
