At LaptopMd we’ve covered security in depth on our blog. Today we want to talk about a hot topic – Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs. Once upon a time VPNs were only for businesses or security experts.
Nowadays, with the rise of censorship, tracking, and internet hacking, VPNs are something casual users are considering, and that’s probably a good idea.
It’s pretty easy to get a VPN app from the Microsoft, Google, or Apple store and install it with a few clicks on a button. Typically only basic configuration is needed. You no longer have to be a security expert to protect your right to privacy.
As you can see from this popular VPN website, VPNs aren’t extremely expensive either. In fact, you can get a pretty robust VPN with strong encryption for as low as the cost of two coffees a month.
Here are five reasons why you probably should be using a VPN:
Device Protection
How many times have you logged onto wi-fi at a coffee shop, store, or airport to take advantage of the free connection? It’s easier than you think for a malicious hacker to sniff out your information, or even fool you into connecting to a fake site, giving them the ability to download malware straight to your computer or phone.
VPN tunnels send data from a server straight to your phone; all data is encrypted. That means that even if you are on an unsafe network, hackers won’t be able to interfere, or even see what you’re doing.
Evade Tracking
VPNs direct all of your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. You have the option to choose a server in any location, and choose a different IP. This can be useful if you need to access sites at work or school when the network is severely restricted, blocking various sites, but accessing these sites will enhance your studies or work.
Avoid Being a Commodity
Did you know that internet service providers can now collect and sell your data as they would like? Every time you log online, every move you make is tracked, and monetized. Congratulations, to advertisers, you, as a person are now a product.
Advertisers buy your internet history so they can analyze what sites you visit, where you currently shop, what your interests are and more so that they can make their advertisements more appealing to you.
Actually, more people may be interested in what you are doing online than you think – social media sites, and yes, hackers. A VPN protects you from becoming a product that can be sold.
Access Geoblocked Content
Unfortunately, not all countries are afforded the same privileges as we have in the US. Some countries in the world are subject to censorship or a government controlling what you see online. If you are visiting one of these countries, a VPN will bypass content restrictions so you can access simple streaming services like Netflix and YouTube or your religious or political readings.
Privacy is a Right, not a Privilege
New Yorkers can’t go anywhere without being caught on surveillance camera. We’re followed and watched by advertisers, cell networks and tracked by social media sites and our ISPs. If you believe that privacy is a right, not a privilege, look into a VPN. You don’t have to be doing anything wrong to be spied on.
Your life is not for sale, so you should stop companies from profiting off of it without your permission.
If you’re interested in network security, or internet security, talk to one of our techs today and we’ll be happy to help. We remove Viruses, Malware, do data recovery and love to talk tech in general.