A VPN hides your IP address, gives you online anonymity and privacy by building a secure and private network from a public internet connection.
Online streaming and browsing are ways of leaving digital prints and exposing your data online. The websites you visit can store your browsing history, cookies, and cached data while your IP address is exposed to your ISP, government agencies, scammers, and in some cases threat actors.
SEE: Best legaL, free online streaming sites for movies & TV shows
To curb surveillance activities, privacy advocates suggest the use of VPN software. A VPN or Virtual private network hides your IP address, gives you online anonymity and privacy by building a secure and private network from a public internet connection.
Advantage of VPN software
A VPN also masks the geo-location of users. It is worth noting that VPN should be an essential part of our online lives especially if you are a journalist, online publisher, whistleblower, steaming content online, or just a common internet user.
Although not advised; for those streaming live content online, VPN is a necessity as well since the majority of the streaming devices use third-party apps which are unofficial or stream unlicensed content.
Another advantage of using a VPN is that if you use Netflix the streaming giant restricts content based on one’s location. The same goes for Firesticks from Amazon that stream movies, TV shows, music, sports, and more.
However, you can use a free VPN for Firestick or a premium VPN for Firestick and bypass Geo-location-related restrictions.
Better Protection on Public Networks
We all enjoy using free Wi-Fi in parks, hotels, cafes, etc. However, such connections pose huge threats to your security as they are most insecure. They are also a haven for hackers, who, apart from hacking into your insecure connection, can also set up fake hotspots (honeypots) to lure you into connecting.
From there, they can easily steal your data or even infect you with malware. Connecting to a VPN represses this danger as the VPN creates a secure tunnel that can’t be intercepted. This way, you can browse securely.
Circumvent Censorship
Some governments impose tough internet censorship that restricts users from accessing certain websites and services. For example, you can’t use Skype or WhatsApp to call in the UAE or use Gmail and other Google services in mainland China.
If you have traveled to such a country, you can use a VPN to spoof your location. The same also applies to ISP blocking in other countries, e.g., torrent sites in Australia. However, you will also need to choose your VPN carefully as governments with tough censorship also block traffic from most VPNs.
Takeaway
To sum up, you can use a VPN to prevent exposure to personal data and secure your information. And, this technology really achieves this desired security if you prefer to use it in the right way and through the right providers. You become sure that you choose high-quality, reliable, and well-known technology company for VPN service.
Do not forget to check whether they present the options changing log-recording options, assign you the authority to change user access details and VPN activity report when you ask for it. Also, you should search the company’s references and user comments on the web to avoid any potential problems and misconduct.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Do like our page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.