Advantages Of Using A Virtual Private Network (VPN)

If you use the internet on the go, you may have heard of a VPN and the benefits of using one but you may not know what it is, so, what is a VPN and, should you get one?


A VPN is a Virtual Private Network and is a useful solution to providing you with secure internet from anywhere in the world. It is especially useful for keeping your information safe and secure.  In this article, I will go into more detail on the main advantages of using a Virtual Private Network or VPN.

Security

A VPN allows you to create a secure network due to the encryption it uses. This means that bank details will be safe and your information and passwords will be secure. This is especially important if you have to use your computer whilst travelling, perhaps accessing your Paypal or bank accounts on the go. All data is encrypted from prying eyes, and a VPN helps keep your bank details out of the hand of criminals. It also keeps sensitive and personal information safe.

Anonymity

With a VPN you can browse the web anonymously. Now even if you are not doing anything scandalous, this has distinct advantages. Firstly, because you are anonymous then your information will be secure. 

Secondly, you can browse the internet in private. Normally your web browser tracks your cookies so that nothing is completely secret, tracking what sites you go to. This can then affect adverts you are shown as well as potentially pushing up prices of hotels and holidays when booking them, based on past browsing experiences. A VPN keeps your browsing history anonymous and secure and doesn't allow browsers to track you. So it's easier to grab a holiday bargain for one!

Streaming

Some online streaming channels are location specific. A VPN can allow you to watch your favourite local channels abroad. For example, did you know that the BBC Iplayer is not available outside of the UK?  A VPN can mask your location and make your location-specific to the country you want. That means in practice you can set your computer's location to be from the UK, even if you are in another country and then BBC Iplayer will work. This is great if you want to catch up with a TV programme or event or if you are an Ex-Pat and you want to watch the channel you loved in the UK

Netflix is also different in various countries, so a VPN will allow you to access content in a different location, perhaps if you are on holiday, giving you more choice of programmes.

Business use

A VPN is great for sharing data with a group securely, as well as keeping sensitive information secure. This is particularly great for businesses. Data breaches can lead to fines and compensation claims so using a VPN makes good business sense. 

VPNs also give businesses the security to share their resources with employees and partners that are not based in the office at all times, allowing for flexibility of staff and remote working.

It's also cheaper to set up a VPN tha
n a physical private network so this can save a business money, and what business doesn't want to save money?!

So as you can see there are a number of advantages of getting a Virtual Private Network or VPN. If you want the reassurance of a secure network, can you really afford not to get one in this day and age?

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16 comments

  1. Husband uses a VPN a lot when he travels with work.

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  2. I used to have a VPN at my old job so we could search on the internet and not always be influenced by what everyone else in the office was doing x

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  3. I must admit until I read this, VPN's had me really confused! This is really handy to know.

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    1. Glad it's clarified some things for you Rebecca.

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  4. I had to use a VPN for work a few years ago. It was easy to use, and I was grateful not to have to go into the office after a long day!

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    1. It adds so much flexibility if you can work from home.

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  5. I used to use a VPN when I worked in an IB - so much easier

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    1. I used to use smart dns instead of VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in UAE.
      Unfortunately VPN or proxy ip can be easily banned by BBC. I recommend to use Smart DNS service instead of VPN to access video steraming services like BBC. It’s a faster and cheaper. Probably you find it usefull http://vpnprivacy.services/news/how-to-watch-bbc-iplayer-abroad-on-ipad/

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  6. Oh I didn't know about these terms - but now I got them right and understand whatt it is for.

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  7. What a great article about VPN. Security and anonymity are a big plus xx

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  8. I use VPN a lot especially when I am streaming movies that are not in the UK.

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  9. Thanks for this post its so helpful. I had heard of the term but didn't really know anything about it. It sounds like a really helpful thing to use especially as I am always online all over the place!

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    1. It’s especially useful if you travel a lot Jess

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