Using a VPN means that you're using a proxy to request on your behalf. A VPN secures your connection to the proxy is strongly encrypted. Because of this encryption, it becomes impossible for anyone to spy on your internet traffic to examine what kind of messages you are swapping with your VPN server. The role of the VPN server is essential because it makes web requests on your behalf rather than forcing you to make them directly.
Let's consider this example to understand the working of a VPN. Let's suppose you're in China and want to watch your favorite show on Netflix, but you don't want your ISP to know that you're visiting that site. What usually happens is that whenever you've to request the ISP, so you say,'' I'm visiting this site.'' Or at least the IP address for that particular website. The ISP can log this information and can also sell it to the advertisers too.
In contrast to this, a VPN allows you to send an encrypted message to the VPN provider, which says, '' can you make the website data for NETFLIX and send it to me later.'' Your service provider will know that you have sent a message to your VPN. But because of the encryption, they are unable to read the content of the word. VPN network is behind the functioning of a VPN. Follow this link to know what is a VPN network.
According to the GWI study, 51% of the users are connecting to the VPNs to get access to the entertainment content that won't be available otherwise. Like for instance, Netflix serves a wide variety of content, depending on your location. By altering your IP address by using a VPN, you can successfully access a different library of shows and movies.
Accessing entertainment remains one of the most popular uses for a VPN in 32 countries out of 41 states. This includes Australia, China, and the USA.
Dos and Don'ts of a VPN
When a VPN directs your traffic through a server, the connection becomes encrypted. It means that only you and the server are capable of decrypting the internet traffic. It is useful in most situations, such as while you're on a free Wi-Fi network. In this situation, it signifies that no one from the ISP to the network owner to any hacker can see any of the information you send over your network.
A VPN does not protect your unprotected websites, usually the ones that don't have a security certificate. Moreover, a VPN doesn't protect you if you submit information to any unencrypted site or unintentionally download malware. To sum up, a VPN provides protection when you are in transit from one location to the next one; however, it can't protect you from any actions you take at your destination site.
The Dark Side of VPNs
Here it is essential to note that not every VPN is the same as the other one. Although VPN might protect you, some VPNs will compromise your privacy. It is especially the case with free VPNs because when you are not paying, then your data is going to be put at risk. Free VPN services, most of the time, sell your data. A study found that 85% of the free VPNs have permission to invade into the user's privacy. However, 35% of VPNs expose customer's traffic, while 18% of them contain possible malware and viruses. It means that with a free VPN, you are not protecting your privacy but putting it at considerable risk.
Thus, it is recommended to go with paid VPNs instead of free ones. However, you must pay attention to the VPN services that have been hacked in recent years. The paid VPN services are a much better choice because you are paying for your privacy, and for this, they are bound not to share your data and compromise your privacy. You must also know that the paid VPN services can also have security flaws and are not always perfect. Users must not forget the case when NordVPN, which is regarded as one of the best VPN services, was hacked. The company accepted the attack after rumors began that a hack had taken place.
What Do Privacy Conscious People Do?
The VPN market has significantly grown in recent years and has opened the doors of competition. Some providers are capitalizing on the increasing customer's growing concern regarding cybercrimes and surveillance. It means that it is becoming difficult to say when a company is providing a secure connection and when it is making the general public fool.
Secondly, there have been several fake VPNs popping up in the marketplace. Such VPNs can easily misguide the users by giving away their sensitive information. It is imperative to keep in mind a few things while examining which VPN service is right for you and which is not. Some important features when choosing a VPN includes:
● Encryption
● Performance
● Ease of use
● Transparency
● Support
● Other features
But things just don't end here. When it comes to selecting a VPN to protect your privacy, do a thorough assessment before making a final decision. Here mentioned below are some other vital points that you must consider while picking up the best VPN as per your need.
1. Look for a VPN With a Good and Reliable Customer Service
One of the most critical factors of a VPN is that either a VPN provider offers a 24/7 customer service or not. VPNs change with time, and because of this, you can quickly contact someone who can help you whenever you're stuck at some point. It is recommended to opt VPNs that offer live-chat options because emails can take hours to get answered.
2. Make Sure It Has A Money-Back Guarantee
A money-back guarantee is a way to assure that you don't get stuck with a product or service you don't find suitable. If you have bought a VPN but later you find out that it is not the right one for you, getting out of it can be a big issue. Hence, always look for a VPN that offers a money-back guarantee within a particular time, so you don't remain obliged to stay with their contract.
3. Choose a VPN that Have a User-Friendly Interface
The interface and setup of most of the VPNs can be quite complicated. If you're not a tech-savvy person so it can get you in trouble. Hence find a VPN that offers a user-friendly platform and a simple process of connectivity. Some VPNs also provide virtual set up, and you never have to worry about getting stuck anywhere.
4. Make Sure All Important Locations are Covered
The number of locations and servers varies from VPN to VPN. If you are residing in a less developed country or even planning to travel there for some time., you will need a VPN that has servers in that particular location. For example, China is known for its restricted internet service, and using a VPN that can bypass its censorship and limitations is essential if you're going to live or even work there.
Secure Your Privacy with a VPN
When the internet started to become famous so, privacy and security weren't given much importance. In the beginning, it was a collective bunch of shared computers, usually at research and workplaces. Moreover, computing power was also limited, that any encryption can make things extremely complicated. More focus was on openness rather than defense.
In today's age, most of us have multiple devices that connect to the web that are more powerful than the computers of the early period. However, the internet has not made much progress from the fundamental improvements. Considering this, the only prominent advancement and development were of HTTPS.
It means that it is up to the individuals to protect themselves. Password managers and antivirus apps have gone a long way in keeping individuals safe. But, a VPN has proved to be a powerful tool that everyone should use for their security and privacy in today's global age.
Author's Bio:
Shigraf is a tech writer and editor at PrivacyCrypts, who has a passion for technology. She pours her passion for writing on topics regarding cybersecurity and AI. Follow her on twitter.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of sciencetimes.com
