Apple has long been a game-changer in the industry. When it launched macOS, it revolutionized personal desktops. But the biggest win came from its mobile platform, iOS. The iOS forever changed how we look at mobile phones. It turned the device, which was invented to make communication more efficient, into a portable computer. And a pretty powerful one at that. Even though this change wasn’t instantaneous, the ramifications were legendary. Now, iOS is well known for its versatility and security. More so than its mobile counterpart, Android. Yet if you value your privacy, which I think you do, given that you are currently reading this, you may have asked yourself what more can you do to make your iOS device much more secure? Or maybe you have seldom wondered if you should use a VPN on iOS devices. My advice will be to get a VPN for your iOS device.
Over the years, dominant operating systems, like iOS, have gradually turned our mobile phones into smartphones. And we love them for it. Indeed, a smartphone is equally, if not more proficient, than a traditional computer; Especially when it can seamlessly connect to the internet without refraining user experience. Smartphones like iPhones and tablets(iPads) have contributed a lot to grow the internet user base over the decade. With time, we have realized that we can’t make do without our iPhones and iPads. iOS devices (iPhones, iPads) have become very important to us. Not only do they carry a plethora of information, but they have become a hub for connectivity. Now, apple guarantees that iOS is robust and secure. And I believe it to be so. However, if concerned, you can always look forward to using a VPN on iOS for a better safe, and secure experience.
VPN — Everything you need to know
Now, what is a VPN, and why do you need one on your iOS devices? In simpler terms, a VPN creates a tunnel between your iOS device and the rest of the web so that no one else can know what you do online. A VPN is a virtual and private network that lets you connect to the internet remotely via a VPN server. Not only that, but it also encrypts every bit of data that leaves your iOS device, making it very hard for anyone to intercept and steal it.
Do I really need a VPN on iOS? Doesn’t Apple ensures my iPhone’s safety? Yes, Apple provides end-to-end encryption on every iOS device, and that’s pretty secure in itself. But this leaves Apple in charge of your privacy and security. If you value your privacy and security, then I’m sure you are uncomfortable with the thought. A VPN adds several extra layers of security atop what comes out of the box, effectively making iOS a more secure option.
Why use a VPN, though? Admittedly, modern cellular communication is not prone to hacks due to high levels of encryption. Besides your ISP and government, it is hard for others to know what you do on your iPhone. But if you want to safeguard against snooping attempts from your ISP? Or if you do not like the government knowing what you do online in the privacy of your home. Other than that, many commercial entities are intrigued by what you do online. Your data is one of the hottest commodities on the planet. And it is your right to safeguard it. There is actually more to a VPN than anonymity and encryption; however, these are the fundamentals one has to consider if they value their online safety.
How a VPN works?
Using a VPN on iOS is very easy. On iOS, VPN works via an app. Though, one can also manually set up a VPN connection without any Apps if they would like to. However, I don’t recommend doing so as it is a hassle, and you won’t get to enjoy all the features a VPN entails.
First, select a VPN provider that suits your needs. There are a lot of providers out there, so you won’t have trouble finding one. Just remember not to trust any of those ‘Free’ VPNs, and you will do fine. If you need to know the best ones, you can check our article on the best VPNs for iOS.
You have to know that even when your iPhone is idle but connected to the internet, it will constantly send and receive data. This traffic without a VPN is prone to interception. When you hit the connect button on your iOS, the VPN app starts to encrypt your data. It then sends the data to a remote server, effectively bypassing censorship/geo-restrictions placed by region, ISP, or government. The server receives the data and decrypts it before sending it to its destination on the net. Even if someone wants to track this data, they will find the location of that particular server. Thus, a VPN
- First, encrypts every bit of data going out of your iOS device.
- It then sends the data to a remote server, bypassing restrictions.
- The remote server decrypts the data and forwards it onto the net to a particular website/address.
- After that, it retrieves the response from the website and encrypts the data before sending it back to the VPN app on your iPhone.
- Your VPN app decrypts this data for your understanding.
Do I need a VPN on iOS?
Honestly, you do. VPNs don’t really have a downside, especially when it comes to your personal security and privacy. As mentioned above, Apple does ensure that an iOS device has good security, but is it enough for you? Other than encryption and location spoofing, a VPN has many benefits. Some of which even transcends what a VPN was meant to do. I will discuss the various benefits of using a VPN on iOS in the following segment.
Benefits of using a VPN on iOS
A VPN not only ensures your online privacy but also keeps your data safe from the prying eyes of others. Certainly, iOS is already much more securer than any other mobile platform out there (cough, Android). However, you must employ a VPN to cover the loopholes in Apple’s policies.
We have already learned how a VPN works and what it is capable of. In today’s atmosphere where data is treated as a commodity, and crimes often taking place online, it makes one feel safe with a capable VPN.
There are some things one should pay attention to before they opt for a VPN, nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the detriments. Some such benefits of a VPN on iOS are that it
Keeps you Anonymous
Privacy is valuable. VPNs are centered around the concept of privacy. Without a VPN, your location and even your identity have a risk of exposure. It is due to your IP address. It is a unique key that can, if used, identify you. A VPN hides your IP by spoofing it over a remote server, which can be miles away from your exact location. As such, it makes it a lot harder to track you.
Why be anonymous. Of course, many people don’t engage in shady stuff over the internet. But even the general folks shall pay attention to their privacy. Even when you are simply browsing the net, you exhibit a distinct pattern that can be used as a base to make targeted adverts. Your online activity can even allow others to manipulate your ideals subtly. Or they can create a database of similar people to direct real-world activities such as polls. There is no shortage of commercial bigwigs who openly or covertly use and or even sell your data for gain. Reputed companies like Facebook, Google, and Twitter engage in collecting and sharing your personal information too. You may not know, but this data can be valuable to others. From market research to simple phishing scams, don’t let your data get into the hands of others.
