This is not the first time a form of technology gets unparalleled attention. Be it the marketing scheme or an actual value for money product, potential users are always nervous when trying newer tech. “Will it deliver on the promises, or will it disappoint?” This sentiment resonates with us. It is familiar to numerous VPN users out there who worry about how a VPN can help them. People who have employed a VPN and have been satisfied will always advocate the plethora of benefits the technology brings.
Contrariwise, skeptics and cynics will try to pull it down from the altar. The unceasing debate doesn’t help anyone, especially the potential users. That is why we have brought an article on ways a VPN can help today. This article will highlight a few proven benefits of a VPN, and we will let the readers decide whether a VPN is their cup of tea or not.
Disclaimer — The article represents the subjective views of the writer and doesn’t advocate the usage of VPN against norms. We do not endorse a VPN when it is explicitly against policy. Furthermore, the article does not condone VPNs for illegal activities. Yes, VPNs can be helpful, but some of their uses need user discretion.
Can a VPN help me?
The question of the hour is whether a VPN can help or not. To be honest, yes, a VPN helps a lot, especially when it comes to your online health. However, that’s not all. A VPN is a technology that creates a virtual and private network over any public communication. It utilizes security protocols and creates virtual tunnels based on their policies. The tunnel is at the core of a VPN service. It provides security against any possible intrusion by encrypting the data traffic. It further ensures the anonymity of the client by accessing the internet remotely via servers.
Due to such capabilities, a VPN is not only a favorite of consumers but is also dominant in the corporate sector. It is a tech that has passed the test of times. Certain VPN practices are as old as the internet itself, if not much older. Despite being a versatile addendum to the world of information technology, the sad fact is that many doubt the existence of VPNs. Not the reliability but effectiveness. This uncertainty can lead to a fallout amongst potential users. Thus, we will broach the topic of the usefulness of a VPN today and try to determine how a VPN can help.
How can a VPN help?
A VPN is a multifaceted concept, especially today when internet surveillance and cybercrime have attained new heights. Thus, we will look at the numerous factual and proven benefits a VPN can bring to the table. Before we do, let us remind you that VPN use sometimes requires user discretion. Therefore, we advise you to proceed cautiously.
Online security and privacy
The rudimentary utility of the VPN service lies in the health of our online activities. A VPN can effortlessly provide top-notch encryption that can aid against prying eyes. Additionally, it can help you remain hidden in the background while communicating over a public network. Many high-risk jobs love VPNs for their security. It prevents data leaks and renders any interception useless. Although true anonymity is a myth, using a VPN can certainly help your privacy. Certain technologies cater to the privacy of a user, like the SOCKS5 proxy or the private browsers. Using a VPN on top of such technology will boost its effectiveness.
Stream geo-blocked content
Before proceeding further, we would like to remind readers that certain blocks exist for our sake. Attempting to bypass such blocks won’t only be drastic but also illegal. We promote the usage of VPNs within the confines of the law. Having said that, some blocks, namely the geo-restrictions placed on streaming services, can be easily bypassed by VPNs. The most popular usage of the VPN is to stream geo-restricted content.
Secure public network/Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is a hotbed of malware, unsafe, and full of malicious intent. Using public wireless networks renders your device vulnerable to external extremities. However, with a VPN in place, you need not worry. VPNs can sufficiently encrypt the data traffic passing through the public Wi-Fi, invalidating any malicious person looking for a target. Since your data will appear incomprehensible to anyone intercepting it, the chances for further intrusion will lessen.
Safety from ad trackers
Since a VPN can easily encrypt data traffic, target marketers won’t have any data to mine. As a result, you won’t have to deal with any trackers. Similarly, in the case of remote access, the server will communicate on your behalf. Thus, the exit point privy to trackers will be the said server, behind which you can remain hidden from the intrusion of forced ads.
Avoid data throttling
Be it your ISP or any authority that can monitor your data traffic, they will at one point attempt to throttle your data. The practice is prevalent in the industry in a bid to save costs. However, users are at the losing end of this arrangement. Thankfully, a VPN can help you prevent data throttling by spoofing your public IP address. It can also hide your data traffic, rendering the ISP incapable of monitoring and subsequent throttling.
Geolocation spoofing
A VPN can not only hide your actual IP address but also spoof your location by changing it. It can undoubtedly be helpful at times. However, do not use this for illegal purposes. Hiding and spoofing your IP can also allow you to enjoy certain games like Pokémon Go that rely on IP location and GPS.
Safe and anonymous torrenting
Many people love torrents and the P2P model of file sharing, yet it’s an activity fraught with idiosyncrasies. At times, it is legal, and otherwise, it can be against the law. Honestly, we recommend our readers adopt a healthy online habit. But for those curious ones, yes, a VPN can allow you to torrent safely and nearly anonymously.
Avoid government censorship
Certain governments love to censor the media. As a result, many users remain oblivious to some changes. If you want to challenge censorship, a VPN can be the technology of your dreams. Alternatively, if you are an avid activist that wants to overcome censorship, VPNs are the way to go. Beware, though. Some censors are there for the sake of public order, and circumventing them can lead to legal trouble. We recommend users practice discretion when attempting to circumvent such blocks.
Access VoIP without constraints
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a revolutionary technology. It has changed the demographic of the cellular user base. However, many ISPs impose hidden bandwidth limitations on the service. If you love VoIP and do not want to experience a lagging service, VPNs may be the answer for you. By encrypting the data traffic, VPN can hide your VoIP usage and prevent throttling.
Access secure networks
VPNs are known to bypass firewalls. If you are at school or office, you may encounter limited internet. VPNs can be your way out to sidestep the limitations placed on the network. However, we have to implore readers to ensure doing so won’t jeopardize the rules. Some network administrators ban VPNs. If you can use one, a VPN allows you to circumvent firewalls effortlessly and fully enjoy network access without worries.
Online safety on the go
Users have long since shifted to mobile architecture. Today, billions of users employ their smartphones to surf the internet. Doing so can pose the same risks as on the desktop. However, VPNs have already evolved into providing services to smart devices, allowing you to enjoy equivalent security and privacy on the move. There are world-class VPNs that provide multiple support for multiple platforms and software exclusive to certain operating systems. Mind you, these VPNs are not proxy servers but genuine services.