Security and privacy are big issues in our world today. This is largely because the world is moving steadily and surely into a full blown digital age where almost everything is done across digital networks. With this increased reliance on the internet, the threat of cyber crimes has taken a new level of importance. More people are now seeking to strengthen the security and privacy of their transactions online. As a result of this, understanding the role of VPNs is now more important than ever.
A virtual private network according to this article is a server that provides a secure connection between an internet user and the internet. When you access the web through a VPN, your location and identity is shielded from the website you are visiting. What will be seen will be the information from the server of the VPN.
For example, if I were to access the internet through a VPN located in the UK, that will be my location. I may actually be accessing the web from the U.S. Aside from cloaking my location, it can also cloak my identity. This is basically what a VPN does.
Looking at the definition of a VPN as given above, there are a number of ways it can help. Here are a few:
1. It can provide security and privacy while using public WiFi. Public WiFi can be dangerous as someone can hack your system using the same network. This is made more difficult when you use a VPN.
2. It will also help reduce identity theft. Since it will cloak your location and IP address, identity theft will become extra difficult.
3. Another thing it does is increase the privacy of your activities. It encrypts the data that comes from your computer to the server, making it difficult for privacy violations.
The above are just a few ways that VPNs can help with cyber security. It is now clear that relying only on an antivirus may no longer be enough. Cyber security has to combine different solutions to deliver optimum security. This will include: antivirus, VPNs and even simple tools like a webcam cover.
The challenge of cyber security is real and most be taken seriously.
