A VPN is a tool that’s used by many when it comes to the online media streaming world. VPNs can seem quite complicated. So, there’s quite a bit we’ll be going over in this article. But in essence, they allow you to browse the internet completely anonymously. This way, you can view, stream and download whatever you like. This is all without the risk of being hacked, fined, or even imprisoned.
Most avid streamers know that there are stories that break every week about both users and businesses getting hacked into. Their valuable private data is exploited, sold, or used to cause further damage. Not only this, but mainstream companies that so many of us use on a daily basis have been accused of spying on their users as well as selling or exploiting user data.
In order to avoid this completely, and know for sure that your data isn’t being misused, then you’ll definitely want to make use of a VPN. The following article will not only outline how VPNs work in general, but the specific advantages of using them, as well as what they protect you and your devices from.
How Do VPNs Work?
When connecting any device to a VPN, the device in question will work as if it’s connected to this VPN. What this means is, as the device will act as if it’s located wherever the VPN has been set, you’re able to access certain files, apps and media that may be banned or prohibited in your actual region.
This means that movies, applications and programs that you wouldn’t normally have access to, become accessible through the VPN. Not only this, but when browsing online through a VPN, all your activity, streams and downloads become encrypted. This means that nobody – not even your internet provider or government – has access to it.
Not only does this mean that you’re completely anonymous online, it also means that if you’re using an application through a US-based VPN, then the application will work as if you’re actually located in the US. In short, using a VPN is the ultimate in privacy and convenience, as well as allowing you to achieve consistent high-speed connections, as it prevents your ISP from throttling your connection!
Benefits of VPNs
There are various reasons why people choose to use VPNs.
Here are some of them:
1. Protects Your Privacy
Privacy is one of the most important things when it comes to using the Internet. This is especially since the average person has more personal data stored online than ever before. A VPN keeps all of your browsing history, streams and download completely private from even the highest authorities. This includes even your internet service provider or the government. They prevent people from logging, storing or selling your data. It leaves you with complete peace of mind that you’re not being monitored or spied on.
2. Offers Protection When Connected to Public Wi-Fi
Unlike your home Wi-Fi where you can set up your own online security and virus protection, public Wi-Fi – such as cafes, bars, and even airports – often isn’t nearly as protected as you hope it would be. By using a VPN in these locations, you’ll be able to add an extra layer of security so you can browse in public risk-free.
3. Helps Bypass Restrictive Networks
Even in this day and age, there’s still loads of media out there that’s under strict geographical restriction, meaning that only users located in certain areas or countries are allowed to access it. Not only that, but various workplaces, schools and even libraries or restrict certain categories of websites. But if you use a VPN, all of this becomes a thing of the past.
As a VPN makes your connection appear as if it’s coming from a different location – often a different country entirely – none of this is an issue anymore. You’ll be able to access whatever media you want. If your VPN location is restricted (i.e. you’ve chosen a country that’s still blocked from viewing the content), simply change the VPNs location again. This way, you’ll be able to access whatever you want.
4. Improves the Quality of VoIP Calls
Although internet-based phone or video calls are a great way to chat with loved ones from anywhere else in the world, unfortunately, these programs and apps aren’t immune to hacking or interference. So, they can pose as a risk. By using a VPN, you can help prevent people from monitoring or interfering with these calls, adding yet another layer of security.
5. Google Can’t Watch You
Even if you don’t stream, buy or talk to friends online, why use a VPN? Well, for any regular internet user, Google likely plays a large part in both your internet browsing (searching, shopping, watching videos, etc.), as well as other online features. This includes Google Keep notes, Google Calendar, and just general browser history, password savings and synchronization between devices.
But many people speculate – and some with good evidence – that nowadays, Google is keeping tabs on all of its users. The company is saving way more information than most people think. Ever searched something through Google and had ads about it appear on other sites or devices? Ever had a conversation in real life, and had your search suggestions or ads match what was mentioned?
There’s no definite way to find out exactly what Google knows, but it’s likely more than you would like. By using a VPN such as IPVanish you can hide as much of this as possible from Google. You will be able to maintain your privacy when browsing online.
6. You Can Access All Netflix Content
By changing the location of your VPN, any media that’s geographically-restricted on streaming sites such as Netflix will be accessible. Your VPN will trick the site into thinking you’re in the correct geographical location in order to view the media. If, for copyright reasons, a certain TV show or film is for the viewing of U.S. users only, by setting your VPN location to the U.S., you’ll be able to watch the show from anywhere in the world.
Conclusion
All in all, a VPN is an extremely handy tool. It helps maintain your privacy online, and shields your activity from both your internet provider and your government.
And with more and more of us keeping valuable data online, any step you can take to make sure this stays private is worth doing! Why use a VPN? For the best online experience.
Do you use a VPN? If so, what’s your opinion on them? Drop a comment below to let us know!