A VPN can effectively save you from all of this by ensuring you remain anonymous on the web. Due to the way a VPN works, it is almost impossible for anyone to track you down. Thus, make sure to be safe on the internet and do take your privacy seriously.
Protects against attacks and intercepts attempts from Everyone
With a VPN, any data that leaves your iOS is encrypted. It makes it harder for anyone to internet it. A VPN effectively shields your device from malicious attacks that target your data. With a VPN in play, a tracker, even if it somehow got access to your device, won’t be able to get anything. Even when someone tries to monitor your data traffic, all they will see is a series of encrypted data packets. A VPN does all this by basically making your device connect to a so-called tunnel, which is impenetrable. Prying eyes can’t get a hold of your data as it gets routed through encrypted servers, which ensures your connection’s safety.
It is imminent that you keep your data secure. Nowadays, there isn’t a shortage of people who are keenly interested in knowing what you do online. They have a vested interest in your internet traffic. Disregarding criminals, even your government is interested in what you do online. There are various reasons for it, which I won’t be getting into now.
A VPN is the best tool at your disposal that can impact such malicious activities. The end-to-end encryption doubled with a plethora of servers makes it virtually impossible for anyone to steal your data. Unless there is a problem on the VPN’s end, using one is a very safe decision if you are concerned about your security.
Allows you to overcome censorship
Many countries censor the internet, or they try to. Russia, China, Iraq, Egypt, N. Korea are just a few that comes to mind. Not only do they censor foreign content and websites, but also news and social media. If you are traveling to such a country or a resident there, a VPN might be your only way to combat censorship. We do not recommend going against local authorities. Still, if you want to safeguard your fundamental freedom, a VPN is the only way forward.
As we know, a VPN allows the user to access the internet from a remote location. When using a VPN, you can easily choose a server in a country that doesn’t block what you want to access. Doing so will allow you to view the desired content, effectively bypassing censorship alongside.
Bypasses Geo-restrictions
It is the benefit that ignited a craze for VPN amongst general users. Many people use VPNs to unlock content on the internet that is otherwise blocked. A VPN can and is used to bypass certain geo-restrictions placed on content by region, ISP, or even the government. It is feasible only because a VPN can allow you to select a server located in a region that effectively bypasses the restrictions placed around it.
It has become a salient feature of VPNs. As such, those who fail to meet specific standards are disregarded by the consumers. VPNs even try and make themselves much inclined towards being able to unblock foreign content. Some even have dedicated servers for this.
Makes a public Wi-Fi safe
Lastly, the real danger an iOS device face is when it connects to public Wi-Fi. Well, we all love free things, especially Wi-Fi, but we have to consider the risks associated with it. It is easy to target a user on public Wi-Fi. As it is an unsecured network, we don’t know who is on it, snooping around. Malicious individuals make use of public Wi-Fi networks to try and breach the devices of unsuspecting people. Free Wi-Fi is also a hotbed of malware. We have an article related to the safety of public Wi-Fi and how to remedy it. Those who are interested in knowing in detail the threat of public Wi-Fi can check it.
However, no matter the risks, a VPN is a fail-safe to combating public Wi-Fi threats.
Things to keep in mind before using a VPN on iOS
First and foremost, always remember that a VPN DOES NOT MAKE YOU INVINCIBLE. It is an advanced tool that makes your security and privacy almost impenetrable. Almost.
For general users, though, a Tier 1 VPN is more than enough. Remember, a VPN doesn’t condone crime. It ensures your online safety. There are a few things you should consider before you decide on VPNs.
Potential of slower speed
Since VPN involves encryption and routing of data traffic through a remote server, it can be considerably slower than your native speed. A VPN’s connection speed depends on the server. Factors such as server crowd, Bandwidth limit, Latency, amongst others, decide your connection speed. However, not all VPNs are slow. You shall opt for a Tier 1 VPN to ensure consistent speed.
Not complete anonymity
There are actually several methods a determined party can find you online. And sadly, a VPN offers no way around it. The most common example is using Google Maps. As the map needs GPS to function, it can provide google your real-time location, despite having a VPN active on your iOS. One of the most advanced methods is browser fingerprinting. This method renders our VPN useless, as it examines your settings and flags you differently than other users.
Take into account the encryption level and server density
Before you select a VPN for your iOS, research what level of encryption does it offer. The market standard is AES 256. Other than good encryption, you need to know about the servers a VPN provider offers. Not all VPNs own the servers they list. Most opt to rent one. Those who do own each server on their list offer the best service. They are known as Tier 1 VPNs. Other than the number of servers, you need to know the density across the globe. Some VPNs offer thousands of VPN in a single country, and at the same time, they do not have a single one in a whole continent.
No VPN without a No-Logs Policy
The most important point to consider is a No-Log policy. VPNs hide you from everyone else on the web, but at the same time are capable of knowing everything you do. Which kinds of making the whole point moot. The only way around it is the No-Logs policy of a VPN.
No-Logs ensure that a VPN doesn’t log your online activity with itself. A good VPN will have a transparent No-Logs policy with an independent audit.
Conclusion
You will not be a sitting duck without VPNs, but with a VPN, you won’t be invincible either. It all comes down to your preferences and needs. If up to me, I’d always say bet on the safe side. VPNs do not really have a glaring detriment. On the plus side, it has benefits that suit various types of users. So saying yes to VPN on your iOS may not be such a sad thing.