VPNs are no longer something only used by the largest corporations. They are an essential for everyday, average internet users. I still hear the question “Why do I need a VPN service for my computer/tablet/phone” all the time. I’ll answer that question, and more, in this article.
Why do I need a VPN service?
In order to answer this question we’re going to have to look at what a VPN can do for you, follow this article for all of the details or read this quick summary:
A VPN secures your connection by using encryption technology that prevents theft of information while it is in transit between computers and servers, while also making the user anonymous due to their IP address being anonymized.
These two features do more than you may think. I’ll break them down, feature by feature, so that you know exactly why you need a VPN.
Browse the internet anonymously
The websites you visit will not be able to know where you are by tracking your VPN address. Don’t believe me? Check out this widget over on our main page that will show exactly where you are in the world…if you’re not using a VPN. It also knows what ISP you’re using, your browser and show a map saying ‘look, here you are!’
Pretty scary stuff when you think about, right?
A VPN service provider will make it so your IP address is masked by the server that the VPN is running through. You will be anonymous from the most malicious of hackers and spies – including those nosy NSA types!
Encrypt the connection to prevent spying
Ever have a funny feeling about someone at the local public WiFi hotspot? It is possible that this person was using a piece of spying software to look at your data! Man in the Middle hacks, and Fake WAPs are also a real concern as hackers can easily use software which shows them your information just as easily as you’re reading this article.
A good VPN service will allow you to take your protection with you anywhere. This makes surfing the web safe from the local coffee shop, restaurant, seedy bar or upscale clothing manufacture just as safe as one another from any mobile device. Have an iPhone or iPad? These VPNs work great in iOS.
If that ‘funny’ feeling’ you got was because of me, sorry, I’m not up to ‘no-good.’ I just scowl a lot when I’m working. 😉
Access content that is geo-restricted
Scenario: You’ve been faithfully watching videos on YouTube for years from your favorite YouTube star. You leave the USA and find, suddenly, that you can’t watch either anymore! Not every video on YouTube will be blocked, but many shows made in America restrict their online viewing due to copyright issues overseas. And it’s not just in countries like China and North Korea, there are major restrictions happening in Germany lately.
…But that’s not your problem if you have use one of our recommended geo-unblocking VPNs as it allows you to unlock geo-restricted material. The server doesn’t know you’re not in the USA anymore as you can now connect to a VPN server in the USA. Watch all of your favorite shows while you’re travelling without ever seeing a “Sorry, this video is not available in your country” warning again!
Get around internet censorship
More and more countries are imposing oppressive web censorship policies upon their people. This is happening in Egypt, Afghanistan, China, Cuba, Belarus, Syria, Saudi Arabia – and even the UK is enacting web censorship laws with more on the books.
See the internet as it was meant to be seen – uncensored and without blinders. The oldest adage of hardcore internet users is “Information wants to be free,” a VPN is you way to freely get the information you’re after.
A long rant on Internet privacy, human privacy and basic freedom that you are free to skip
This is something I’m going to go off on for a bit: I believe that privacy is a basic human right. This applies to when I’m sitting around my house naked on a Sunday afternoon with a bottle of very cheap wine watching soccer while my girlfriend dances to some silly pop songs, and it applies to when I’m online looking at whatever the hell I want.
Have I looked at websites that deal with bomb building? Yes. Do I spend lots of time reading about guns online? You bet. Do I watch online porn? HOURS. I’ve never built a bomb, I haven’t ever shot someone, and I’m not a sex addict.
I also watch war movies. I used to shoot a gun and plan on buying another. Believe it or not, I regularly have sex with my aforementioned girlfriend. I’m not going to start a war, I’m not going to shoot someone, and I’m not a sex addict.
Spying on what I do online is no better than putting a spy camera in my home to see what I’m doing. To see what I may do. The ‘I have nothing to hide’ defence doesn’t cut it, put a camera in every room of your home that I can control and record if you disagree.
A VPN service can free you from worrying about the reprehensible behavior of people who believe that watching you is an acceptable action.
Feature image Alexey%20Boldin%20/%20