Are you aware that more than 83% of people in the UK are so scared that their private information can be stolen when using public Wi-Fi…but only about 16% do something to help prevent such from happening. Surfing the Web or transacting, using an unsecured Wi-Fi network means your private information and anonymity is placed at risk. That is the reason a virtual private network, which is better known as a VPN, is very compulsory for anyone worried about their online security and privacy. It does not matter if you are connecting to free wifi hotspots for pleasure or while travelling for business keeping your private information safe on public networks is very necessary. [1]
What Is a VPN?
A VPN which is known as l virtual private network enables online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public Internet connection. VPNs covers and secures your Internet protocol (IP) address in such a way that your online actions are virtually untraceable. Most importantly, VPN services establish secure and encrypted connections, which is guaranteed to providing greater privacy than even a secured Wi-Fi hotspot can provide. [2]
The reason You Need a VPN: Take your mind back to all the times you have been on the go, reading emails while in line at the coffee shop, or checking your bank account while waiting at the doctor’s office. Except you were logged into a private Wi-Fi network that required a password, any other data transmitted during your online session was likely vulnerable to eavesdropping by strangers who are also using the same network.The encryption and anonymity that a VPN provides protects all of your online activities including sending emails, shopping online, or paying bills. VPNs also help keep your Web browsing anonymous. Security VPNs essentially create a data tunnel between your local network and an exit node in another location, which could be thousands of miles away, making it seem as if you are in another place. This benefit makes VPNs a valuable product for people who live in countries that censor access to specific websites. It will also give you access to continue enjoying your favorite applications and websites from anywhere around the world, as if you were at home.
How to Choose a VPN: The most reliable way to stay secure when using public Wi-Fi is to use a VPN solution, like Norton WiFi Privacy. Here are some questions to ask when you’re choosing a VPN provider.
Do they respect your privacy?
The point of using a VPN is to protect your privacy, so it is crucial that your VPN provider respects your privacy, too. They should have a no-log policy, which means that they never track or log your online activities.
Do they run the most current protocol? OpenVPN is capable of providing stronger security than other protocols, such as PPTP.
Do they set data limits?
Depending on your Internet usage, bandwidth may be a large deciding factor for you. Make sure their services match your needs by checking to see if you’ll get full, unmetered bandwidth without data limits. Remember, some packages may not cost you money, but you’ll be subjected to frequent advertisements instead.
Where are the servers located?
Always choose which server locations are most important to you. If you want to appear as if you’re accessing the Web from a certain locale, make sure there is a server in that country.
Will you be able to set up VPN access on multiple devices?
If you happen to be an average consumer, you should use between three and five devices. Ideally, you would be able to use the VPN on all of them at the same time.
What happens if the VPN goes down?
Always be sure that your provider implements a kill switch system in the event of failure. This means that if something goes wrong, your connection would automatically be locked down and would not default to an unsecured Internet connection. There are many points to consider when you’re choosing a VPN provider, so do your homework to make sure you’re getting the best fit for your needs. Regardless of which provider you choose, rest assured that any good VPN will provide far more privacy and anonymity online than any public Wi-Fi hotspot ever could.
