A VPN, commonly known as a Virtual Private Network, is a technology that lets you make a protected network connection while using a public network. The number of VPN users has significantly risen over the past years. The number of VPN users increased by 185% in 2017 as compared to 2016. Also, from 2017 to 2018, this figure pops up by an additional 165%. It is predicted that in 2022, the VPN global market will reach $35.73 billion.
VPNs are becoming increasingly popular with both businesses and individuals in the know. They include a variety of dedicated connections, using encryption protocols to create a P2P relationship. If a cybercriminal attempts to access data that is being transmitted, encryption assures they won’t be able to do anything with it.
As hackers find new means to launch attacks, the danger of cyber threats has increased. VPNs eliminate the risk of security breaches and cyberattacks. According to Symantec reports- from 2014 to 2015, the number of zero-day vulnerabilities grew to 125%. By using a VPN and keeping your workforces off the public networks, you’re taking steps in decreasing the possibility of your company from being targeted.
It is entirely known that VPN routes the internet traffic and hides your original IP address in a way that even the ISP, is unable to monitor your activity over the internet. The entire data you receive or send online is encrypted making it secure from the security perspective.
However, VPN’s role goes beyond just protecting your online activity. There is much more a VPN can do for its users. This post will help in explaining how a VPN is more useful than providing security. The following mentioned below are seven ways that describe how the use of a VPN reduces privacy concerns.
Prevent Bandwidth Throttling
Internet users frequently experience constant buffering while they access YouTube videos and live streams. This entire process is known as bandwidth throttling. The issue can hinder your experience to the extent that you won’t be able to load the videos at all.
The problem is similar to online gaming websites and file sharing platforms too. Bandwidth throttling usually happens when the ISP reduces the bandwidth limit and controls the network traffic. No matter what the reason might be, you can rely on a VPN to resolve this irritating issue. Once you start using a VPN, your ISP won’t be able to control your internet traffic and you can enjoy a whole experience.
Access Websites Even While Travelling
Another advantage of a VPN is that it allows you to access your favorite websites when you are abroad, even if they have been banned there. People who often travel overseas are usually unable to access some streaming sites because of strict international censorship and restriction. But, a VPN enables you to surpass these restrictions safely and use websites of your wish. Furthermore, you can also use a VPN for Kodi, Netflix, torrenting and other platforms. Thus, you can access all the content and services you want despite your location.
Secure Best Vacation Deals Online
It may sound surprising, but a VPN also helps in picking some of the best deals on cab rentals, vacations, and other online services. All you need is to leverage the points of currencies and sales smartly. Of course, you may know that browsing in incognito mode and removing browser cookies helps to avoid the price surges based on past searches. With a VPN, you move a step further because it hides your geographical location. In this way, you end up saving money by making it appear that you’re browsing from a place where prices of flights and hotels are comparatively lower than others.
Save on Online Shopping
You can get some fantastic deals online on your next vacation by using a VPN. It can also help in saving some of your dollars while you shop online. Shopping websites display different prices for the same products based on the browsing location of the user. You might have to compensate more for an item because you are searching for a particular IP address.
If this is the situation, then why not get smart and switch locations so that you can get your favorite stuff at a reduced price. A VPN allows you to switch between sites to check the price differences and buy at a lower one. Hence, it makes you a smart shopper.
Upload and Download Files Safely
Anyone who works online, P2P file sharing is a way of doing business. You might have done it for various reasons, from distributing open-source software to sharing large sets across a network. But, your ISP may not be profound about supporting P2P activities because they often slow down connection speeds and exceed the bandwidth limits. Moreover, there are also some security reasons related to such exchanges because users present in the same networks can see each other’s IP addresses. On the other hand, the good news is that you can ultimately depend on a VPN to keep your IP address undercover and make sure that all your confidential files are transferred without any security threats.
Boost in Productivity
If you are working with workers who are well aware of internet vulnerabilities, they’re cautious of using public networks. Also, if they frequently travel, then too, they will do the same thing. They can feel the dangers of working during long stretches on the road. A peaceful mind is vital for productivity and when they work freely without any fear so, it will ultimately result in more productivity.
Management and Operations
Especially while owning a business, unless you use a managed cloud VPN service, you need a team to assist you in managing the operations of your VPN. Generally, existing operational engineers can provide support in this. However, in most cases, you are required to dedicate full time to your VPN management and updates.
Maintaining a clean and updated VPN environment is essential for both customers and employees. It is because the company and client data is a priceless commodity; therefore, it is necessary to keep it safe. According to the New York Times report, managing risks, training employees, and using encryption can save the company 47% of the cost of a breach.
Does a VPN Have Its Limitations?
Like any other thing in this world, a VPN service has its advantages and disadvantages. If you’re not an experienced technician or if you are using a VPN for the first time, make sure you don’t get much deep into the VPN’s settings. Before doing any advanced settings in your app, do ensure that you know what you’re doing otherwise, you may risk having leaks or your activity getting exposed.
Secondly, you should know that a VPN can have connection drops. These drops are perfectly normal, and this is why you should ensure that you’re connecting to a VPN server that is not overloaded. Thirdly, you must choose a VPN wisely. Pick a VPN that is reliable and has market recognition.
Take Away Note
Taking into consideration all the benefits of VPNs, they can be viewed as the best practice to secure your online activities and make your browsing experience more enjoyable than ever before. Hopefully, now you are aware of all the reasons to use a VPN rather than browse the internet as you do back. Now, go ahead and pick the reliable VPN provider and make your experience worthy. Happy browsing!
