Using a VPN hides your IP address and routes your traffic through a separate server, making your online experience much safer. A VPN could be useful in the following situations:
When using public Wi-Fi
A VPN is recommended when using a public Wi-Fi network, even if it is password-protected. If a hacker is on the same Wi-Fi network as you, they can easily eavesdrop on your data. The basic security provided by the average public Wi-Fi network does not provide robust protection from other network users.
Using a VPN adds an extra layer of security to your data by bypassing the ISP of public Wi-Fi and encrypting all communication.
When you are travelling
If you are visiting a foreign country, such as China, where sites such as Facebook are blocked, a VPN can help you access services that are not available in that country.
The VPN will frequently enable you to use streaming services that you have paid for and have access to in your home country but are not available in another due to international rights issues. You can use the service as if you were at home by using a VPN. Travelers who use a VPN may also be able to find cheaper airfare because prices vary by region.
When you are working remotely
This is especially important in the post-COVID world, where many people work from home. For security reasons, employers frequently require the use of a VPN to access company services remotely. When you are not in the office, a VPN that connects to your office’s server can provide you with access to internal company networks and resources. It can also do the same for your home network while you are away.
When you just want some privacy
Even if you are using the internet in the comfort of your own home, using a VPN is a good idea. When you visit a website, the server that you connect to logs your IP address and associates it with all the other information the site can learn about you, such as your browsing habits, what you click on, and how long you spend looking at a specific page. They can sell this information to advertising companies, who will use it to tailor advertisements to you specifically. This is why ads on the internet can feel strangely personal at times: they are. Even if your location services are turned off, your IP address can be used to track your location. Using a VPN prevents you from leaving digital footprints. Don’t forget about your mobile devices. They, too, have IP addresses, and you probably use them in more places than your home computer, including public Wi-Fi hotspots. When connecting to a network that you do not fully trust, it is best to use a VPN on your mobile device.
