ExecutiveChronicles | How To Protect Your Internet Privacy With A Virtual Private Network | Today, many people know what a VPN is and how it unblocks websites. However, what many don’t know is how a VPN can aid users in staying secure and private with their internet searches. How? Keep reading to find out.
It’s no secret that the Internet is just a tap away these days. While this is great for productivity and escapism, it can be a problem for those who prefer to remain secure and confidential. Aside from the threat of hackers, eavesdroppers, and spies, several other institutions should cause internet users to be concerned about their corporate or personal privacy online. These are law enforcement and government agencies, public search engines, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and famous social media platforms.
Unfortunately, it goes much deeper than that. Voice-bots, such as Google Assistant or Alexa, keep a record of every voice command we’ve ever given. Unless you specifically opt-out, Google also keeps a record of your website visits. Now, this may seem like a point from which there is no turning back, but there is a way to retain your online privacy. You can guarantee online security through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Around a decade ago, VPN use grew as techies began to embrace the technology for personal use – streaming services that aren’t available everywhere.
So if you’re new to the concept of VPNs and aren’t sure how they will assist you in protecting your internet privacy, here’s how it works:
Conceal your location and identity with a VPN
A VPN can operate within a more prominent public network. It is created virtually by encapsulating each packet of data that emerges from your device in an envelope containing metadata. Headers mask your identity and cover up the nature of the data contained within. Each encapsulated packet is encrypted with military-grade encryption, making it almost impossible for an interceptor without a plethora of resources to make head or tail of it.
Also, if you are not interested in the science behind it, go surf the web to find the top picks for VPNs and get started.
Furthermore, your actual location is concealed because the IP address delegated to your VPN connection originates from a server. You can also select which part of the world you want to connect virtually. It can save the lives of internet users in repressive countries and those wishing to connect to the Internet.
Keep yourself from Torrenting
Torrenting itself is not illegal, but accessing copyrighted material is. If you frequently torrent, using a VPN or a usa vpn can help protect you in a variety of ways:
Downloading illegal materials can increase your system’s susceptibility to malware, which can harm your computer.
ISPs and copyright agencies constantly monitor sites and users who engage in this unlawful behavior.
Peer-to-peer file sharing is how torrenting works. When you engage in this activity, you give others access to your computer and documents via the Internet.
VPNs can prevent all three of these things from happening. It works by masking your IP address, so no one can monitor what you do online.
Keep the authorities at bay
Another threat to internet users’ privacy stems from government and law enforcement agencies monitoring and surveillance activities. ISPs and mobile network carriers are obligated in many jurisdictions to keep logs of their subscriber bases. And to submit these logs of their users’ personalities, locations, or activities to authorities on demand (without question, in the case of more repressive regimes in more liberal states).
VPN encryption protects against this to some extent because it requires the agencies associated with expending time and resources on “cracking the code.” But the fact that this potential avenue of encroachment exists is due to the data-handling guidelines of the VPN service providers themselves.
Your browsing activity
Private browsing remains a significant challenge. Many websites now require you to disable any ad-blocking or anti-tracking software before granting you direct exposure to their valuable resources. It is debated that these mechanisms exist for your convenience. So you don’t have to retype your passcodes or log-in details every time you visit or to allow for in-page or in-app advertising, which keeps their resource “free.”
These moves, however, remain intrusive. And suppose you aren’t diligent about deleting cookies or re-enabling ad blockers. In that case, you may leave yourself susceptible to being identified, tracked, or mapped. IP re-routing and VPN encryption safeguard the integrity of your data while also concealing your location and identity. In addition, the browser includes a privacy scanner that displays a complete list of every third-party service or website that is watching you and collecting information about you.
Confusing the ISPs
We’ve been hearing stories about how bad ISPs can be ever since the United States House of Representatives supported to cancel existing acts guaranteeing “Net Neutrality.”
Net neutrality is the code that internet access should be viewed as a public utility and billed at unvarying rates. However, internet users worldwide have long witnessed their dissatisfaction with ISPs. In uncontrolled economies, they can govern connection speeds and who gets what services. And not to mention, they have complete control over what they do with their registered user data.
The Net Neutrality argument has only served to highlight ISPs’ freedom to monitor what internet subscribers do online and openly trade in their personal or corporate data. The only certain action when using a VPN, as your ISP can verify, is that you connect to your VPN service frequently. Any IP addresses found on the Internet will be those of the VPN servers. The data flowing through your private network will be so strongly encrypted that it would take your ISP a long time, dedication, and money to decipher it.
Conclusion
As you can see, a VPN can help you secure your internet privacy in so many ways. So what are you waiting for? Install a free VPN or get a paid subscription and get on with your privacy. A VPN will give you the level of privacy you need to keep your online activities safe. And the assurance that no one will be able to track your activity.
Moreover, ensure to install VPN for all your devices – laptop, mobile, and desktop. Also, be careful of the websites you visit. Advertising and cookies aren’t the only things you can pick up from an indiscreet website – malware also exists.
