How Using A VPN Can Benefit Your Online Presence

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It’s a virtual encrypted connection that provides security to users as they access unsecured networks. It’s the safest way to connect your computer to a local public network or to enter a remote server in another country or area.

VPN helps protect your data, especially from hackers, and can allow you to access a secure server while shielding your geographical location, IP address, and even your browsing activity.

As VPNs help you access the internet via an encrypted, private connection, it then routes your online data through secure servers located in other parts of the world.

In essence, VPNs help connect your mobile devices, be it your PC, smartphone, or tablet, to a server on the internet and let you surf the net with that server’s internet connection.

Types Of VPN

There are multiple VPNs out there to help secure online connection. They can be classified into three main types which are:

1. Remote Access VPN

Probably the most popular type of VPN out there is the Remote Access VPN. This VPN works by connecting you remotely to a server located in a foreign country. By using Remote Access VPNs, you can connect to such servers and browse using their internet connection.

Remote Access VPNs not only help you shield your online location, but they also open you up to website options that are restricted from your area.

2. Client-Based VPN

Similar to Remote Access VPNs, Client-Based VPNs work by connecting you to a private server to protect your online activity. However, instead of connecting you to a remote server directly like the previous type of VPN, with Client-Based VPNs, an application/client helps establish your connection with a private server.

All you need to do is get the software authenticated on your device, input your VPN credentials, and voila! You have a secure online connection.

3. Site-to-Site VPN:

This type of VPN helps secure online connections between multiple branches of a business.

Meaning, if you’re a worker in a big company and are situated in a branch at one location and wish to collaborate with employees in another location, Site-to-Site VPNs help establish a secure online connection through which the exchange information would be safe.

Establishing a Site-to-Site VPN requires certain equipment to enhance network connection. With that, this type of VPN is further divided into two parts:

• Intranet Site-to-Site VPN helps connect multiple Local Area Networks (LAN) to one Wide Area Network (WAN). This type is best for connecting multiple branches of the same company to a secure network.
• Extranet Site-to-Site VPN is best for connecting LANs of two separate businesses. Extranet type of Site-to-Site VPN is a great way to secure a private network connection during collaborative projects with other businesses. This way each party is still able to restrict access to sensitive information while working with the other during projects.

Each type of VPN is to satisfy a certain need; if you’re an individual who wishes to simply improve your online security, Remote Access VPNs are the best fit for you. And if you’d prefer having a third party secure your connection, use a Client-Based type.

However, if you’re a business owner and want to ensure a secure online connection between employees in different locations, the Site-to-Site VPN is your best bet.

How VPN Benefits your Online Presence

Now that you know how VPNs work and the types of VPNs out there, here are some of the ways VPN benefits your online presence:

1. Secures Network Access

The benefits of a VPN are many; one of which is it will help you access your private networks securely. For instance, if you use a VPN to connect to your business network or a server, you will be protected from hackers—they won’t be able to obtain the information or private data that’s confidential and exclusive only to your company.

You will also be protected from telecommunication companies’ data security measures, which can be intrusive and expensive. It’s important to choose the best VPN service because not all the services available today are secure and you might end up exposing your private data to unwanted individuals.

Some free VPNs and services can give you an easy way to surf online. However, paid VPNs are usually the most reliable ones.

2. Multiple Device Access

Another great benefit of using a VPN is that you can connect to a server with multiple devices, even simultaneously. Being able to access your VPN on multiple devices is especially useful in a family setting.

An effective VPN like https://invpn.com/review/surfshark/ would help you surf the internet securely and privately by setting up encrypted, private connections for you and your loved ones on multiple devices.

VPNs are so easy to set up and use. All you need to do is sign up for an account, avail of your preferred subscription, install VPN to your device and you’re already protected with a secure online connection.

Using a VPN provider will allow you to have a secure connection no matter where you surf the net, effectively maintaining your privacy.

3. Protects You From Data Interception

The VPN encryption process helps encrypt your data to prevent others from intercepting it and reading your details without your knowledge.

A common way hackers intercept data is by intercepting your data when you’re connected to public hotspots. By positioning themselves in the middle of your network connection, hackers can access sensitive information like your User I.D., passwords, and any other data you input within the websites you visited and use them maliciously to make a profit.

However, by using a VPN with a dedicated server, you can keep your identity safe and confidential from others who may try to use the same server to surf the web. Shielding your data helps protect your online presence from interception.

4. Breaks Geographic Restrictions

With a VPN, you can surf the net with servers from foreign locations on the internet.

This means that your location would tally with the location of your connected server, and in essence, you’re able to have access to options that would have been restricted from your former location. Some of these options may include access to more entertainment outlets, better prices on certain online expenses, and connecting to streaming sites.

5. Shields From Information Security Threats

To begin with, there are different types of information security threats that you may encounter on the internet. Some of these include identity theft, hackers, spam, phishing, and other unscrupulous parties. If you happen to be a victim of one or some of these, a quality VPN can help to provide you with the protection you need from them by masking your IP address.

Having access to your IP address is one of the common ways cybercriminals wreak havoc with your online data.

However, as earlier mentioned, VPNs adjust your online location to that of the server you connect to. This way, each time you log into your VPN, you are designated a new IP address, and in so doing, a VPN protects your online activity from potential information security threats.

Also, many people report that their online activities are more reliable while they’re using a good quality VPN service.

6. Maintains Online Privacy

Another reason to use a VPN is it helps protect your online privacy. Anytime someone is trying to access your data on the internet they have to first have access to your computer or network. VPNs make this impossible as it uses a special encryption system that keeps your network private. Through this, only authorized people are allowed to view your data.

When you do this, you will find that you can have more control over what is happening to your private information because only those with your authorized permission and VPN credentials can have access to your data.

7. Protects Your Location

As VPN offers an alternate way to surf the web, it allows you to go online without having to share your IP address or reveal your geographical location to internet strangers. What is an IP address? It’s a numerical code that identifies a person’s computer or laptop through an Internet Protocol used when surfing the web.

This code can be easily manipulated by internet master hackers who use it to monitor the online activities of internet users. A VPN can help protect you and your data from such attacks since it hides your IP address from them. In this way, you can surf the web anonymously while making your internet activities more private and secure.

Conclusion

As more people use the Internet, the demand for secure solutions has also grown to counter the increasing number of threats on the web. Security tools or software like VPN are now considered a necessity, especially for online business and banking transactions. As a result, many companies and organizations offer such services in the hopes of protecting their clients.

If you want to know how to pick the best VPN service, take a look at these top tips to know which one best suits your application.