How To Use A VPN To Protect Yourself Online?

Posted on May 14 2013 - 2:00pm by Editorial Staff

Virtual_Private_Network

Whether or not you know much about what a VPN actually is, you should definitely be using one. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is almost as essential as having an internet connection. VPNs are a group of computers that can be networked together over a public network such as the internet. The most important thing about a VPN service – and why having one is so vital to your business – is that they ensure your computer’s connection is secure, protecting any data that is either sent or received.

A VPN isn’t just for big business however – they are an online essential for anyone who uses the internet, from students and employees, casual internet users, those for whom security is a priority when dealing with sensitive material, or if you’re accessing the internet from around the world. Not all VPNs are the same – they vary in cost and scale like anything else, so it’s worth looking into the best VPN service for your needs.

So what should you be looking for? There are some essential ways to use a VPN to protect your online activities. Some VPN providers will include an anti-malware scanner with their VPN package, which provides a useful additional level of security when online. You may also want to consider whether or not you can get the same level of protection on mobile platforms as on your computer, and many VPN providers will provide a mobile solution alongside your standard package. Service and exit locations are also worth factoring in – some servers, such as those based in the US and UK, will be subject to local laws and may be forced to hand over information about users. VPNs with servers in multiple locations give you the flexibility of choosing different regions, while avoiding potential issues.

Lastly, price is always a major factor when choosing any kind of service provider. When it comes to your online security, this is not something to be taken lightly – and the adage that “you get what you pay for” certainly rings true. While there are many free and low-budget VPN providers out there, be aware that they will also be likely to serve ads to you constantly, log your activity details and potentially use this information to market more services to you. If your privacy means that much to you, it’s definitely worth paying up the additional cost to choose a company like ivpn.net, who have a clear privacy policy and premium unlimited bandwidth.

(Image Credit / Source: Wikipedia)

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Editorial Staff at I2Mag is a team of subject experts.