As the number of internet users and devices grows, there is a higher demand for online content. Because users share a high amount of their sensitive data online, there is a higher need for cybersecurity tools that would protect the digital identity of users. VPN, A Virtual Private Network is one such tool that’s built to provide online freedom and maximum privacy to internet users. VPN is a software application that establishes a secure connection on conventional, often shared, networks. It primarily builds a secure tunnel and passes all internet traffic through this tunnel to protect it from online privacy invasions and monitoring. If you realize privacy and online freedom as your fundamental digital rights, you have already taken your first step in a safer digital world; activating a VPN will be the second step! This article highlights 5 popular activities: these are loved by internet users regardless of their age or location and should be accompanied by a VPN.
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Use a VPN with these 5 Activities
This modern internet privacy tool enables users to browse almost anonymously. Ideally, all users should buy VPN service, browse with their VPN app actively running in the background or configure their VPN credentials on their Wi-Fi routers. But if that’s not convenient, here is a list of 5 activities that should never be performed without a VPN.
1. P2P File Sharing and Torrenting
Torrent clients are ideal platforms to get access to important files and media. Leechers and seeders from all around the world share large files on these torrenting websites to make the downloading process convenient for everyone. However, there are certain users who intentionally upload copyright material on these torrent websites, and users who accidentally stumble upon such content get sued for copyright infringement. To protect yourself from such hazards, it is ideal to torrent with a VPN so that your online identity is hidden. Plus, there are thousands of active leechers and seeders on such platforms who want to monitor the online behavior of other users. All they need is a user’s IP Address and their online behavior patterns. Using a premium VPN service is suggested in order to protect your IP Address from such intruders. However, if you are a die-hard torrenting fan and want to buy VPN service for the same purpose, make sure to invest in an app that has dedicated infrastructure for torrenting. It should exclusively have fast VPN servers and should have a user-friendly panel for switching VPN protocols to adjust speed.
2. Streaming Video Content
If you are a binge-watcher, you surely love streaming popular global content for hours. But what if your favorite movie is suddenly banned as per the legal directives? Here’s when a VPN comes in super handy. Premium VPN service, like iProVPN, unblocks popular digital streaming services like Netflix USA, Hulu, Disney+ and Amazon Prime. VPN services that provide multiple protocols also provide high speed and unlimited bandwidth for an uninterrupted secure streaming experience. Using a VPN for streaming also discourages ISP throttling and streamers get to experience optimal levels of speed on all platforms. Again, choose a VPN service that has multiple servers for popular locations like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia since many streamers prefer accessing content from such regions. If you plan on accessing the same servers during peak hours, you may have to face latency or delay especially if the VPN app does not have a smart connect or smart location switch which automatically connects users to the fastest servers in the nearest distance.
3. Working Remotely
If you are working remotely, or are a freelancer, there are high chances you will work with clients from diverse geographic backgrounds. If you recently worked with a lawyer from the Netherlands, you might get to work with an app developer in Germany. Remote contracts and freelance arrangements require workers to access data libraries created in distinct parts of the world. Only VPNs can unlock such geo-restricted data libraries and archives. However, that might not be possible with a free service; therefore, users are suggested to buy VPN service that does not log user data, and provide advanced features like split tunneling and internet kill switch. Also, a VPN protects data in transit and there are lesser chances of losing sensitive data in transit.
4. Accessing Websites on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are weak in nature; they can be penetrated by hackers to sniff sensitive user data. Plus, these networks have thousands of active users; most of these are silent users who only want to trace the patterns of digital behavior, sniff sensitive information and initiate phishing attempts. These intruders also want to decipher the flow of information between devices and servers. In such events, a VPN hides the IP Address, encrypts the online traffic, and protects the internet activities so they can’t be decoded by third-parties. Also, using a VPN app can decrease the chances of losing data in case of evil twin attacks.
5. Online Shopping
Shopping from eCommerce websites and digital stores is becoming common every day, especially because half of the world is still locked down to stop the spread of Coronavirus. While online shopping is convenient, is it safe? Are your payment details secure? Can somebody make hefty purchases by misusing your payment information? No, but only if you have an active VPN client routing your internet traffic through secure channels. Hackers can practice ‘session hijacking’ and while a shopper is online, they can take over the active session from the legit user and perform their desired activities on the webpage, including ordering expensive items from your shopping account. To prevent this, users are suggested to only initiate online shopping sessions, and access shopping websites after connecting to a VPN. Again, it is ideal to buy a VPN service rather than using a free one, because the agency might just be involved in selling user information.
How to buy VPN service online?
Buying a VPN is quite similar to buying any other commodity. Users check a variety of products, weigh the price against the benefits and shortlist 2-3 best ones to make a wise decision. When buying a VPN, here is what you need to remember:
- The chosen VPN company should be based in a safe jurisdiction where the government does bind companies to log or submit user data.
- The VPN service provider should not collect sensitive personal information like a home address or cellphone’s batch or production serial number, or driving license or passport number of a user.
- The VPN company should not log user activity: the duration of VPN connections or the websites visited when the VPN was activated.
- The VPN provider should not have an ad program or should not show advertisements in the app.
- The VPN service should have a legit website, with a tutorials section to help users set up or install with convenience.
- VPN services that have 24*7 technical assistance and offer a free trial are also considered reliable.
The Bottomline
Install your preferred VPN client: whether an app or extension for Chrome or Firefox or configure the details on your router to provide network-level security to your family. If you are really planning to achieve maximum cybersecurity, put your right foot forward with a premium VPN service that advocates user privacy and online freedom.
