The first step to achieving online security is admitting the fact that you need to subscribe yourself to a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Yes, you heard that right. Getting yourself into a virtual private network is not just a flimsy want; it’s a need. It’s for your own good and protection. If you think that nothing bad can ever happen to you online, then it’s high time you get your facts checked. Trust me; this is for your own good too.
No matter where you go, there are always going to be people who will try to take advantage of you. I guess such is the nature of humans. There will always be Yins and Yangs. This remains true no matter where you are – even if you’re not even physically present in the place. Bad things can happen in the online world too.
What Risks Are Involved With Online Surfing?
Well, there are many. You may think that because you’re not physically present in cyberspace, nothing bad can happen to you. Wrong.
There are many situations that may jeopardize your safety online. Most of which, involves misusing and abusing personally identifying information (read more).
When we log online and when we use social media programs and communication devices, we are often prompted to disclose our personal information to validate our identities. While we understand that social websites (too) have their own interests to protect, we are also putting our personal data at risk when we agree to their terms. When you sign up for a new account or register for a new service, your information is stored in that certain website’s database. Even though these websites put
up their own security measures like firewalls and data encryption, you can never really know for sure that your data is safe. After all, everything we have online are fruits of human labor. People created these websites’ security measures too. So what is to say that no other person can destroy it?
Also Read: Best Android VPN Apps For Android 2019
So, what’s the worst that could happen when other people grab hold of your personally identifying information?
For one, you risk identity theft. When someone knows everything about you, he or she can impersonate you online. After all, we have yet to develop a technology that requires face recognition when transacting online. The moment your sensitive data is leaked (e.g. full name, address, birth date, government IDs, financial data, etc.), the person who has it can do whatever he wants with it. You’ll be surprised when you wake up one day and find out that someone went on a shopping craze online using your credit card. Sure, many credit companies are developing counter measurements against these fraudulent activities but the hassle and inconvenience this kind of act may bring you is beyond your patience limits.
Technology has indeed made our lives easier – but certainly not safer.
How Can A Virtual Private Network Help?
When you log in through a VPN, you have better chances of protecting your personal information. A Virtual Private Network prevents unwarranted data breaches by misleading potential hackers and scammers. It masks your true IP address and disguises it with a fake one. This makes you and your computer almost unrecognisable online.
Hackers often need a specific IP address to initiate their fraudulent and disrespectful activities. When you give them a fake one, they’ll keep bumping into a dead end. Hopefully, it will discourage them from pursuing your data. There are millions, maybe even billions, of people logging in online everyday. And although the chances of being targeted by bad people are slim, they still exist. You know what they say, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You should also check this out: https://www.thebalance.com/how-vpn-protects-your-computer-and-privacy-4148267.
Will Getting A VPN Ensure Your Online Safety?
Logging in through a VPN tunnel will certainly earn you better protection online but I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it’s fail-proof. Many factors affect a VPNs performance and we have many companies offering such service. Needless to say, some just work better than the others.
Here are some things you have to consider when choosing the best VPN provider:
The Provider Will Matter
Yes, there are many VPN providers but not all of them offer the same level of protection. If lucky, you’ll get a provider that values data protection and will go to various lengths just to let you experience safer browsing. There are also some providers who would care more about the subscription fee you’re paying rather than ensure your protection. Of course, you will always want to go with the first one.
The best way to increase your chances of partnering with the right provider is to tackle your options better. Check out review websites and online recommendations. They can help you out!
Your Subscription Inclusions Will Matter
VPN providers offer different subscription packages. Check out all the packages inclusions before you finally decide on what you want to get. Choose something that really suits your needs. Check out How to Choose the Best VPN – 9 Things to Look At if you want to learn more about this.
You Can Never Be Too Safe
Aside from getting a VPN, you should also do your part in keeping your private information safe. Never reveal sensitive information to any person (this includes people you’re really close too). Change your passwords often and never use the same ones for multiple websites. Sometimes our safety depends on our own efforts too, you know.