Whether we’re banking, shopping, sharing on social media or researching a particular personal interest, consider how much of our life is transported over the internet. Even with today’s online security measures, internet service providers, hackers and marketers are able to intercept much of our online behavior and data as it’s being transmitted over the web.
If you are interested in an extra boost of security, you may want to look into a virtual private network, or VPN. While businesses and organizations have been employing VPNs for some time, the use of these secure connections by private individuals has increased dramatically in recent years. According to a survey by Global Web Index, nearly 1 in 4 internet users around the world use VPNs, up nearly 165% since 2016.
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your computer and your internet service provider (ISP), keeping your data secure as it travels through the internet. A VPN masks your IP address so that your ISP and the websites that you frequent won’t know where you’re browsing from, limiting the ability to track your browsing behavior.
While VPNs are most often associated with securing connections from computers and laptops, consider the sensitive data in need of protection while using your smartphone or other mobile devices. This is especially crucial when connected to vulnerable public WiFi connections, making a good VPN service handy for frequent travelers. Most VPN providers allow you to connect from multiple devices and support use with Andriod and iOS devices.
There are many VPN services to choose from: NordVPN, TunnelBear, Private Internet Access, and TorGuard are a some of the top rated services. At a relatively low cost — as little as a few dollars per month — a VPN may be the answer to adding the extra layer of internet protection that consumers are looking for to enhance their privacy and security.
Do you currently connect via a VPN? Share your experiences with using it in the comments below.
By: Pete Willging