What is a VPN & Do I Need One?
Privacy and security are two of the biggest concerns in the digital age. Different parties can know what you access online, and others can even access your device and steal your data.
This has naturally prompted the need for various privacy and security tools, one of them being a VPN.
So, what exactly is it, and why would you use one?
Understanding VPNs
The term VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a tool used by internet users to enhance their privacy, anonymity, and security.
A VPN does this by encrypting user traffic and creating a secure tunnel through which it can direct the traffic to a VPN server.
The VPN server then connects the user to the internet, essentially creating a private connection within the larger internet.
Through this process, a VPN helps achieve different things. First, the encrypted data means that your ISP can’t tell the websites you access when connected to a VPN. All they can see is that you are connected to the VPN, and the same applies to the spying eyes of the government.
The secure tunnel created by a VPN also helps prevent hackers and other unauthorized parties from accessing your device. This can be easily done when connected to public networks, but a VPN isolates you from the other devices on the network.
On top of that, it changes your IP address. When you connect to a VPN server, it’s this server that then connects you to the online resources you access. This means that all websites will see the VPN server’s IP address, protecting your real identity (your IP address carries your personal information).
Do You Need a VPN?
Whether you need a VPN depends on your online habits, privacy concerns, and security requirements. You could also be asking yourself what is a VPN for gaming or what is a VPN for iPhones. Below are the main reasons why people use a VPN.
Streaming on Geo-Restricted Services
Streaming services such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer use geo-restrictions to limit the people who access their platforms or various shows. In the case of Netflix and others that are available in different regions, restrictions are imposed on various movies and TV shows. One country can have 6000+ titles while another only has around 800. In the case of BBC iPlayer and others such as Peacock TV, these geo-restrictions only allow users from a certain region to access the platform.
A VPN allows streaming fans to unlock more content as they can switch their virtual location with ease. In the case of Netflix, you can connect to Netflix US, UK, Australia, Japan, etc., by selecting a server in that region. You can also unlock BBC iPlayer and Peacock TV by connecting to a server in the UK and the US, respectively. However, note that these services also block most VPNs, so you’ll need to choose yours carefully.
Enhanced Online Privacy
When you access the internet, your ISP, advertisers, and the websites you access can always spy on you. The ISP sees the websites you access, while websites and advertisers can track you using your IP address. And in case you illegally access copyrighted content, you can end up with a cease-and-desist letter or a DMCA notice.
A VPN helps prevent all these by encrypting your traffic and changing your IP address. This way, your ISP will see your traffic as garbled gibberish and online resources will only see your VPN’s IP address. The IP addresses will be shared with lots of other VPN users, so you will also be anonymous.
Public Wi-Fi Security
If you often use public Wi-Fi hotspots in parks, restaurants, airports, or hotels, you need a VPN. This is because these networks are mostly unsecured, and they are often used by hackers to steal personal data. They can also use the network to install malware on your device, which will give them even more avenues for accessing sensitive information or asking for a ransom.
When you connect to a VPN, it isolates you from the network you are using by creating a secure tunnel. The fact that your traffic is encrypted also makes it impossible for any intruders to intercept the data you are transmitting.
Bypassing Government Censorships
If you live in or are planning to travel to a country such as Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, Iran, UAE, and Vietnam, among others, you also need a VPN. These countries have censorship in place that restricts users from accessing certain websites. This can be for political or religious reasons, and the severity changes from one country to the other.
A VPN can help circumvent these restrictions when you connect to a server in a different country. Since the restrictions are usually at the ISP level, you will have bypassed them. However, some censorships, such as the Great Firewall of China, also block VPNs, and you will need specialized ones for such countries.
Conclusion
A VPN is one of the most important online tools as it offers lots of different functionalities. It can be useful if you like streaming online, want to enhance your privacy and security, or want to circumnavigate annoying censorship. However, note that the features and quality of connections you get vary with the VPN, so ensure you choose yours well.
What is a VPN – Frequently Asked Questions
Is a VPN really necessary?
A VPN is necessary if you use public hotspots, access legally questionable content, or live in a country with geo-restrictions.
Is using a VPN legal?
Yes, using a VPN is generally legal in most countries. However, this can change depending on the country and the reason for using the VPN. Before you use one, ensure you familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations governing VPN usage in your country.
How to choose the best VPN?
The best VPN varies depending on your needs. Ensure you have some priorities based on your internet usage, as some VPNs are good at some things and poor at others. But essentially, ensure that it can unblock streaming services, offers good speeds, and keeps zero logs.
Does a VPN slow down my internet connection?
A VPN may slow down your internet connection, but the percentage varies depending on the VPN and the distance of the server. For the best experience, ensure you choose a fast VPN and connect to a nearby server.
