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Are you worried about your online security?
We don’t blame you.
2020 plenty of high profile network intrusions, ending in the SolarWinds and FireEye attacks.
While security and network operations are getting better by the day, those trying to illegally gain access to them are also getting better at doing so.
In 2020, Singapore uncovered a massive breach in-home Wi-Fi security cameras, resulting in millions of stolen private videos posted online by hackers.
With 2020 and 2021 seeing more people moving online for work and entertainment, cybercriminals are having a field day exploiting private network security.
You need the best protection possible when browsing or downloading online.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) gives you everything you need to secure your connection and data.
There are various applications where a VPN is useful in hiding your identity and protecting your data, so here are 10 great ways to get the most out of your VPN:
1. Enhance Your Privacy
A Virtual Private Network creates an encrypted tunnel for your data transmissions.
Essentially, a VPN connects you to a server network run by the VPN provider.
When connected to the network, you can browse and download online anonymously.
Cybercriminals can’t see the encrypted data inside the tunnel.
As a result, they can’t see your IP address or the files you’re uploading or downloading.
You’re effectively invisible online, and hackers canโt access your network or devices.
A VPN protects your device, data, and connection when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
It’s common to see people sitting on their devices, enjoying the free Wi-Fi at their local coffee shop.
However, these networks are easy for hackers to exploit, allowing them access to anyone’s device that logs onto the network.
As a result, they can spy on anything you’re doing and install malware on your device.
With a VPN, you get a secure connection on public Wi-Fi. If a hacker is lurking in the background, they won’t even know you’re there.
A VPN is the optimal way to secure your home and mobile networks, and it’s a great choice for businesses with remote teams.
2. Save Money and Shop Securely
Online shopping gained enormous market share over brick-and-mortar retailers in 2020.
With the pandemic forcing the closure of all non-essential businesses except the grocery store, most consumers moved their spending habits online.
As a result of the shift, millions of consumers enter credit card information and personal details into website payment processors.
Fraud and identity theft are on the rise this year, thanks to cybercriminals intercepting transaction data.
A VPN is essential equipment for browsing and shopping online in 2021 and beyond.
A VPN lets you shop securely, without the concern of hackers stealing your financial information.
The location also plays a significant role when shopping online.
Many companies charge consumers living in affluent zip codes, cities and countries a higher price point, in a model known as “dynamic pricing.”
You can get around regional blocks and e-tailers using these price-gouging strategies with a VPN.
Connecting to the internet with a VPN allows you to change your source server destination, allowing you to shop on American sites from a server located in Canada or Mexico, allowing you to get the best deals possible online.
Save hundreds or thousands of dollars on airplane tickets, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and more.
VPNs also let you access special retail deals not available in your country.
If you’re really into sneakers, you might find it very challenging to get the latest shoes on launch day.
With a VPN, you can hide your IP, making it possible to buy multiple pairs at launch without the websites kicking you out.
3. Boost Gaming and Streaming Speeds
Don’t you hate it when you’re watching a movie, and it starts buffering?
How about the line dropping while you’re gaming?
ISPs don’t like you using large amounts of bandwidth for gaming and streaming.
Many ISPs throttle your line speed when they notice you’re streaming or gaming online.
As a result, you don’t get optimal gaming or streaming experiences.
However, with a VPN, you don’t have to worry about line speed limitations any longer.
With a VPN, your ISP can’t pinpoint what you’re doing online, so there’s less of a chance of them throttling your connection.
4. Prevent Websites Tracking You
Did you know that more than 60% of websites have tracking cookies and software that follow everything you do online?
E-commerce is growing, and marketers are always trying to get an edge on the competition by understanding consumer habits.
The reality is that personal data has become a huge business and it continues to grow.
Marketers use this data to target you for ad campaigns online and on social media.
With a VPN, these trackers can’t access your personal data and browsing habits and marketers therefore can’t monitor your activity.
5. Stop Data Theft and Hacking on Public Wi-Fi
The next time you pull into Starbucks and order that Grande Latte, turn on your VPN before you log onto the public Wi-Fi.
As mentioned, public Wi-Fi is like a shopping mall for hackers.
You never know who’s manipulating network exploits in the background.
Prevent data loss and identity theft by turning on your VPN before you start browsing on free Wi-Fi at any location.
6. Watch Blocked or Geo-Restricted Content
Canadians are out of luck if they want to access platforms like Sling TV, Hotstar, ESPN+ or HBO Max.
Licensing agreements prevent the company’s from launching on Canadian networks.
As a result, Canadians miss out on plenty of top-quality content.
If the Maple Leafs are playing the Rangers on ESPN+, you can watch the game if you have a VPN.
Log onto your VPN, set it to an American server, and you have instant access to the game.
A VPN makes it possible for Canadians to watch content from any network, anywhere in the world.
The VPN work around regional geo-blocks from content providers like Hulu and other favourites.
7. Stop Telemarketers From Collecting Your Data
Are you tired of telemarketers hounding you with their latest product or service offer?
Where did they find your contact details?
It might surprise you to learn that telemarketers purchase lists online from sources like marketing firms that harvest your data.
By using a VPN, you prevent cookies and other tracking strategies from capturing your data.
As a result, marketers don’t have anything to work with, and you’ll find you receive fewer spam emails and calls.
8. Protect Your Bitcoin Wallet
With Bitcoin smashing through the all-time highs in December 2020, and 2021 poised to be the biggest year ever for crypto-assets, your wallet needs protection.
With a VPN, you never have to worry about someone discovering your private keys.
Protect your investments and ensure your crypto stays in your wallet with a VPN.
9. Use Foreign App Stores
Did you know that iTunes and the Google Play Store have different versions for Canada and the US?
Most app stores won’t let you sign up for the service from a foreign country โ unless you’re using a VPN.
Turn on your VPN, and create a new Google Account or iTunes account from an American location.
Whenever you want to download new apps, turn on your VPN, log into your country-specific server, and enjoy everything the app store has to offer.
10. Use a VPN Router to Protect Your Home Network
Alternatively, if you’re using the internet at home, consider going with a VPN router to protect your network.
Most VPN providers only offer coverage for a handful of devices under your licensing agreement.
As a result, you’ll have to install a VPN on each device on your home network.
Taking out multiple VPN subscriptions to manage all your devices is costly.
However, with a VPN router, all the devices connecting to the router to access the internet have protection.
The VPN router covers every device connected to it, from your SmartTV to your cellphone, laptop, or even your smart fridge.
There are routers with VPNs built-in or self-installation software for routers to suit your needs.
Routers with VPNs built-in offer protection at the firmware level in the router, while DIY installations require you to set up the router with your VPN yourself.
