Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets seamlessly integrate into our daily routines, performing various functions from communication to work. However, their vulnerability to cyber attacks makes them attractive to hackers and other malicious actors. According to the AAG 2023 Cyber Crime Statistics report, cybercrime affected 53.35 million US citizens in the first half of 2022. This alarming number emphasizes the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. One of the effective protection strategies is versatile VPN applications. Now nothing prevents everyday VPN use on the contrary, this is the recommended cyber defense strategy. This way, you can fend off most cyberattacks without even knowing about the emergence of such threats. Let’s take a closer look at VPN integration into everyday life and what benefits it brings.
Benefits of a VPN in Everyday Use
#1 Access Geo-blocked Sites
Your Internet Protocol (IP) address and geographical location become visible without a VPN. Your device’s location is revealed by your IP address, preventing you from accessing exclusive content from other regions no matter where you go or what you do online.
Based on your location, business websites may limit your use of their services or the information you can obtain about their operations. With a VPN, you can enter a regional server and freely navigate wherever you please while keeping your IP address and location data private. Your online activities will remain virtually undetectable.
VPN is a key tool for ensuring digital accessibility. If you have installed a VPN on your smartphone or PC, you have everything you need to unlock global poker tournaments with a VPN and ensure online privacy. VPN combines internet security and accessibility, which is especially important for poker and any financial transactions so use VPN for online poker as well.
#2 Public Wi-Fi Protection
People usually opt for insecure public Wi-Fi due to its convenience, but this exposes them to potential threats. They may unknowingly share their credentials while logging into their social media accounts or making online purchases. Public Wi-Fi networks are often devoid of password protection, making them vulnerable to exploitation by malicious lurkers. To ensure data security, it is advisable to use a VPN, which establishes a private tunnel by connecting to the provider’s servers. Additionally, consider the following measures:
- Keep your firewall enabled.
- Disable Wi-Fi to avoid automatic reconnection.
- Visit websites that use HTTPS for added security, as the “S” stands for security.
#3 Avoid Bandwidth Throttling
Internet Service Providers (ISPs), here we meet once again. Our connection speed is at the mercy of these providers, leading to a dreadful user experience. We find ourselves in a perpetual battle against the buffering icon, hindering our regular content consumption. Bandwidth limitations can stem from various causes, such as reaching your monthly data cap or experiencing congestion, typically during peak hours between 7 and 11 p.m.
Modern video streaming platforms, online gaming, and peer-to-peer services place a significant strain on available bandwidth. Consequently, ISPs often intervene, resulting in slower connection speeds. Utilizing Virtual Private Networks, we can encrypt and reroute our data through remote servers, effectively concealing the ongoing traffic from ISPs. This proves especially useful to circumvent throttling caused by congestion.
#4 Watch Live Sports or Events From Around the World
Many soccer, cricket, rugby, and similar sports enthusiasts often find that the teams they love watching are based in another country, making it impossible to view their matches live through their cable or satellite provider.
By utilizing a VPN, you can change your virtual location and gain access to geo-restricted content, allowing you to watch soccer or cricket games as they happen. Several sports streaming services have stringent location policies on their websites, but these can be easily bypassed with the help of a VPN.
#5 Increase Internet Speed
Many internet service providers (ISPs) control the traffic that flows through their services by implementing speed throttling and bandwidth limits. By using a VPN, ISPs face difficulties in locking down an IP address, allowing your traffic to pass through unfiltered and boosting speed and bandwidth.
#6 Remote Work Privacy
Our work dynamic during the ongoing pandemic has seen a visible shift. A growing number of people have transitioned to a work-from-home setup, requiring connection to the local office server. This is made possible through the use of corporate VPNs, which provide encrypted data exchange and allow us to access sensitive company information, ensuring safer traffic.
However, it is not just the corporate world that is affected. The gig economy continues to thrive, benefiting both online business owners and casual users who rely on the convenience of public Wi-Fi access. The question arises: are they taking necessary precautions while doing so?
#7 Get the Best Conditions for Booking Hotels and Purchasing Air Tickets
Traveling always brings relaxation and joy. Thanks to the Internet, it has become more convenient than ever to find the best hotel deals and book online. However, are you absolutely certain that you’re getting the cheapest fare? Some hotel or flight booking sites can display different prices for the exact same service depending on your IP location.
With a VPN, you can switch your IP location. Even if you’re booking your trip to Italy from across the ocean, you can still appear as if you were actually in Rome. No need to pay any extra charges. Use a VPN to discover the finest deals before embarking on your journey!
Conclusion
VPNs undoubtedly enhance everyday internet activity. I want to highlight their usefulness specifically for remote work and strongly recommend utilizing them when connecting to public Wi-Fi. However, it is important to exercise caution as VPNs do not offer a one-size-fits-all solution. For more complex scenarios, conducting additional research is highly encouraged.
