You’ve probably heard of VPNs, so what are they and why should you use one?

Protecting yourself and your data online has never been more important, and there’s an easy and cheap way you can do so.

Virtual private networks operate as a sort of camouflage for your internet by connecting your device over the internet to a server than can then be used to access the rest of the internet at large, making it look like it’s this server and not you that’s doing the browsing.

While VPNs are often used for nefarious reasons, ranging from the technically illegal to treason, there are also plenty of legitimate reasons you may want to use one, most notably privacy and security.

You can use a VPN to maintain privacy and security online.

PRIVACY

Because VPNs connect you to the internet through another server, they can conceal your location, data, and online activity.

Let’s say you connect to a VPN in Hong Kong for instance, as far as the rest of the internet is concerned, that will be where you’re located.

In addition, VPN connections are often encrypted, meaning any intercepted messages won’t be able to be read by anyone other than the intended recipient.

VPNs also conceal your browsing activity and other online action from your internet service provider, which since 2017 have been required by law to give the government access to your metadata.

Using a VPN can make your internet connection more private and secure.

SECURITY

Another reason to use a VPN is to keep yourself, your devices, and your data secure.

This is especially important when using public networks, such as the free Wi-Fi at a cafe or elsewhere, where other people on the same network could see what you’re doing.

VPNs are also commonly used for business travellers, who can use a VPN to access files on their workplace networks without exposing these sensitive documents to the internet at large.

But VPN security is only as strong as your VPN, and there have been instances in the past where hackers have targeted VPN providers.

Recently one of the largest providers, NordVPN, confirmed that it had been hacked in March of last year, when one of their data centres in Finland was breached.

CHOOSING A VPN

If you do decide to use a VPN there are a number of factors you should consider. While you might be tempted by a free service online, like many things in life, with a VPN you get what you pay for. If you actually want to keep your privacy and security intact, you’ll need to lay down a few dollars every month to pay for a proper VPN.

Other factors to consider are the speed of a VPN and its location. Slow servers will hinder your experience while VPNs in some countries will prevent you from accessing some content and could also put you at risk of data collection by foreign governments.