The Main Benefits of Using VPNs

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a must have for internet users all over the world. You can whether get a VPN for personal use or business needs as it comes with a variety of benefits that include security, privacy and access. 

So let’s take a look at the top advantages of using VPNs and why more people are using them to navigate the digital world.

1. Enhanced Online Privacy

The main reason most people use VPNs is to ensure their online privacy. When you log in to a VPN, it routes your Internet traffic through a tunnel that’s encrypted, and concealed your IP address, effectively making your online activities virtually untraceable. Since third parties, such as internet service providers (ISPs) and advertising companies, are always collecting information about users’ behavior for data collection and advertising, this is probably more important than ever. VPNs shield you from such practices, and let you surf the web with a bit more anonymity and freedom.

Also, VPNs protect the websites from tracking your location and other private data with your IP’s masked. This is especially handy to people living in countries with internet censorship or restrictions live. Using a VPN enables people to get around these limitations, and see material that would be forbidden depending upon where you exist. It’s not only about staying away from surveillance, this is also about ensuring our freedom of information and expression on the Internet.

2. Improved Security on Public Wi-Fi Networks

While the public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, and hotels seem convenient, they aren’t secure enough, exposing users to risks of hacking. These networks are commonly hacked so they can steal such data as login credentials, personal information and other financial details. In these cases, using a VPN provides an important layer of security by encrypting all the data that’s sent between your device and the internet. If someone tries to intercept what you’re doing, the VPN encryption makes it almost impossible for them to work it out.

VPN also protects you from common threats on unsecured networks, such as man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack. These attacks happen when an attacker intercepts the communication between your device and the network. Using a VPN basically creates a secure tunnel that prevents such attacks, and keeps your personal and sensitive data safe, even when you’re using the internet in public places.

3. Access to Restricted and Geo-Blocked Content

One of the other big advantages of using VPNs is that you can access content that might be blocked or geo blocked in your region. Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer, and many other streaming services have different content libraries according to your geographical location. VPNs help users connect to servers in different countries thereby bypassing those geographical restrictions. What this means is you can have your stuff available, at any given time, wherever you may be.

On the other hand, VPNs also help users unlock websites or services which are restricted by the respective governments or organization. An example would be in countries with extremely strict internet censorship, for example citizens have access to popular social media platforms, news websites, or internationally used apps. Users can bypass these restrictions and access the full range of a mechanism installed for the purpose of a free flow of information and communication by connecting to a VPN server in another region.

4. Safe Online Transactions and Shopping

Security is top priority when shopping or banking online. Financial information and transactions you send or receive are protected by encrypting the data sent or received. It is especially crucial when using banking apps, keying in personal credit card details or managing personal finances. This sensitive data may be intercepted by hackers when you use public or unsecured networks, without a VPN.

On top of that, using VPNs can also lead users to getting better deals and discounts while online shopping. There are many e-commerce websites and service providers who change prices depending on the location of the user. Through a VPN, you can change your virtual location and access different versions of the same website to compare prices and save a lot of money. Frequently travelling people use this tactic to switch between VPN servers in different countries to find cheaper flights and hotel rates.

5. Obtaining a Dedicated IP Address

If you are wondering how to get a dedicated IP address, and so are you likely looking for a cheaper alternative as well, then you are in luck because there is no way to get a dedicated IP address. A dedicated IP address is different from a shared IP address, which changes often and is used by many users, and each time you connect, a dedicated IP address remains the same. One advantage of this feature: to access secure business networks, log into online accounts without setting off security alerts, or run a home server.

A dedicated IP address can also be useful for users that often experience captcha or verification issues when using a shared IP. Shared IP addresses are flagged by many websites as suspicious of high user traffic from multiple users and the result is usually extra verification steps or even temporary bans. When you choose a dedicated IP, you’ll have a smoother and more secure browsing experience, without these interruptions.

6. Protection Against Malware and Phishing Attempts

However, many VPN providers don’t provide adequate anti-virus and anti-phishing protection. Most VPNs, however, just encrypt your internet connection, but some services also come with built-in ad blockers, malware scanners and anti-phishing tools. Working together, these features offer a comprehensive defense against web dangers to make browsing safer.

Phishing attempts are becoming more sophisticated, and more often mimic legitimate websites to steal personal information. Anti-phishing VPNs with can ensure these sites are turned away from you before they harm you. Likewise, malware protection tools at hand within VPN services are capable of detecting malware hosted on websites, downloads or ads, which may be used to infect your device.