We’re all aware of the internet’s security vulnerabilities, and how these can be exploited by hackers to steal our personal data. The best way to protect yourself against this is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN works like an encrypted tunnel between you and your destination on the web, meaning that no one will know what you do online.
There are various ways in which a VPN achieves the protection of its users. Below, we’ve outlined the main ways in which a VPN protects users and how it does this.
A VPN Encrypts User Data and Hides it from Third Parties
By encrypting data, VPNs protect users because no one can see your traffic or data that is sent over the network (the “VPN tunnel”). The type of encryption a VPN uses depends on how secure your connection is. However, generally speaking, encryption means that no third parties, such as hackers and governments, will know what you’re doing online. Your data cannot then be sold, and your privacy won’t be infringed upon or misused which could result in issues for you.
VPNs Hide Your Location from Others Online
Another way in which VPNs protect users is by hiding their IP addresses. An IP address is like a phone number for computers; it’s used whenever someone wants to connect with another computer (e.g., instant messaging). Your IP can reveal a lot of information about you, which is why it is essential to keep it hidden.
When using an unsecured network at work or school, other people might be able to tell where you are based on your public IP Address alone! With a VPN however, this isn’t possible because they’ll only see the IP address of the VPN server, which will hide your real IP address and your actual location.
VPNs Protect Users in Countries with Heavy Censorship or Surveillance
Some countries, such as China and Iran have very strict internet censorship. If you’re living in one of these countries then VPNs are your best friend! By using a VPN, the web traffic that comes out of your computer will look like it’s coming from another country (e.g., if you want to access services that aren’t available in China). This means users can unblock censored websites with ease.
Moreover, by using a VPN in these countries, you protect yourself from the potential consequences that come with using the internet to access certain websites or do certain activities. in China the government is looking over your shoulder, but with a VPN you can avoid being tracked.
VPNs Don’t Log Your Data or Activity
VPNs are also very safe because the majority of them don’t log any of your data or activities. As mentioned earlier, VPN companies use shared IP addresses to give users anonymity online. However, this means that the company has no idea what you’re doing on its servers, especially if it operates a no-logs policy. What this means is that it’s not collecting any personal information about you!
This is why most VPN companies guarantee 100% privacy with their services – every user can be totally anonymous on the web using a reliable VPN service provider.
Some VPNs Protect Users from Malicious Activity
A handful of VPNs also come with built-in phishing protection and ad-blocking capabilities. This enables them to stop users from accessing potentially harmful websites which could contain phishing links or adware that could infect their devices.
Hi, I'm Madeleine. I'm a British writer with a global background, currently based in the UK.
I have always been interested in the online world and how it connects people worldwide. My keen interest in the internet led me to ...
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