A virtual private network (VPN) connection is a way to cloak your signal and manipulate your IP address. This allows users to hide their activities online from hackers and eavesdroppers and to make any activities appear to come from a different country, machine or location. There are many different reasons to use such a service; click for info about VPNs.
Privacy
One of the main reasons people choose to use a VPN is because they value privacy. Information exchanged online is not private. Governments, advertisers, researchers and others are all interested in online activity. VPNs provide a level of privacy and security so you can surf the web in peace. This protection is accomplished by encrypting data. Your device connects to your VPN server. The server encrypts any exchanged information so no one can see the information being exchanged. Unfortunately, this does slow down internet connection by as much as 30 to 50 percent.
Streaming
Due to copyright agreements, streaming media providers cannot provide the same content to all countries. Many movies and TV shows are not available to users outside of the United States. The way companies like Netflix, Pandora and Hulu enforce this is by reading a user’s login IP address. VPN services allow users to circumvent regional restrictions. VPNs manipulate a device’s IP address and can make it appear to be from any location. This ability depends on the location of your service provider, but it does allow many users to unlock content. Travelers and natives of foreign countries alike use this feature. With most people using Windows as their operating system, it’s worth your time checking out this Best VPN for Windows – February 2017 Update – vpnsrus.com blog post.
Safety
The internet has made working from just about anywhere a real possibility. Hotspots provided by coffee shops, hotels and the like are not safe for confidential browsing. This includes sending emails, private information or shopping. These public wifi services do not provide any encryption protection. This makes intercepting non-encrypted information easy. If you frequent public hotspots, it is worth the extra money to invest in the privacy and security VPN services provide.
Censorship
Some countries restrict internet access. VPN services allow individuals in these countries to view otherwise unavailable web content. It also allows users to conceal internet activity from an oppressive government’s prying eyes. VPNs open the door to free speech by allowing citizens of these countries to share information online with less fear.
Many companies and schools have “acceptable use” policies that restrict access. They may block social media pages, restrict instant messaging or prevent users from checking personal email. VPNs allow you to bypass network restrictions.
There are many reasons to invest in a VPN service provider. Check available features before settling on a service to make sure your needs are met.
