Should You Always Use a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network has become one of the most popular tools among privacy-conscientious online users. We use it for all kinds of online activities, from keeping our valuable information safe to accessing content without any borders or restrictions. However, even though it is a very useful gadget that makes using the Internet even more convenient, is it beneficial to use it 24/7? Read this week’s Zlog and find out everything you need to know about this topic.
How to Know When You Need a VPN
Leaving your VPN on all the time is, without a doubt, the safest way to use the Internet. But, is it necessary to have your VPN turned on all the time? To make it easier for you to determine if you need a VPN or not, we’ve established three different levels of priority – necessary, useful, and not necessary. Here’s a quick overview of what activities you should prioritize using a VPN for.
Necessary
Under this category, we consider all of the online activities which potentially put you at risk if you’re not using a VPN service. This includes all actions in which you exchange valuable information or place your identity out there for everyone to see. Most notable examples in which you should always have your VPN active are:
- When Using Public Wi-Fi – Over a third of public networks don’t use any encryption. Such a significant lack of security opens up the door for malevolent users who are looking to steal your data. If you’re not using a VPN when connected to a public network, third parties can potentially see your login credentials, bank account info, and all other details you type in when connected.
- Whilst Making Online Payments – Most payment processors and banking services offer decent user protection. With that said, you never know how safe your connection is or who else is connected to it. By using a VPN when making online payments, you can have the peace of mind in knowing that no one can intercept your traffic or break into your account.
- When You Want Anonymous Browsing – As you probably know, using incognito mode doesn’t hide any data from your ISP. If you stop your VPN connection, even if you’re browsing incognito, your internet provider will be able to see the websites you search and access, the files you download, and many other pieces of data. With a VPN, you can hide all of this information and protect your identity from cyberattacks.
Useful
Besides the many security advantages a VPN offers, there are also examples in which it’s not a must-have, but can still be very useful. These most notable ones include:
- Saving Money Online – A VPN can be a very useful instrument if you want to bypass price surging or online price discrimination. For instance, by connecting to different servers around the globe, you can pay less money for flight accommodation and products than you would if you were shopping from your real IP address.
- To Avoid Bandwidth Throttling – If you suspect that your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, you can put an end to it when using a VPN. Simply connect to a nearby server, and your network speed will get back to normal.
- To Mask Your IP When Torrenting – VPNs are extremely useful if you torrent often and in bulk. They allow you to mask your activities and share and download content without worrying that you’ll get in trouble.
Not Necessary
In some cases, a VPN can be more of a drawback than it is useful. This happens mostly when you’re looking to maximize your network speed and performance. Since a VPN works in a way that it routes your connection to a remote server, having it on can cause a diminishment in network speed. This especially goes if you’re connected to a VPN server that’s halfway around the world. So, for example, if you’re playing fast-paced games or uploading a big file and you need to get it done as soon as possible, then having a VPN on might not be the best option.
Quick Sum Up
To sum it up, a VPN is a powerful and versatile tool. But, as we’ve talked about above, you shouldn’t leave them on all the time, as they’re not necessary for certain types of online activities. Ultimately, it all depends on your privacy needs and security concerns. If you’re looking to protect your identity, or just want to make your time on the Internet more enjoyable and free, sign up with ZoogVPN today.
Yaroslav S.CEO at ZoogVPN. Yaroslav is a versatile manager with extensive customer support experience. His historical background and a deep passion for philosophy perfectly complete a real desire to create meaningful content and tech products.
