Are VPNs the Ultimate Defense Against Cyberattacks? Here’s What You Need to Know

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are everywhere. We see them advertised on television, podcasts, and on the social media pages of our favourite influencers. Almost everybody uses one, and it’s not hard to see why. The internet is not as safe as it used to be, and cybercriminals can be found in almost every corner of it. Cybercrime has, therefore, become a big problem. Ordinary users of the internet have their personal information stolen on an almost daily basis–nobody is safe. If you want to learn about how VPNs can keep you safe, this post has you covered. 

VPNs Encrypt Internet Traffic

VPNs encrypt internet traffic, which makes it nearly impossible for hackers to access your data. As mentioned above, cybercriminals steal people’s personal information. One of the main reasons they do this is so they can either commit identity fraud themselves or sell people’s data to criminals who will do it instead. Sometimes data is stolen so that hackers can steal money directly from their victims, too. The experts at Chrome VPN advertise their service by saying it has the ability to encrypt all browser traffic, which means that it, and other VPNs like it, are the ultimate defense against cyberattacks. It is worth noting that, however, VPNs can’t directly repel cyberattacks in the same way that firewalls can. You therefore need to invest in antivirus software in addition to a VPN, so you have all bases covered and don’t have to worry about your device getting hacked. 

They Mask Your IP Address

VPNs also mask your IP address. IP addresses give ISPs and hackers an idea of where specific internet users are located. They reveal the country you live in, and a rough geographic area. Law enforcement agencies can identify people’s exact locations using them, however. If you are a regular internet user, the last thing you want is hackers being able to figure out where you are based, because they can then use this information to commit fraud, or support fraudulent activities. Masking your IP address is therefore one of the main benefits you will get to enjoy by investing in and using a VPN. As well as preventing criminals from being able to trace you, masking your IP address makes it possible for you to enjoy geographically-restricted content on streaming services. You can enjoy films that are not usually available to viewers in your country on your favourite services, whether that is Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu. Remember that changing your IP address to watch content in different countries is against the rules of most streaming services and can result in account bans, so do it subtly. 

VPNs Hide Your Data

Hackers are not the only people you need to watch out for. You also need to be aware of your Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPs are notorious for selling the browsing histories of their customers to marketing companies, which then results in targeted advertisements. If you don’t want to be bombarded with marketing information, use a VPN whenever you use the internet. No matter what content you view, ISPs will sell it and use it to try and turn a profit. Because they actively farm people’s information, bear in mind that anything else you do on the internet, they will see. Total anonymity is therefore only something you can get by using a VPN. Everybody deserves to be anonymous on the internet, and nobody should have their data stolen, but unfortunately we live in a world where profit is more important than anything else. Use a VPN to safeguard your data. 

They Secure Public Wi-Fi Connections

Finally, VPNs make it possible for you to browse public Wi-Fi connections without worrying about your personal information being stolen. It is common knowledge that public Wi-Fi networks are dangerous, mainly because hackers often seize control of them and steal all of the information transmitted through them. You can keep yourself safe while using public Wi-Fi networks by investing in and using a VPN. Something to note about VPNs is that there are hundreds of them, so you need to shop around and find the one that is right for you. Finding the right VPN can be difficult, but is absolutely essential, otherwise you won’t get as much out of using one as you could. Make sure you shop around and read reviews. Reviews are the best way to tell if a VPN is worth using or avoiding. 

VPNs are an invaluable resource in the modern world. The internet is a dangerous place, so take steps to protect yourself by investing in one, and by buying antivirus software. You can use the guidance given here to get a better idea of what you can get out of using VPNs, and how you can find one.