A VPN (Virtual Private Network) was a tool used for anonymity online – for many years this served as its primary purpose. A VPN fulfills its function by allowing a user to connect to a virtual private network, and once the connection is complete it creates an encrypted tunnel between the user and the internet traffic that comes back and forth as they go online. On top of this benefit, a VPN gives its user the ability to mask their real IP address. These two features were picked up on by savvy internet users, who saw the way the world was becoming more digital, online, and restricted.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world saw a huge increase in VPN users for a multitude of reasons, whether it is security and anonymity against third parties or the ability to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that was being censored or removed. People have now realized that the online world is rife with third parties and cyber criminals who are collecting and monetizing users” online data. A good example of this could be found in your Internet Service Provider (ISP) who is actively tracking and collecting your internet data and online behaviours. They can do this without your consent or notice, and in the case of Verizon, could even sell it to your national government. Data is reportedly becoming more valuable than oil, so there’s never been a time more intrusive or dangerous for your online data.
It is clear now more than ever that an internet user should look into a VPN, especially when options like a free VPN for PC exists. By using a VPN, you can unlock your full online potential and enhance every aspect of life on the internet.
It Creates A Safety Shield
A VPN has infinite safety and security potential, as it can hide your internet traffic and online data you input from nefarious third parties or dangerous cybercriminals or hackers. Whilst an antivirus and firewall are the bread and butter of online security for your PC, you will find that a VPN can potentially be just as effective in the way it hides your internet traffic. By not exposing your information to the websites you visit or the applications you use, a lot of the need for an antivirus or firewall is negated.
Gives You True Anonymity
A VPN can hide your IP address which grants you true anonymity online. An IP address can be used to pinpoint your exact location, and in doing so can do things such as targeted advertising or phishing scams, geo-restrict content available to you, or even change the prices of online shopping based on where you are. These things don’t happen when you use a VPN, as you can jump to whichever country suits your online needs. The money it can save through either e-commerce or getting additional online content can be a huge game-changer.
Get More Content
A VPN can be used to get so much more content than you are currently getting. It doesn’t make sense to pay for all the streaming services available to you and not be able to maximize your viewing content. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney Plus and more all restrict your content based on where you are in the world. Therefore, it would make sense to utilize a VPN and get access to the best content for you regardless of where you are. The additional benefits of a VPN can come in different kinds of content too. For example, if you are a huge sports fan and want to watch snooker while you are in the United States, you may have to pay a subscription or be without it completely. However, you could use a VPN to use a UK-based server and use their national streaming platforms to watch the matches for free. This can allow you to watch so many sporting events that would otherwise be off limits based on your location.
Get Faster Online Speeds
Unfortunately, those pesky ISPs have it out for you. They will stop at no end to make your online experience worse, and in this case, they can even slow it entirely. There’s a thing called ‘network throttling’ which is the essential practice of an internet service provider cutting down internet speed for a customer who they deem to be slowing the bandwidth of an entire region. Whether they are or are not isn’t in the question, they will just slow you down if they find out you are streaming something or downloading a big file. By using a VPN, you can mask your online activity and not reveal to your ISP what you are doing. So if you are streaming the latest blockbuster movie on Netflix, they won’t be able to find out and slow you down. You will avoid the dreading loading icon, dodge any buffering and enjoy your movie in peace.
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