06/12/2021

How a VPN Protects Your IP Address and Privacy

VPNs essentially create a data tunnel between your local network and an exit node in another location, which may be thousands of miles away, making it seem like you are in another location. This benefit allows online freedom or the ability to access your favourite apps and websites on the go.

Here is a closer look at how a virtual private network works. VPNs use encryption to scramble 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 from listening to your internet activity.

What is a VPN used for?


A virtual private network significantly boosts your online privacy and security. Thanks to its encryption, third parties cannot spy on your online activity. Even your internet service provider cannot see what you do online. A VPN also allows you to overcome internet censorship. All your traffic is routed through a remote server, so you can access websites restricted in your country. 

What is a VPN used for

Here are five cases when you definitely need a VPN.

1: you want to secure your online data. You need an extra layer of protection when you’re online. Not all websites use HTTPS, a secure communication protocol where S stands for secure. If you’re visiting a website without HTTPS, the data you send or receive can be stolen by cybercriminals or other third parties. Unsecure apps also leak your data. But how do you know if the app you’re using is secure? You don’t. Apps are black boxes, and it’s anyone's guess if they follow the best cybersecurity practices. Since a VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, you don’t need to worry about unsecured websites or apps. That extra layer of encryption makes sure your online data is safe.

2: you want to access blocked websites. If you want to use Youtube in China, VPN Unlimited is the answer. It changes your IP address and redirects your internet traffic through a remote server, letting you browse under the cover of its IP and access blocked websites. Similarly, VPN lets you stay at home — at least virtually — even when you’re travelling. You won’t miss your favourite content when you’re abroad. 

3: you often use unsecured connections Public Wi-Fi is inherently insecure. If you spend a lot of time on public hotspots — in hotels, airports, or coffee shops — VPN protection is a must. Without it, a cybercriminal can use many methods to spy on your internet traffic, steal your data, or inject malware into your device. When on public Wi-Fi, VPN must always be on.

4: you want to avoid unlawful government surveillance Governments usually have direct or indirect access to internet service providers operating in their jurisdiction. It varies from country to country, but your government may use this access to actively track your online activity. Thanks to all kinds of intergovernmental agreements, they may also share this information with other countries. A VPN hides your online activity from all third parties, including your internet service provider and government. 

5: you use file-sharing services Peer-to-peer services have many legal and valid uses: distributing open-source software or public domain videos, sharing large amounts of internal information in an organization, or even pushing service updates. And yet, internet service providers try to discourage their users from peer-to-peer services by setting bandwidth limits.

There is another side to privacy. Without a VPN, your internet service provider can know your entire browsing history. With a VPN, your search history is hidden. This is because your web activity will be associated with the IP address of the VPN server, not yours. A VPN service provider can have servers all over the world. This means that your search activity may appear to come from one of them. Keep in mind that search engines also track your search history, but they associate that information with an IP address that is not yours. Again, your VPN will keep your online activity private.

What's Behind a VPN Privacy?


A VPN can hide a lot of information that can put your privacy at risk. Here are five of them.

1. Your Browsing History


It's no secret where you go on the internet. Your Internet service provider and your web browser can track just about anything you do on the Internet. Many websites that you visit may also keep a history. Web browsers can track your search history and link this information to your IP address. Here are two examples where you might want to keep your browsing history private. 

Perhaps you have a health problem and are searching the web for information on treatment options. Guess what? Without a VPN, you have automatically shared this information and can start receiving targeted advertisements that may draw more attention to your condition.

What's Behind a VPN Privacy

Or maybe you just want to price the plane tickets for a flight next month. The travel sites you visit know you are looking for tickets and they may display fares that are not the cheapest available.

These are just a few isolated examples. Keep in mind that your Internet service provider may be able to sell your browsing history. Even so-called private browsers may not be so private.

2. Your IP Address and Location


Anyone who captures your IP address can access what you searched for on the internet and where you were when you searched. Think of your IP address as the return address you would put on a letter. It refers to your device. All messages are end-to-end encrypted. 

Since a VPN uses an IP address that is not your own, it allows you to maintain your privacy online and search the web anonymously. You are also protected against collecting, viewing or selling your search history. Keep in mind that your search history can still be viewed whether you are using a public computer or one provided by your employer, school, or other organisation.

3. Your Location for Streaming


You could pay for streaming services that let you watch things like professional sports. When travelling outside the country, streaming services may not be available. There are good reasons for this, including contract terms and regulations in other countries. Even so, a VPN would allow you to select an IP address in your home country. This would likely give you access to any event displayed on your streaming service. You can also avoid data or speed limitations.

4. Your Devices


A VPN can help protect your devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, from prying eyes. You can also get VPN App for PC. Your devices can be prime targets for cybercriminals when you access the internet, especially if you are on a public Wi-Fi network. In short, a VPN helps protect the data you send and receive on your devices so hackers can't monitor your every move.

5. Your Web Activity - To Maintain Internet Freedom


Hope you are not a candidate for government oversight, but who knows. Remember that a VPN prevents your internet service provider from seeing your browsing history. You are therefore protected if a government agency asks your Internet service provider to provide records of your Internet activity. Assuming your VPN provider doesn't log your browsing history (some VPN providers do), your VPN can help protect your internet freedom.
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