According to a 2020 report, cybercriminals cost the world a collective cost of more than one trillion dollars last year. This ends up totaling around 1% of the world’s GDP.
If that sounds like a lot, the unfortunate reality is that experts believe that number will grow. By 2025, it could be more than ten times that.
Whether you own a business or use the internet as an individual, cybersecurity should be a priority.
A virtual private network can help you stay safe while online. What is a VPN? Today we’re going to answer that exact question.
Read on to learn all about how a virtual provider network works to make your life safer and more secure.
What Is a VPN?
A virtual private network or VPN is a service that works to help you secure your internet connection. VPNs allow you to connect to encrypted and remote servers. While you’re connected to a VPN, all of your information also becomes encrypted.
That prevents everyone from your employer to your internet provider from seeing what you’re doing.
On top of protecting your information, VPN providers also mask your IP address, providing you with a VPN number that takes its place. This provides you with both security and privacy.
Why Should You Use One?
So what makes using a virtual private network worth it? If you’re only a small business owner or someone who uses the internet for personal reasons, why is investing in a VPN a good idea?
Let’s take a look at a few of the major benefits.
Security
As mentioned, VPNs help ensure that you stay safe while using the internet. All the data you access and put out first passes through an encrypted tunnel. This prevents anyone from spying on what you’re doing, including your internet service provider or ISP.
Whether you’re sharing important files or photos online or just plan on watching movies online one afternoon, you can never be too careful. Give yourself the peace of mind that goes with using a VPN.
You Stay Anonymous
Besides providing you with the security to browse the internet without fear, VPNs also ensure that everything you do stays anonymous.
Because you’re browsing the internet through a remote server, everything you do registers as being at that location. This ensures that both your location and identity remain private.
When these two things are safe, you don’t have to worry about cybercriminals stealing your information. Even if you stumble upon a dangerous website or file, hackers won’t be able to do anything. Your VPN guards you against their attacks.
Access to Restricted Materials
If you’re a Netflix user, you might’ve realized that many countries have TV shows and movies that others do not. These sorts of geographic limitations can be frustrating, and not just for people trying to stream videos.
Luckily, VPNs can help you access material that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to touch.
When you connect to a remote server, you trick your internet connection into thinking you’re at that place. For example, if you’re in China trying to bypass the Great Firewall, you can connect to a server in Japan.
You’re can then access all of the websites and files that someone in Japan can see.
Safety When in Public
As long as you have a solid password, you don’t have to worry too much about someone hacking into your home WiFi. That’s not the case when you use unsecured networks in public.
Coffee shops and airports are two locations where cybercriminals often sit and wait. They know that large crowds of people travel to those spots with the specific intention of connecting to the internet.
Using a VPN allows you to use the internet however you need to without having to worry about someone stealing your information.
How to Use a VPN
So if a VPN sounds like something you’re interested in, how do you get started with it? The truth is that it’s easier than you may realize.
Find a VPN Provider
The thing you’ll want to spend the most time doing is finding the right VPN provider. Given the variety of options available, this can be tricky to do.
Try to find a balance between price and features. You want to stay protected across all of your devices, but you also don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on features you won’t use.
We recommend checking out this site to find the perfect VPN: Alwaysvpn.com.
Download the Files
Most VPNs allow you to connect across multiple devices. Once you decide on a provider and purchase a plan, get to work downloading the files.
Do this on the VPN website on your computer, and from the app store on your phone or tablet. After that, log into your account.
Connect
Most VPNs make it easy to connect. You should see a giant Connect button along with a list of servers. Choose one of the recommended servers, tap the button, and you should be all set.
Enjoy Everything a Virtual Private Network Can Provide You
As the tools cybercriminals use become more and more diverse, cybersecurity can quickly become a thing of the past. To ensure that you stay protected while surfing the web, it’s a good idea to invest in a VPN provider.
What is a VPN? As this guide explains, it’s one of the best ways to protect your security and privacy while you’re connected to the internet.
Are you looking to learn more about virtual private networks and other tech topics? If so, make sure to check out the rest of our site for more great content.
