Why VPNs Are Becoming Essential for Home Cybersecurity

It's no secret that the world is becoming increasingly connected, but it's also true that cyber threats are always lurking, and keeping your home and your data safe has become an item of concern for many. You might have heard about things like built-in security tools, but the real conversation is why VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are now an important part of that protection. With practically every device "online" now, NETGEAR Armor isn't just for tech gurus anymore; it's essential due diligence for keeping your digital life secure.

The Evolving Need for VPNs

VPNs are capable of safeguarding privacy and securing data, whether you're using public Wi-Fi or are at home. The online threat landscape has changed dramatically, with more people working remotely and most relying on online banking. Additionally, "smart" gadgets are everywhere.

Advancements can be convenient, but they can also create new openings for malicious actors. Cybercrime is expected to cost the world 10.5 trillion annually by 2025 [Cybercrime Magazine, 2025]. And it's not just about money. Research suggests that 61 percent of Americans have had their personal data exposed by cybercriminals, with another 44 percent saying it's happened more than once [Governing, 2024].

What Are the Benefits of a VPN?

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, creating a kind of secure "tunnel" for your data. This encryption makes your online activity unreadable to anyone trying to snoop. Additionally, it turns you anonymous by hiding your IP address and making it much harder for websites, advertisers, and hackers to track what you're doing online.

A VPN can give you flexibility with your location, letting you access content that might be restricted in your area. But perhaps most importantly, VPNs provide a significant layer of protection against hackers, stopping them from exploiting weaknesses in unencrypted connections.

The Rise of VPN Adoption

People are becoming more aware of digital security, and that's led to a big increase in VPN use. The Covid-19 pandemic led to a much wider reliance on VPNs for remote work, a trend that shows that more and more people recognize the need for better protection, and that it's becoming more common to find VPNs built into home networking equipment [Science Direct, 2025].

How VPNs Can Help Secure Connections

• Remote Work: If you work from home or use a public Wi-Fi connection, protecting sensitive business data is important. A VPN can make sure that company information stays secure.
• Traveling: Public Wi-Fi networks in places like hotels or airports are inherently insecure and leave users vulnerable to eavesdropping and data theft [CUSG, 2025]. A VPN adds an important layer of security.
• Families: Keeping kids safe from online threats, such as inappropriate content and tracking, is a big concern for parents. Encrypted browsing with a VPN can help create a safer online environment.
• Smart Home: Many smart devices, otherwise known as Internet of Things (or IoT devices), don't have very strong built-in security, making them good entry points for hackers. VPNs can help secure vulnerable devices.
• Streaming: VPNs can let you stream content that might be restricted in your particular region.

In a world of increasing cyberattacks and data theft, it pays to secure your home and your data against potential threats.

FAQ:

Do I need a VPN if my Wi-Fi is already password-protected?

Yes. While a password helps, a VPN adds another layer of encryption, particularly if you have a lot of devices connected to your network.

Can a VPN really protect my smart home gadgets?

Yes. VPNs can be installed on your router, which can then secure all of your IoT devices that might not have their own security features.

Is it even legal to use a VPN?

In most countries, yes. However, some do have restrictions, so it's always a good idea to check your local laws.

Will a VPN make my internet slower?

You might notice a slight lag due to the encryption, but modern VPNs are designed to keep their impact as minimal as possible.