More and more, Internet users are installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on their browsing device. A VPN encrypts the connection between your computer or mobile device and your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to prevent the ISP from tracking your moves on the web.
Benefits of a VPN
Not everyone needs a VPN but it’s a helpful item to have if you want to enjoy a more secure and private browsing experience. VPNs are especially useful when you’re using a public WiFi network and want to ensure that others who are using the same network can’t access your information. When you’re traveling, the VPN can help you access services (like Facebook in countries that ban the platform).
For students and remote workers a VPN adds an extra layer of security so you don’t have to worry about predators watching your move as you access internal company resources and networks. If you want to advocate for a cause anonymously and don’t want your activism to be traced back to you, a VPN is a helpful tool.
Choosing Your VPN
Online Red Stag casino players, video gamers, and viewers of streaming content often use a VPN connection so that they can mask their current IP address and change their location so that they can access region-locked content.
If, for instance, you’re a Netflix viewer and you are currently in Spain but want to watch American Netflix, you can use a VPN to access the American Netflix menu. Or if you’re in a country that doesn’t support offshore casino gambling but you want to play real money games online, you can use a VPN to sign into an offshore casino and play casino games online.
VPNs can improve your Internet connection and speed. They can also save you money because you can get top prices from eCommerce platforms and online shops which set prices according to the location in which they believe that you are located (many e-commerce sites offer different prices to people in different regions). All your communications are encrypted when you use a VPN for an extra layer of Internet privacy.
When you choose a VPN, you should be looking for a VPN that has good reviews for speed, security protocols, privacy policies, compatibility with multiple platforms and devices and good customer support. There are dozens of VPNs on the market so do your research before you make a purchase. A VPN monthly plan can cost anywhere from $5 to $10, depending on the VPN that you choose and the plan length that you select.
Cheaper isn’t necessarily better. Choose a plan with:
- plenty of fast servers and unlimited bandwidth for top speeds,
- an industry standard 256-bit AES encryption for top security protocols,
- a strict no-logs policy to ensure that the company isn’t storing your data (which can then, potentially, be shared with third parties),
- allowance for several simultaneous connection that will provide protection to all of your devices,
- a 24/7, easily-accessible, support line.
Additional Tips
When you’re choosing the VPN that you want to download, choose a premium VPN. In addition to the features listed above, a premium VPN give you access to more server locations without any bandwidth or speed limits. In addition, if your main concern is privacy, choose the VPN that features the strongest encryptions and the most robust security features. Read the online reviews of the various VPNs to make sure that you get the VPN that best suits your needs.
How to Download a VPN
Once you’ve chosen a reliable VPN provider that provides the features that you need and want, subscribe to the plan that best suits your needs (remember, the longer your plan, the cheaper it will be per month). NEVER go to the website through an email link but rather, only by typing the provider’s web address in your browser’s web address bar (the email link may be a scam and may cause you to download a virus or malware).
Download the VPN app and activate the app. Do this on every device on which you intend to surf via the VPN.
More Tips for Staying Safe on the Internet
A VPN, in itself, won’t keep you safe when you’re on the Internet. There are a number of steps that you can take to safeguard your Internet presence including:
- Keep your anti-virus up-to-date on all your devices.
- Never shop (and expose your credit card) when you’re on a public WiFi network.
- Never click on an email link unless you’re absolutely sure that you know where it came from.
- Only shop at websites with “HTTPS” in the web address.
- Monitor your credit and debit card statements.
- Keep your browser updated.
