Security | Why is everyone downloading a VPN?
6 Practical uses for a VPN
When we think about online security, we think about much more than before: nowadays, everything we do in our daily routine involves new technologies and the web, so a failure in online security can end up being very serious.
If we stop to analyze, our digital devices are part of every step we take: whether we identify as gamers , students, freelance workers, or simple web surfers; the time we spend in front of a screen is increasing.
In fact, different studies at a global level indicate that an average adult spends more than 7 hours on the internet.
That amount of time is a clear indication of the things that can be done online. It also highlights the risks of being available online for almost a third of the day. Therefore, strengthening protection and privacy is essential for everyone on the web , regardless of the misconception that it's only a matter for specialists or programmers.
That's why it's time to talk about VPNs. This is a rapidly growing program that allows you to avoid the most common online risks . It also protects you from potential social media hacks , bank scams, identity theft, and the theft of personal and sensitive data. Below, you'll find everything you need to know.
First… What is a VPN?
It's important to understand what we're referring to here : the acronym VPN stands for Virtual Private Network , which is what happens when we use software with these features. Why "private"? For starters, because all the information from our internet activity—web usage, clicks, actions, personal data—will be encrypted and transmitted to a VPN server.
The data packet travels through a kind of private digital tunnel that connects our device to the server in question. This server is usually located in another country or even another continent. In this way, the user's IP address is instantly changed to that of the other location , which can be advantageous for several reasons.
First, we will be very difficult for the external controllers that abound on the internet today to track and monitor . Every page we visit keeps a record of information and data for various reasons. In addition to government controls, we can also mention those of private companies, which collect data to later conduct marketing campaigns.
A VPN, in other words, has the ability to make us invisible, which in turn results in greater privacy and anonymity for the user —two factors that should not be underestimated in 2022. Did you ever think you could use the internet like you did a decade ago?
On the other hand, by changing our IP address, the user's digital footprint is also erased, so our web activity cannot be linked to us . This reinforces everything said so far: less visibility means greater online security and fewer risks of attacks.
To that end, we must mention one of the most frequent uses of VPNs today: unblocking content restricted by geolocation trackers . For example, if you want to watch NBC from Spain , connecting to a US server will allow you to bypass the restrictions and access your favorite shows.
Next, we will go into more detail about some of the advantages that a VPN can offer us and understand even better why everyone is talking about them and downloading them. Let us begin.
6 Practical uses for a VPN
1) Work remotely:
Today, it's very common for workers to adopt new, non-traditional work models. Remote and freelance work has allowed many people to develop new skills and create a new dynamic in the labor and professional market.
With a VPN, we can access the necessary information and resources regardless of our location . This is very useful for those who want to work while traveling, or for professionals whose jobs require frequent travel. By connecting to a server in the required country, we can continue performing our duties as normal.
2) Avoid price discrimination:
Another reason users are excited to try VPNs is the opportunity to get instant discounts without having to do anything. No coupons, codes, or after-hours purchases. How is this possible? Because of the price discrimination some companies practice.
Today, it's common to find companies offering digital services at different prices depending on the user's country of origin. This practice can lead to significant price differences. Therefore, a VPN is not only a digital protection tool, but it also safeguards your wallet.
3) Security in public connections:
When we're traveling, or we've run out of mobile data, the search for Wi-Fi is like searching for water in the desert . This leads us to try connecting to every network we can find. This can have dangerous consequences for us and our devices.
Open or public Wi-Fi networks can be a major trap . Their security protocols are very weak, so anyone sharing the same network can access our online activity and obtain sensitive and important data . Many bank scams, for example, occur this way.
The same applies to identity theft or malware affecting devices. By using a VPN, we change our IP address to that of the chosen server, making us invisible to other users connected to the public network. This is important for establishments such as cafes, parks, airports, or government agencies.
4) Avoid political censorship:
In populations living under authoritarian governments, VPNs end up being a bridge to quality information. They also provide freedom of expression to report what is really happening. Unfortunately, even in 2022, it is still common for government sectors—and even private ones—to control information and access to it.
With a VPN, people can bypass controls and restrictions to access other realities and make their voices heard by the rest of the world. As a consequence, VPNs may be heavily restricted or banned in some countries.
5) Bypass regional security locks:
Finally, and as we've previously emphasized, a VPN for our internet-enabled devices is vital for bypassing any kind of content restrictions. Streaming sites, social media, websites, and other online platforms modify their catalogs depending on the country.
If we do not want to miss anything, we must choose a VPN server that is in the necessary area. In services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime or HBO, this resource is increasingly requested by users.