Online security is an important factor when it comes to protecting your online activities. There are quite a few options when it comes to guarding your online privacy, and VPN is a top choice among them. 

However, most people aren’t sure about the strength of the security a VPN provides. And that’s what we are going to reveal in this blog. So make sure to stick with us to find out how safe and secure VPNs are.

How Does VPN Work?

VPNs act as guards and hide your IP address, and they send your traffic through a special server run by VPN hosts. By doing this, neither your internet provider nor third parties will be able to track your IP address.

Benefits of Using a VPN

1. Privacy

VPN shields your IP address which makes it difficult for your Internet service provider or the third-party sites to track your online data. This aspect of VPN is very important when using public Wi-Fi networks that aren’t secure.

2. Security

VPNs keep you safe from hackers. This is crucial when you’re making online purchases, shopping, or doing anything that involves sensitive information.

3.  Access Regional Content

Regional content cannot be accessed from every location. There are certain streaming services and websites that you cannot access from certain parts of the world. If you want to access your regional content while traveling, the best way possible is by using a VPN. 

By using VPN you can switch to a server in another country and change your location virtually. This is particularly useful for businesses that are hiring internationally, since VPNs provide a secure network that makes accessing shared resources, databases, and internal systems much easier, as if everyone was located in the same physical office.

4. Data Transfer

If you are someone who is working remotely, you might have to access important files on your company’s network. So considering security issues, you have to keep these files secured. And that’s when a VPN comes in handy.

Using VPN services, you can connect to private servers and encrypt your data to prevent data leakage.

Drawbacks of Using a VPN

1. Slower Internet Speeds

Even though a VPN protects your traffic and privacy, it will still add a lot of load to your internet connection. This will slow down your overall net speed and spoil your streaming experience especially if you are signed up with a low-quality VPN provider.

So, If you are someone who is looking to enjoy Geo-Restricted Content without any buffering issues and then it’s mandatory to use a trustworthy VPN that will help you to keep up with speeds & offers you access to multiple server locations.

2. Anonymity

Even though a VPN shields and protects you online, you aren’t completely invisible. There are people who would still have eyes on you as well as your data. So make sure you check your VPN service provider’s log encryption policy so that you are already aware of things. 

How to Choose a VPN?

With lots of options to choose from and each VPN service provider having their own pros and cons, it becomes quite tricky to choose your ideal VPN. Therefore, we have listed down some of the key factors that you need to keep in mind before choosing a VPN.

1. Reliability

The two key features when it comes to VPN are IP address encryption and two-factor authentication. But sadly you don’t find these two features in some of the VPN service providers. So make sure to do some thorough research on the VPN service provider you are interested in. These features will help you in securing your data and information.

2. Speed 

Most of the “Not so well known” VPNs reduce your internet speeds which will ultimately spoil your streaming experience. So if speed is an important factor for you, then make sure to choose a VPN service that doesn’t affect your internet speeds.

3. Read Reviews

This is again a bonus tip that people usually don’t take seriously. However, reviews ultimately help you choose which VPN you would like to go with.

Now the ultimate question is are VPNs really secure? If yes, then to what extent? Continue reading to find out the answer!

To What Extent Are VPNs Secure?

VPNs are secure when you choose a reputable service provider and use them properly. Additionally, there are a few tips for using your VPN safely. So, make sure to follow these.

• Make sure to use strong encryption protocols like AES-256 or ChaCha20.
• Keep your VPN software up to date.
• Be careful about the information and data that you share online.
• Use a firewall and antivirus software.

The Bottom Line

Most of the VPNs that are from the reputed service provider are secure and reliable. So, ideally, you would want to prefer them. However, it comes with a cost. 

If you are someone who is looking for the best free VPN, you still have some good options. But make sure to cross-check and then decide the one that’s right for you!