In summary, yes you need a VPN in Canada if you care about protecting your privacy while you use the Internet.
We’re sure you hear your favorite podcasters promote VPN services from time-to-time.
VPNs are a hot topic in industry news, and tech sites are always publishing articles about the necessity of securing your online security using this tool.
The reality is that you need a VPN when connecting to the internet – from any location including mobile VPNs for when you’re on the go.
A VPN service is essential for various internet applications.
If you find yourself using the internet for any of the following activities, get yourself a VPN before logging on for your next session.
- Travelling
- Streaming
- Public Wi-Fi
- Gaming
- Shopping
All these activities can benefit from the use of a VPN, so let’s unpack them in further detail.
Table of Contents
5 Uses for a VPN in Canada
1. Privacy
Privacy is the number one reason why you need a VPN in Canada.
You might say, “I have nothing to hide, why do I need a VPN?”
Sure, we get it, and that’s a common attitude towards online privacy.
However, we don’t realize the impact of our data footprint and its value in the digital economy.
With a VPN, you protect yourself from advertiser tracking, data theft, surveillance, and illegal targeting.
Think about how much of your life is online.
If we took away all online and computer access from you for one day, how would it impact your life?
Understanding the answer to that question shows you how large a role the internet plays in your life and the importance of staying protected online.
2. Access Geo-Restricted Content
Do you fee like watching your favourite show on Netflix, only to log on and find out the Canadian version doesn’t have it?
But when you searched for it online, it said it was available.
That means it’s available in a different country catalogue.
With a VPN, you can log onto different versions of Netflix and stream any show you want to your TV in Canada or any location worldwide.
VPN providers run servers in countries across the globe, allowing you to access geo-restricted content in any country with a click of your mouse.
A VPN also works for accessing content services not available in Canada, like Hulu and ESPN+.
3. Block Malware, Trackers and Ads
A VPN keeps your data and connection safe from interception by hackers.
It also reduces your system exposure to malware and phishing attempts.
The VPN keeps ads away from your YouTube viewing while enhancing your privacy online.
How many times have you found yourself talking about a product or service, only to have it appear in your social media feed?
It’s a spooky experience.
The reality is, large corporations are monitoring you all the time and some of them are even selling your data to advertisers.
With a VPN, you protect yourself from data harvesting.
When you blindly agree to the terms of service for different apps and websites, you often give companies the ability to harvest your information and potentially track your location data.
With a VPN, you can block this tracking, ensuring your personal details aren’t shared with tons of different apps.
4. Protection for Online Finances
A VPN protects you online, keeping your identity safe.
Most people carry banking or payment apps on their phones to make paying for goods and services more convenient.
However, if a bad actor gets into your phone and your banking app, they could clean out your account without your knowledge.
VPNs offer end-to-end encryption and advanced malware filters to ensure you get a safe and secure online banking experience.
5. Secure Crypto Assets
With bitcoin busting through all-time highs, and the rest of the crypto ecosystem set to follow suit, more people are investing in these alternative assets.
However, it would help if you had protection from hackers trying to uncover your private keys.
Keep your wallet, your IP, and your crypto assets safe from cyber thieves using a VPN.
Why Are Some VPN Providers Based in Random Countries?
Most VPN providers offer a no-logging and no-sharing policy.
To deliver on these promises, many VPN companies choose to base their operations in countries that have laws which align with these policies.
In doing so, it may seem like they’re based in random countries, but they’ve carefully chosen the country for specific reasons.
Should I use a Service Based in Canada?
If you’re using a Canadian ISP for your internet service, there are a few things you need to know about using a VPN and how it benefits your privacy.
Most people make the argument that a VPN slows their download speed.
While that might be true, the costs of leaving yourself unprotected online are getting scary.
As a result, in an effort to maintain download speed, some users may prefer to opt for a VPN based in Canada.
While selecting a VPN in Canada may have some benefits in terms of speed, there are some privacy implications that come along with being based in Canada.
No-logging and no-sharing policies may not be available from providers based in Canada because of how our laws are structured.
With your main concern being security and privacy, a VPN provider in Canada will also be able to satisfy those needs.
However, only reputable companies will follow strict protocol when it comes to logging and sharing your data.
Unknown or shady companies, even if based in Canada may be selling your data without you even knowing, hence to avoid this altogether, many users choose a reputable company regardless of where they are based.
Most reputable VPN companies have thousands of servers globally, so you can connect to the one closest to you, allowing you to maintain a great download speed.