4 Advantages of a VPN

In today’s digital world, we’re constantly being told that we need to improve our computer literacy and take care to ensure that our digital presence is as secure as possible. But do you know how to actually ensure protection against cyber criminals, or to keep your online activity private?

With a VPN from Surfshark, that’s exactly what you’ll be able to do – and those aren’t the only advantages. This article will explain in greater detail just what a VPN can do for you.

The benefits of a VPN

A VPN – virtual private network – encrypts data, acting like a private network over a public one and giving you unrestricted access to the internet. You get increased cybersecurity and an enhanced user experience, as well as plenty of other benefits.

Greater security

You’ll find free public wi-fi in many locations, and it can be a handy way of staying online on-the-go. But it’s also very insecure, as any application or website can track your activity – and cyber-thieves or hackers can access your information with ease. In the first instance, this means targeted ads and other annoying pop-ups that impact your online experience. In the latter, it might mean a serious breach to your online presence.

A VPN will encrypt your data so that you can use public wi-fi to surf your emails, access online banking, or whatever else you fancy in a secure way.

Greater access to censored websites

Depending on where you are geographically located, you may find yourself unable to access particular web pages. But with a VPN, you’ll be given an IP address that avoids this problem of censorship or restriction, allowing you access to whatever content that you want to access. If there’s a show on a streaming service that’s only available in a certain country, for example, or regional sports coverage you can’t access, a VPN will allow you to do so – wherever you are in the world.

Greater anonymity with a VPN

A VPN masks your IP address, location, and search history. This keeps these things private, as your internet service provider won’t be able to track or analyse your online activity, allowing you to stay anonymous when browsing. Your personal information and data will be kept secure, and is less likely to be sold onto third parties. You’ll also be able to search without an algorithm directing your search.

Greater control over your online searches

Remember how we mentioned above that your ISP can use your location and cookies in order to track your searches across websites? If you’re an avid online shopper, any goods or services that you’re searching for may therefore become more expensive – this frequently happens when purchasing airplane tickets, for example.

Another frequent practice is price discrimination, where you’re targeted based on factors like your location, browsing and purchasing habits, and IP address. If you shop at luxury stores, for example, the services or products that you’re searching for online might be priced higher, meaning you’re getting ripped off. But with a VPN, you’re avoiding falling prey of this automated algorithm and price discrimination, giving you greater control over what you’re paying.

If you have questions about what a VPN can do for you, get in touch with Surfshark today, and discover more about securing your online privacy and anonymity.