VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Everyone is aware of that already. But what does a VPN hide? In simple terms, a VPN provides an encrypted server and helps you hide your IP address from different government and private organizations or hackers.
A VPN hides and protects your digital identity even if you are using a public or shared network and shields your data from third parties. VPN uses real-time encryption and sends your data through a secure virtual tunnel, which minimizes the possibility of your data being tracked by a third party.
In today’s post, we will talk about how a VPN works, and what are the advantages you get with it. Here’s an overview:
How does a VPN work?
When you connect your device through a VPN service, it authenticates the client using a remote VPN server. It then applies the encryption protocol to all your data to be transmitted over the network. The VPN services then create a virtual private and encrypted tunnel to transmit the data over the internet. This process secures the data traveling from your source to the destination.
You should have heard a lot about different VPN services previously, most of the time it is used to remove the geographical restrictions over the internet by hiding the real IP addresses. But a VPN is a lot more than that. There are plenty of reasons why one should be using it and here are some of the advantages that you get while using a VPN over the internet.
Privacy and Security:
The sole purpose and the biggest benefit of using a VPN are to keep your data and identity secure over the internet. The internet service providers and some Government or private organizations have their ways to keep track of every single activity you do using the internet. Even incognito mode is not safe to use there. That is where a VPN protects your data and identity by encrypting the data transmissions and constantly changing the IP addresses. Also, read the Best Free Antivirus Software for Macbook 2022 & the Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows 2022.
Anonymity:
Anonymity is one of the greatest problems on the internet. But when your identity on the internet is exposed something will always threaten you and your data. But by using a VPN you can access any website or application while remaining completely anonymous. This makes a VPN much more effective than the incognito mode or proxy servers, which completely can not protect your identity and data.
Remote Access:
As the name suggests, VPN is an actual network, so it can be accessed remotely from anywhere. That makes it a great resource for organizations, allowing their employees to work from home. It helps in protecting important data. Here are the Most Effective Tips for Remote Communication.
Protected file sharing:
With a VPN at your side, users can share files over the internet for a long period of time without worrying about the data being stolen or exposed to a third party. By the way, in case you are looking for the best file-sharing software, check out Alternatives to SHAREit and Xender: Share Files Offline Across Devices.
Bypassing Web Blockers, and filters:
In some places, the internet is being controlled by some particular people sitting in an office. This is one of the main reasons why more and more people use VPNs to protect their data. The VPN helps them bypass blocked websites and internet filters and puts the power hierarchy into balance.
Faster Internet:
One of the benefits of using a VPN is the enhanced network bandwidth. Enhanced bandwidth means better internet speed. Here’s why gamers prefer using VPN services since latency matters a lot in Multiplayer RPG games like PUBG. Btw, in case you play PUBG, check out the Best VPN for PUBG Mobile.
Removes Geographical Restrictions:
An app may provide something at one location on the globe, but not at your side. Here the VPN helps you remove these geographic differences by changing your IP address with your desired locations. They spoof your locations like you are using the services from somewhere else.
Control Access:
VPNs offer you control options so that important and confidential information is not accessible to everyone in the organization. Users need to verify and authenticate the permissions.
Secure Banking:
Many banks still do not use two-factor authentication to access your accounts and transactions. In such cases, your online banking activities are always at risk. Here using a VPN reduces the risk of exposing your data to hackers. Also, read our post on Security Tips for Safe Online Banking and Transactions
Secure Online Shopping:
When you shop online, your credit/debit card details, etc are shared over the network with the platforms. This information can be easily tracked and swooped by the hackers, with all your data including the name, date of birth, contact details, address, etc, which ultimately leads to identity theft. A VPN secures your network connection, so you can shop online safely.
Performance:
Not only VPNs are secure, but they can also improve things like network bandwidth and efficiency. Better performance is something, every user on the internet demands.
Affordable:
There has never been a better time to use a VPN than now. The reason is that most of these VPNs are much more affordable. Many companies like Surfshark etc are offering their monthly plans at less than $4, which is remarkably a cheap price for your security and privacy.
Cheap Online Deals:
This is not the direct benefit of the VPN, but a hack. With a VPN, you are able to switch IP addresses and change locations. Many websites and places offer different discounts and offer several locations. With a VPN, in addition to security and privacy, this hack allows you to book cheap tickets, and buy goods and things with discounts that are not available at your real locations.
Data Privacy From Your Internet Service Provider:
The internet service providers can keep track of every single activity you do using the internet. They can check what and when you have searched on the internet. This data is sold to private advertising companies which show you ads according to that. A VPN helps you in hiding your IP address from your ISP.
Data Privacy From the Apps and Services You Use:
Not only the ISPs but the apps and services you use on your devices also keep track of your online activities and collect the data. Many of the most used and famous apps has been called out in court to explain. A VPN prevents apps and websites from collecting your data by limiting your location and browsing history.
Conclusion:
These are some of the several advantages of using a VPN. If you have any queries or suggestions regarding the topic, must share them in the comments.
Thanks for reading. I will be back soon with another interesting update. Keep visiting HiTricks. Don’t forget to join our Telegram Channel for getting the latest Tech Updates.
Anuj is a passionate blogger from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Currently pursuing B.sc in Programming and Data Science from IIT Madras. Apart from being an avid learner and a tech enthusiast, he loves playing PC Games and likes to keep himself updated with the latest trends in the tech industry.
