What is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) gives you the privacy of the Internet and anonymity by creating a private network on a public Internet connection. VPNs hide your internet protocol (IP) address, so your online actions are almost undetectable. Most importantly, VPN services establish secure connections and encryption to provide greater privacy than a secured Wi-Fi hotspot.

What is the use of a VPN?

Browsing the web or creating an unsafe Wi-Fi network means you may disclose your personal information and browsing habits. That’s why a virtual private network, better known as a VPN, should be a must-have for anyone concerned about their online security and privacy.

Think of all the times you’ve been traveling, reading emails while queuing at a coffee shop, or checking your bank account while waiting at the doctor’s office. Unless you signed in to a private Wi-Fi hotspot that requires a password, any data transmitted during your internet access could be compromised by strangers using the same network.

Encryption and anonymity provided with a VPN help protect your online activities: sending emails, making online purchases, or paying bills. VPNs also help keep your web browsing anonymous.

How a VPN protects your IP address and privacy?

VPNs create a data tunnel between your local network and an outgoing node, thousands of miles away, making it look like you are somewhere else. This benefit allows for online freedom or the ability to access your favorite apps and websites while on the go.

Here’s a look at how the virtual private network works. VPNs use encryption to encrypt data when sent over a Wi-Fi network. Encryption makes data unreadable. Data security is especially important when using a public Wi-Fi network, as it prevents anyone else in the network from listening to your online activity.

There is another privacy side. Without a VPN, your Internet service provider may not know all of your browsing histories. With a VPN, your search history is hidden. That’s because your web activity will be associated with the IP address of the VPN server, not yours. A VPN service provider can have servers worldwide. That means your search activity may appear to be from any of them. Keep in mind that search engines also track your search history and associate that information with a unique IP address. Also, your VPN will keep your online activities private.

What does a VPN hide?

1. Your browsing history

It is no secret where you go online. Your Internet provider and your web browser can track almost everything you do online. Many of the websites you visit can also save history. Web browsers can track your search history and bind that information to your IP address.

Here are two examples of why you might want to keep your browsing history private. Maybe you have a medical condition and search the web for information about treatment options. Guess what? Without a VPN, you have automatically shared that information, and you may begin to receive targeted ads that may draw more attention to your situation.

Or maybe you want to charge for airline ticket prices next month. The tourist destinations you visit know you want tickets and can point out less expensive fares.

These are just a few examples. Remember that your Internet service provider may sell your browsing history. Even so-called private browsers may not be so secretive.Your IP address and location

2. Your IP address and location

Anyone who captures your IP address can access what you’ve been searching for online and where to find it when you search. Think of your IP address as the return address you can enter in the book. It leads back to your device.

Since a VPN uses an IP address that you do not own, it allows you to maintain your online privacy and search the web anonymously. You are also protected by collecting your search history, viewing, or sales. Remember, your search history is still be viewed if you use a public computer or provided by your employer, school, or other organization.

3. Your location for streaming

You can also pay for streaming services that allow you to watch things like tech games. When traveling abroad, the streaming service may not be available. There are good reasons for this, including the terms and conditions of the contract in other countries. However, a VPN will allow you to choose an IP address in your country. That may give you access to any event featured on your streaming service. You may also be able to avoid data or speed bumps.

4. Your devices

A VPN can help protect your devices, including a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, and smartphone, for eye scanning. Your devices can be a major target of cyber killers when you access the Internet, especially on a public Wi-Fi network. In short, a VPN is helpful5.

5. Your web activity 

Hopefully, you are not the person to be considered for government employment, but who knows. Remember, a VPN protects your Internet service provider from seeing your browsing history. Therefore, you are protected if a government agency asks your Internet service provider to provide you with records of your online activity. If you think your VPN provider does not include your browsing history (some VPN providers do), your VPN can help protect your internet freedom.