A couple of years back, people perceived Virtual Private Networks as very complicated tools. Back then, they were only used by people with technical skills but today things have changed. Their popularity has grown so much that you can find them installed in almost every computer. Since we’re always connected, it’s very easy for third parties to access our precious data. VPNs, when activated, bolster our defenses and give us a peace of mind.
VPNs allow users to browse privately. There are plenty of VPN providers that offer different features and different levels of security. VPN Comparison allows you to check and compare the bandwidth, encryption, range of protocols, and cost.
Why do I need a VPN?
A VPN enables you to access a network securely without constant fear of other people accessing your information. It protects and secures your sensitive internet details and traffic. There are a lot of benefits associated with using a VPN. Some of these benefits are minor while others are quite significant. They include:
- Privacy and security
Our daily activities on the internet are recorded by our Internet Service Provider; a Virtual Private Network encrypts our data so that our privacy is not invaded. This means that our activities will now be more secure.
- Public Wi-Fi
Browsing the internet on a public network leaves you vulnerable to attacks by hackers. A VPN ensures that our private log-in details are not at risk of being acquired by hackers.
How does a VPN work?
Basically, a VPN disguises your network, alters your IP information and gives you alternate physical information. You could be in Australia but your network says that you’re in the UK.
While some VPNs are pretty complicated, other are very simple and don’t require lengthy or technical installation processes. Different VPNs have different interfaces and yet share a few commonalities on how they work:
- Open the VPN interface
- From the list, choose a location
- Click on “Connect”
- Check to see that you have connected successfully
- Continue browsing anonymously. Everything you do is encrypted
How do I choose a VPN?
There are so many options to choose from that narrowing down to one VPN that best suits your needs can get overwhelming. Before you can make a choice, there are a couple of things that you need to consider. These are:
- Cost
The price range is quite narrow between the different VPNs. However, it’s still advisable to compare the different prices and the packages offered to make sure that you find one that works for your budget.
- Speed
Some VPNs actually slow down your internet speed especially if they’re used for gaming and streaming movies. Find a VPN that maintains high speeds all through.
- Support
Check what kind of support is offered by your VPN provider. Is there a means of contacting them when you need to? Are they available 24/7?
- Reliability
Find out how long the company has been in operation and how much experience they have. It’s always best to find one that has been around for a couple of years.
- Privacy
See what security and privacy protocols the VPN offers. What encryption technology does it use? Does it save your activities?
- Features
Does it offer the most basic features? What extra features are you specifically looking for? Spend some time researching about the different VPNs and the different features offered.
- Money-back Guarantee
Is the provider willing to give back your money if you are not satisfied with what they have to offer?
- Functionality
Do they offer a free trial period? To be sure that the VPN works, test it before you commit to using it to see if it’s functional on your device.
