The internet has evolved from being a luxury into a vital utility tool we need daily. However, with its convenience, using the internet has become more challenging than ever due to potential cybersecurity risks.
However, VPNs have emerged as saviors in the daunting world of the internet. Although they are still not foolproof, VPNs do enhance your online security and keep your online data private. So whether you are looking to secure your home or office network or you want to access geo-restricted content, a VPN app can be your go-to companion while navigating the internet space.
If you are looking to get a VPN app, VPNRanks has lined up some premium service providers that are worth trying.
Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN, to make it convenient for you to decide.
Working Mechanism of a VPN
A Virtual Private Network, commonly referred to as VPN, is a private connection between a server and a machine that goes through encrypted tunnels. When you connect to a VPN app, your PC, smartphone or any other smart device bypass the server of your local internet service provider (ISP) and instead connects to a private server. By doing this, all your personal information is masked, and you are assigned a different set of credentials to surf the internet. Any website tracking users’ data then wouldn’t be able to see your actual information.
Advantages of a VPN
The advantages of using a VPN are many and manifold. You can use these apps for your personal use as well as your workplace. From accessing geo-restricted content and securing your remote workspaces to setting up a secured network to safeguard the valuable data of an organization and its stakeholders, using a VPN can be really beneficial.
Here are a few key advantages of using a VPN app for both personals of commercial use:
Access Geo-restricted Content
The majority of online streaming platforms and entertainment websites nowadays are bound to keep their content geo-restricted to copyright laws and licensing agreements. This is primarily done to safeguard the streaming rights of content distribution platforms operating in different regions.
However, by using a premium VPN app you can appear in a different territory of your choice. For example, Hulu is only available in the US and you can’t access it in any other country. A VPN will mask your actual location and connect to an American server to fool the streaming service into thinking that you’re located in the US. In the same way, you can enjoy geo-restricted content on any streaming service you want, regardless of your actual location.
Provide Extended Privacy and Anonymity
While you are connected to a VPN, your actual network information is masked and appears to be reflecting from a different location altogether. This camouflage of network data keeps VPN users safe as anyone looking or trying to take data would instead get the data of the VPN server.
Avoid Region-Based eCommerce, Save money.
When you shop online, some websites and services like hotels, airlines, or eCommerce vendors track the network information of the customers to increase prices. If you use a VPN to mask your location, you will be able to see the shady pricing tactics unaffected offers. So, can save a lot of money by using a VPN.
Disadvantages of a VPN
Before deciding on if you want to use a VPN or not, it is equally important to know the disadvantages of a VPN. However, don’t be discouraged by the word disadvantages, the good news is most of the time, the pros win over the cons by far outweigh.
Here are the most common cons that you will have to face and need to know:
Slow Internet Speed
When connected to a VPN service, we need to understand that this virtual connection exists inside of our physical network, so the slowdown of speed in some way is inevitable when it comes to the internet connection. Developing and keeping up with the VPN is going to take a toll on your bandwidth, which will slow down the connection speeds.
But with the fast-speed internet connection making it to the market every day, this issue has gradually become less important or bothersome, and the VPN providers are also adapting for better with each passing day. Most of the large VPN services boast a very minimal loss of internet speeds.
Softwares That Blocks VPNs Exists
With the VPNs making their way into the market and rubbing it in the face of the companies that want to charge people or earn more money, VPN blockers were bound to exist. Some companies now use this software known as VPN blockers. These VPN blockers work to recognize the IP addresses using VPNs and prevent the users from accessing.
Due to high competition VPN blockers have also grown in terms of popularity parallel to the use of VPNs.
Complex Set-Up
Where you might find that connecting your device to an internet connection is easy, setting up your VPN connection is not. A VPN is basically a secure encrypted tunnel that is going to lock and hides information. If you fail to set it up the right way, it can result in your data leaks. Data leaks can happen if you are using a misconfigured VPN.
So, it is a crucial step and you want to make sure that you understand the VPN provider you got and its operating procedures.
Connections Loss
It is not a big deal! Even if you get the best VPN, it can too, sometimes lose its connection. When a VPN loses its connectivity, it is not completely different from merely disconnecting from Wi-Fi or the internet. A dropped VPN connection means that your network information is now visible to anyone.
Your ISP can also see the sites you are on and visited. If by chance, any site you visited violates the terms of service of the ISP, they can shut down and block your connection right away.
