It’s becoming increasingly important to access the Internet through a VPN nowadays. This is regardless of whether you’re at home or on the road.
Just as you would take out travel insurance or protect your suitcase with a padlock, there’s value to using a VPN when traveling. It will help you protect the digital devices you travel with, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
After all, you’ll probably use the Internet no matter where you go to connect with social media sites, keep up with your emails or even just to book transportation.
Using a VPN when traveling will keep you safe through all of your online activity while abroad. This is especially when using public and/or free Wi-Fi. Read on to find out how a VPN works and why it’s important to use it while traveling.
How Will a VPN Service Help You?
In addition to convenient service and ease of use, VPNs provide you with improved security. For example, let’s say you log into your hotel’s free Wi-Fi network.
Immediately, your device becomes free game for anyone who’s on the same network. In fact, cybercriminals can even replicate public networks and fool users into thinking they’re logging into a legitimate network.
They do this in order to gain illegal access to user credentials, online financial data and other forms of confidential information. That’s why you shouldn’t use a public Wi-Fi network without a VPN. These cyber-attacks are known as Man in the Middle attacks and they’re quite common among public Wi-Fi network users.
In a recent study, 28% out of 31 million Wi-Fi hotspots had issues when it comes to protecting user data. This means any and all information transmitted through the network is vulnerable to attacks by hackers.
Things to Consider When Choosing a VPN Service
Using a VPN when traveling is essential for jetsetters who frequently use Wi-Fi hotspots. But, your VPN needs to have servers from all around the world. And with a ‘no-logs’ policy to minimize data leaks and unwanted third-party snooping.
Another important feature to look out for in your VPN is compatibility with different operating systems. This way you can be sure that it’ll work on any and all of your devices at the same time. This includes Windows, iOS, and Android, Amazon and Mac to name but a few.
• Security
Make sure your VPN service has a No-Logs policy to make sure it doesn’t collect any data that’s transmitted through the network. That way, no one can see or manipulate any of the online data you share, including the VPN provider.
You see, certain VPN providers have a habit of collecting user information such as email addresses but some don’t stop there. If you ever feel suspicions of your VPN, read through its privacy policy to make sure you’re protected.
• Remote Work
Whether you’re a digital nomad or just traveling for work, it’s important to take the necessary precautions. This is to protect your online data while working overseas. Make sure to factor in the possibility of theft while ensuring that your connection remains safe and private when using public networks.
Using a VPN when traveling will also help you manage your inbox while keeping you safe. Just because you’re working remotely or enjoying a “workaction” doesn’t mean that you have to compromise online safety while checking your emails and files.
A VPN is essential to protecting your information while using public Wi-Fi networks on the go.
Final Thoughts
A VPN is vital to anyone who cares about online security. The risk is quite obvious considering that there are currently 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots spread out across the world.
Using a VPN when traveling is tantamount to securing your luggage or taking out comprehensive travel insurance. It’ll keep all of your data safe from theft and infiltration, including your credentials, emails, financial data, and even your holiday photos. Hackers are quick to overlook VPN protected connections as opposed to unprotected devices, of which there’s a surprising amount.
Do you use a VPN while traveling? If so, what’s your favorite provider? Let us know in the comments below. If you don’t have one, we highly recommend you try IPVanish.
