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Surfing the web on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is like attending a masquerade party—you can explore the web freely without revealing your true identity. While this anonymity offers security and privacy benefits, it also comes with some drawbacks.
On one hand, with the rise of remote work post-COVID-19, VPNs have become essential for nearly everyone. They allow employees and employers to securely access proprietary data and collaborate on critical projects without being tethered to a physical server, the norm a few years ago.
Similarly, as more individuals seek online privacy, VPNs have become indispensable, even for daily web browsing. However, the same technology that protects users also enables scammers to mask their identities and aids cybercrime.
Every internet user is identified using an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a unique combination of numbers. This is used by big tech to track online activity. A VPN or Virtual Private Network masks this identity by masking your native IP address with a dynamic one.
IP addresses are also country-specific and can reveal your exact location. This is why, when you travel abroad, some of your favourite apps—especially banking-related services—may stop working. The IP address change indicates you are in a different country, which, in some cases, protects your money. Even if someone gains access to your banking details in a foreign country, they may be unable to use them due to location-based security measures.
Most VPN service providers also offer network encryption. This, at least in theory, protects your identity even from the VPN provider itself. Some VPN apps highlight this as a key feature to promote their privacy and security benefits.
If you are using a public Wi-Fi network, such as one from a café or an airport, a VPN adds an extra layer of security to protect your online activity.
Some VPNs are free and ad-supported, while others require a paid subscription, offering more features and capabilities. Premium VPNs typically allow users to switch between different countries, provide higher data bandwidth, and deliver a smoother experience.
Depending on your device and needs, you should choose a suitable VPN provider. If you are serious about online privacy and security, a paid VPN is recommended.
Gamers should also consider latency, as free VPNs often have higher latency, which can negatively affect online gaming performance.
Some of the best-rated VPN services include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, Surfshark VPN, and TunnelBear.
OTT platforms like Netflix and Prime Video offer different content in different countries. This is why you may be unable to access certain shows in India, even if you have a paid subscription. Similarly, when travelling to the United States of America, you might lose access to web series available in India. VPNs also come in handy in accessing websites that might have been blocked by your internet service provoiders.
A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions by switching your virtual location to another country. However, most free VPNs do not allow users to choose a specific country, randomly assigning an IP address instead. Paid VPNs typically let users switch between different geographic locations, which can also be useful for accessing banking services while abroad.
No, it is not. If you use the Internet for regular tasks, a VPN may not offer significant benefits. However, if you want to protect your online identity while accessing certain websites and services, a VPN can be as useful as wearing a mask at a party.
