Guide on VPN use cases: from privacy to better deals
Online privacy continues to become an issue of increasing concern. So, many people look for ways to make their online experiences more private. Over the years, VPN technology has proved itself essential in protecting your identity. Thus, millions of users have already tasted the benefits of a VPN. However, while encrypting traffic and changing IP addresses significantly boost online privacy, a VPN has many use cases. Let's see everything that a VPN can offer.
What is a VPN?
A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Essentially, it is an application you set up on your devices like laptops and smartphones. Its interface resembles any other application. And many VPN providers have polished user experiences, making it a product for everyone. Thus, you do not need any technical knowledge to use this product.
How does it work?
You can think of a VPN as a masking net. The software encrypts all data to and from your system and the connected server when you activate it. That server can reroute traffic through a server across the world, hiding your actual location. Thus, a VPN hides your IP address, a common identifier used for online tracking.
Depending on your service, that encrypted network of servers can have additional advantages. Some can get you past regional blockages, while others can detect suspicious domains and warn you before you try connecting to them.
Benefits of using a VPN
With the way VPNs work, you can obtain numerous benefits by using them.
- VPNs can stop or reduce the number of online trackers and targeted advertisements.
- They can help you virtually locate your system anywhere in the world. It reduces the network ping for businesses and gamers alike.
- You can use a VPN to bypass restrictions put in place by your Internet Service Provider.
- A VPN can check for malicious packets you can come across when using the internet. That creates a secure file-sharing avenue from untrustworthy sources.
VPN use cases
Let's now take a closer look at various cases that have maximized the benefits of a VPN.
Gaming
For gamers, VPNs have provided a simple and steady service that wasn't possible with the default gaming servers. Many people use a VPN to connect to high-density servers or play with their friends who live on other continents. With a local IP address accessible, they can reduce their ping and play a multiplayer game just as they would if they were next door.
Another advantage is protection against ISP throttling. In some countries, ISPs have legal rights to interfere with users’ internet. Therefore, streaming activities and online gaming are activities that ISPs commonly choose to interrupt. A VPN hides information about your activities, which stops ISPs from seeing what you do. Thus, they can no longer slow down connections based on traffic type.
Streaming
When you live stream, there is a delay between when you commence your broadcast and when the viewers receive it. Thus, the reactions to any fun events like super chat and donations can seem sluggish. With a VPN, you can switch your IP address close to your view base to reduce that delay. It also prevents you from revealing your location through your IP address, especially when concerned about your personal safety.
Travel
Resisting the urge to connect to free Wi-Fi networks while traveling is challenging. However, such networks are often a fishing pool for hackers to extract valuable data from carefree tourists.
If you're planning a trip, initiate a VPN download before ever leaving. Have this tool installed and ready to work whenever you feel like joining free Wi-Fi in hotels or coffee shops. It encrypts all your information and prevents anyone from intercepting data packets (most notably the ones you use for online banking) without throttling your internet speed.
Better deals
As mentioned, a VPN reroutes your traffic through remote servers in countries of your choosing. Thus, you can pick a location that you plan to visit. Then, prices for flights, bookings, tours, or other services might be reduced. After all, your location plays a vital role in how much you pay for certain things online.
Conclusion
Much like having passwords on phones and encrypting backup disks, VPNs have become another layer of security that makes hackers' jobs much harder. It is not about having an impenetrable system but making it so that the time, effort, and resources to bypass your security are never worth it. We hope this guide has helped you improve your understanding of such systems.
