Do you know almost 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent every day?
In a time where cyber threats are increasingly becoming a major problem in the digital world, it is crucial for us to learn ways of protecting our data and online presence. Not only are these threats evolving to become more harmful, but most hackers are also using progressive technologies like Artificial Intelligence to make them harder to intercept.
This is why there is a growing awareness among the masses on cybersecurity measures and safeguarding personal data.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are one of the most common ways to ensure online safety. While it might not be 100% fail-safe, it does provide a pretty solid layer of security for day-to-day internet users like you and me.
Let us explore all about VPNs in brief detail and the reason why you should be using them in 2025.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a tool or a service that allows you to set up a secure connection to protect your internet activity. It conceals your real IP address and replaces it with a different one. In simple words, it shows you to be present in another location. It also effectively hides your web activity by encrypting your information so that it cannot be decrypted by anyone else.
Basically, a VPN reroutes your data through encrypted servers so that hackers from the internet cannot trace it back to your IP. It is a great way to provide privacy, anonymity, and security.
Most internet service providers support VPN connectivity, as well. A case in point is Comcast Xfinity, which lets you set up a compatible VPN with its router, and even offers complete setup assistance for the process through its 24/7 Xfinity customer service. This lets you enjoy the benefits of VPN over your current internet connection.
Reasons You Should Get a VPN Right Now
A VPN does so much more than providing you with online anonymity. It has proved itself to be an invaluable tool in using the internet more safely. It also benefits us in other ways as well. Let us explore the benefits of using a VPN.
- It Protects Your Data
As mentioned above, a VPN encrypts your data. This means it turns your personal information into code, which can only be read by concerned parties. This includes your name, email address, home, address, or any other information you enter online. It also includes your browsing data, which is accessed and sold off to third parties.
Furthermore, a VPN also hides your downloads and streaming activities, which again is valuable to third-party sites.
- It Helps You Access Geo-Blocked Sites
A VPN masks your IP address by showing that you are present in some other geographical location. For instance, if you are present in Los Angeles, a VPN will change your IP address to show that you are instead present in a small town in Italy. This feat allows you to access content that is blocked in specific locations.
So, by using a VPN, you can access sites that are not available in your country. This also allows to access websites that limit the information that is shown in other countries.
- It Secures Your Online Banking
Online shopping and online payments have made life a breeze for us. However, it is also very common for hackers to access our financial information and commit financial fraud.
Using a VPN can deter hackers from accessing your banking information. Since it encrypts all the data that comes from you, no hacker can read that information including your banking information. This also makes it safe for you to use your credit card online to make payments.
- It Lets You Use Public WiFi
Public WiFi is the easiest way for hackers to gain access to your system and access personal information.
Most hackers use tactics like packet sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks to get access to devices on a public WiFi network. A VPN works by adding a layer between your data and the public WiFi. It also reroutes all your data to pass through an encrypted tunnel, so even if somebody can see the information, they won’t be able to make sense of it.
- It Lets You Bypass Location-Based Price Hikes
It is not a secret that some service providers charge differently for different locations and regions for varying reasons. As mentioned above, a VPN changes your location by changing your IP address. This means you can bypass location-based price hikes while shopping online. This is especially helpful when you are buying plane tickets. So, using a VPN can help you save money as well.
Ending this article with one small tip: as beneficial as using a VPN might seem, it is illegal to use one in some countries. Therefore, it is recommended to always check your country’s rules before subscribing to a VPN.