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Is a VPN Right for You? Beginners Guide to Online Safety

Posted on the 25 May 2024 by Shoumya Chowdhury

Being safe online is paramount. As internet users, we provide so much sensitive and private data for a variety of different things, whether it be making a purchase, checking account information, or simply browsing and accepting cookies when visiting a new site for the very first time.

However, while many of us believe we may be safe, there are several ways in which we could be even more secure when we surf the web. Most of us will have tools and programs that provide additional protection, but did you know a VPN can be one of the best ways to remain safe and secure? Without a VPN, your online activities could be vulnerable to hackers and other malicious entities.

How does a VPN work and what benefits do they provide?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that can be used to make any web surfing experience private. It does this by encrypting any of the data that is transferred from your session to the end-user, making it difficult for hackers to obtain and steal. The data is typically coded and broken into blocks, making it difficult to pair if it is stolen, which is very unlikely.

VPNs allow users to mask their location and use private IP addresses, thus making them untraceable. This is particularly advantageous when making a financial transaction or potentially logging into a banking account, as it means the network that is being used can’t be traced, nor can the data be obtained. With a VPN, you can browse the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your online activities are secure and private.

At the same time, websites in other countries can be accessed where they may be restricted or completely blocked. The geolocating technology that is used on a VPN has become extremely beneficial for many, especially when they are in a different country such as when on holiday. British people can use a VPN to access a UK server, thus allowing them to continue to watch British TV platforms. Kiwis have used it in a similar vein, as they have been able to access their favorite NZ online casino when abroad, allowing them to play their favorite pokies and table games whenever they want. The versatility of VPNs is truly remarkable, offering a wide range of practical applications for various users.

Of course, it’s not just the ability to bypass certain restrictions that can be encountered when using a VPN’s geolocation technologies. The tech can also be useful when trying to be anonymous or more secure. You can connect to a server in another country using one of their IP addresses to do traditional web browsing but remaining more private and making it difficult for people to track what you’re doing.

Is a VPN right for you? Should you get one?

For those who aren’t quite tech-savvy, getting an additional tool or program on the computer can often be something that many don’t always want to engage in. It can be a tool that can be difficult to get your head around when you’ve not used one before.

However, they clearly offer several benefits that can enhance your online safety and need to be seriously considered if you want to ensure you have the best protections in place.

Remember, you provide so much sensitive data about your identities and finances online without thinking about it. A VPN can help to add the extra layer of security that is needed to stop hackers and cybercriminals from potentially stealing it from you and making life even more difficult than it already is once it has been stolen.


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