VPNs are important, more so now than ever. They are the staple of online security and provide service to accommodate the average Joe on the internet. Although they are new to the individual market, the demand keeps rising. Why so? VPNs are new entrants to consumer security, even though the technology is decades old. But the surging need for vigilance and informed decisions has paved the way forward. VPN downloads are booming and many factors contribute.
Today’s article will analyze the increase in the number of downloads, backed by solid data, and the numerous reasons behind the adoption of VPNs by netizens. However, one needs to understand that VPN as a technology surrounds itself with networking and the internet (public communication channels). Hence, any impact on such an environment can drive the technology into an upward trend. Let us delve further into the topic to examine the cause behind the booming VPN downloads and the factors that push the change.
Explaining the recent VPN download surge
Not long ago, VPNs were unknown to the common public. Even the most privacy-conscious individual wouldn’t have had heard the term. However, it doesn’t mean that the tech was obscure. VPNs were and still are at the forefront of corporate network infrastructure. Businesses implement this technology in myriad ways to allow their remote workforce integration with a central authority. But it all changed gradually over the last five years or so.
This stemmed from the advent of cybercrime and concerning reports regarding government surveillance and giant tech corporations like Google and Yahoo misusing user data. Consequently, there was a distinct overnight demand for a solution, and VPN was the answer. Now, mind you, VPNs aren’t the only product that can alleviate privacy concerns over the internet. We had Tor, proxies, SOCKS5 protocol, and so on, all aiding users in securing their online lives. But for several reasons, these techs couldn’t get accepted into the mainstream. However, VPNs weren’t like them. The reason VPNs are so readily accepted is a story for another article.
But keep in mind that VPNs are now the mainstay in online security. We can find shocking evidence in numbers. Today, the global VPN market stands at approximately $29 billion. Many predict it to grow to over $90 billion in the next five years. Yet another statistical proof to supplement the blooming VPN downloads can be found within the VPN adoption index. It substantiates this technology grew popular over the last couple of years. Moreover, it is predicted to expand more as the number of downloads almost tripled in 2021 alone. The source of success of VPN lies in multiple factors. Some are within the control of the market, while others no one could have predicted.
What is the VPN adoption index?
VPN adoption index is a tool that lets users understand the trend around the globe. It faithfully tracks the number of VPN downloads globally and presents a statistical analysis. The result backed by numbers is hard evidence that supports the notion that VPNs are on the rise, vehemently rejecting that VPNs are dying. Although VPNs are over 25 years old, they are still prominent in the corporate sphere. Further, with the augment of individual VPNs, the industry is considered safe. However, it is also true that new replaces the old, and a few potential alternatives to VPNs are available on the market.
However, after you look at the VPN adoption index, you’d feel that VPNs may remain safe at the top for at least the next few years. According to the VAI, Qatar ranked first according to the percentage of the population to download VPN in 2021. More specifically, almost 69% of people in Qatar downloaded a VPN that year. A close second was the United Arab Emirates with 60%, and sitting comfortably in the third rank was Singapore with 49%. Conversely, Madagascar, Japan, and South Africa were amongst those who didn’t download much VPN according to their population.
What are the reasons behind booming VPN downloads?
Numerous explanations for the rapidly increasing number of VPN downloads exist. Such as:
Growth in internet usage
In the last decade or so, internet use has blown out of proportion, and the leading cause is the growth in mobile browsing. Since the internet has advanced and is now easily accessible, the surrounding tech like this one inadvertently got a boost. An increase in internet usage offset the never-before-seen increase in cybercrime and online surveillance. Thus, users felt the need for online protection, and VPNs came to the rescue.
Privacy is in fashion
Today, the average netizen is well-read and well-informed regarding the dangers of the web. Therefore, there is apprehension about data retention and surveillance. Privacy has never been in such a huge demand, and VPNs can help a user with their online privacy. Hence, those who are privacy-centric would employ a VPN to safeguard their digital well-being. Users also understand the need to remain anonymous on the web. Some high-pressure jobs require total privacy to ensure safety. Thus, they also contribute to the growth of VPNs.
Increase in the corporate remote workforce
Corporates around the globe employ VPNs to boost the remote workforce. It is cheaper and more efficient than having a permanent employee. Also, the WFH (Work From Home) trend has further influenced these organizations. Corporates use VPNs to connect remote workers to the central network. Doing so increases the efficiency of the worker and costs less. Thus, an increase in the corporate workforce also contributed to the blooming VPN market.
Post pandemic effect
The aftereffects of COVID-19 are still fresh in nearly every mind. The deadly pandemic has caused much harm to the economy and human resources. However, it also increased the reliance on VPNs. During the pandemic, no one could go to work. Everyone remained cooped up inside their houses, trying to work from home. However, most corporate jobs require privacy and data security. Thus, they had to employ this technology to ensure safety. Hence, we saw an unprecedented increase in VPN downloads in the mid and post COVID-19 eras.
Concerns regarding cybercrime and surveillance
Cybercrime has never been so sophisticated. Advancements in technology have also made them harder to spot and prevent. As a measure against potential threats, corporates and individuals alike employ VPNs to safeguard their online activities. Furthermore, the fact governments expanded online presence in the name of national security has also made users vary. A VPN is the best tool to counter-surveillance as it can hide your online activity. Hence, an increase in privacy invasion made VPN downloads start booming. Consequently, it turned it into the forerunner for anti-censorship.