The words “stay safe” used to be only applied when couples would reach that next level of intimacy. Nowadays you probably hear it a lot, especially with a global pandemic going on. But it’s not just your physical self you need to protect, it’s your digital self too. With more of us online, using the internet for a multitude of services, the risk of being a victim of cybercrime is growing. Now it’s our turn to tell you to “use protection” when you’re going online. Because right now, it’s totally worth it.
Staying Safe Online
There are a variety of methods you can employ to make sure you’re safe when going online. You can download the software straight to your devices such as anti-virus software, which helps against the latest ransomware or ad blockers – there’s an endless list. But hackers only need to gain access to your IP address to embed themselves in your system, to install malware and to make your life hell generally. The best way to avoid this is to beat them at it and use something that will stop them in the first instance. A virtual private network (VPN) is by far the best way to get that kind of protection.
Using a VPN is Easy
A VPN works by disguising your IP address. You select a different server from a different location, which could be from another country, and then hit go. Then, when you open your browser or use anything internet-related, you’re doing it from the VPN server. This means your IP address is hidden. But a VPN does much more than secure your devices (although that is a major bonus). We’ve found a range of great benefits of an online VPN to share with you.
Ultimate online freedom and security. By hiding your IP address, hackers won’t be able to find your source of internet traffic. All they’ll see is the original address from the server you’ve chosen. If they decide to try and hack into it, they’ll have to try and battle military-grade encryption. That’s a tough cookie to break, and even if they do, it’ll only be the server’s location. VPNs often have a kill-switch too as an extra layer of security, this cuts off all internet access in the event hackers get through, or the VPN connection drops, to make sure your IP address is firmly hidden. Another benefit of hiding this is that your internet service provider won’t be able to monitor your traffic. They can’t impose any bans on websites, nor restrict the amount of broadband speed you get as they’ll have no idea what you’re up to.
Access more content. Depending on which websites you go to or streaming services you use, no doubt you’ve found that not everything is readily available. This can be particularly frustrating if a new show is released, spoken about and advertised all over the internet… just for you to find out it’s not available in your area. With a VPN, you can watch it though. Simply select the right region, and you’ll be able to get access to TV shows and movies that you couldn’t before.
The best public wi-fi protection. Using a public wi-fi network is always a risk. You think to yourself, “I need to look something up” or “I’ve got a send a message real quick” and you’ve got no data (or just don’t want to use your own). A quick scan and you’ll find public networks in abundance. You can log in, use the wi-fi and complete your task. However, along the way, you could open yourself up to cybercriminals, unknowingly download something or corrupt your device. Guess who comes to the rescue? A VPN, of course. As you can use a VPN on multiple devices, when you get it on your cell phone in a handy app form, just one finger tap later will turn it on. Then you can use public wi-fi and enjoy complete security.
Easy to use. You might be concerned that a VPN can be a hassle to manage. It really isn’t. If you’ve got it on a computer or a cell phone or tablet, it really is simple to use. Open it up, and the navigation couldn’t be clearer. You just select your server and hit go. Of course, there are more intricate options which you can learn about later, but if you just want to protect yourself, it’s only ever a click or tap away.