Like most people, you probably prioritize privacy when using the Internet. Luckily, we’re at a point now where we have several avenues that we can use to protect and customize Internet connectivity. But, access to too many options can be confusing and overwhelming as well.
That’s why we decided to write this article. We will go through the different Internet privacy technology options available on the market. All three options are very popular and offer effective content blocking and improved privacy functions. They are Smart DNS services, Proxy technology and Virtual Privacy Networks or VPNs for short.
Read on to find out what each of these technologies has to offer, why you should use them and hopefully you’ll figure out which option works best for you.
What is a VPN?
VPN is a comprehensive solution that offers optimal privacy and protection from geo-blocking, censorship and many other cyber-security and privacy concerns. It’s by no means a perfect solution. But VPNs are constantly evolving to offer more sophisticated solutions to the ever-present problem of Internet security.
What Can a VPN Do?
VPN technology is incredibly dynamic and has a number of uses in the modern world of hyper-connectivity. In the following section, we’re going to explain some of the most important functions of a VPN service.
For one, VPNs can be used to hide your identity. That’s because a VPN has the ability to completely obscure any IP address, which is a network address that features your physical location. Anyone with access to your IP address can use it against you in one way or another. For instance, your government may use your IP address to control the content you can and cannot see based on your region. Or someone might use your private browsing data as evidence against you in court.
It’s obviously unfair to have someone else infringe on your privacy in such a manner and VPNs were created in part to solve this problem. By using a VPN like IPVanish, you can actually hide your location by connecting to a server in another country. That way, it’ll look as if you’re browsing from somewhere other than where you actually are.
IPVanish allows you to sidestep things like geo-blocking and overcome stringent government restrictions on content viewing and downloading.
What is a Proxy?
So, VPN or Smart DNS or Proxy – what’s the difference? For one, these are three very different types of technology and they offer different levels of protection. As the name implies, a proxy is a form of service that’s designed to “stand in” for something else. How? Read on to find out.
What Can a Proxy Do?
Similarly to a VPN, a proxy enables you to hide your location by making it seem as if you’re in another location. That’s why proxy servers are useful when it comes to accessing geo-restricted content. A proxy is also useful at hiding your actual IP address so that it’s virtually impossible for anyone to find your location. Not only that but a proxy server has been known to sift through content for you so that you and the people in your web connection can only see content that’s relevant to you.
What is a Smart DNS?
VPN or Smart DNS or Proxy – what are they exactly? Well, a smart DNS, in particular, is a variation of the proxy server. DNS stands for Domain Name Server and it works sort of like a telephone operator. When you’re trying to access a website, the DNS accepts the site’s name and searches for the server’s network address. Then, it effectively connects you to the correct site. Most ISPs offer a DNS server but this usually means that your public IP address will be visible to the receiving server.
What Can a Smart DNS Do?
A smart DNS can unblock geo-restrictions so that you’re able to access, stream and download content that would otherwise be unavailable to your region. It does all this without slowing you down and it works on all types of routers. Plus, a smart DNS is a lot more affordable than other options because it’s cheaper to host.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! That’s all you need to know about VPN or Smart DNS or Proxy. Each offers a unique set of benefits that can help you privatize and protect your online connection. However, it’s important that you pick an option that not only works for your needs but one that is comprehensive as well.
For instance, going the VPN route means that your IP address will stay hidden and if you use a VPN service like IPVanish you’ll have hundreds of servers from around the world to choose from.
VPN or Smart DNS or Proxy – which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments below! We can’t wait to hear from you.
