According to statistics, only 46% or 105 million Americans use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). And, if you’ve not installed one, then my friend, you’re missing out.
I believe having a VPN is a must in this digitally connected world. Also, it’s a misconception that a VPN can only be used to secure our devices and data stored on them. Yes, that’s one of the major advantages of having a VPN. But there are a lot more cool and fun things you can do with it, and here, I’ll explain a few of them.
But before that, I’ll briefly explain how a VPN works. This way, you’d thoroughly understand how it helps in the online activities that I’ll discuss later. So, let’s dive right in!
How Does A VPN Work?
When you connect to a VPN, it creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and its server. All incoming and outgoing data from your device goes through this encrypted tunnel first and then heads to its destination.
Additionally, a VPN also changes your device’s IP address and assigns it a fake one.
Here, it’s significantly important to understand that as soon as our device’s IP address is altered, it becomes undetectable on the internet. Hackers won’t be able to pinpoint your device, and you can easily surpass geo restrictions.
Cool Things You Can Do With A VPN
The above section explains how a VPN can be an instrumental tool in securing our devices and the data stored on them. Here, I’ll explain a few creative ways of using a VPN that not many people know of.
Access Geo-Restricted Content
Netflix has a vast library of shows and movies, and there’s hardly any doubt about it. But, do you know that Netflix blocks some content based on geographical factors?
Well, not just Netflix, most streaming platforms block content based on location and other factors.
However, you can easily surpass these geo-restrictions by connecting to a VPN, since it changes the IP address along with its location. For instance, if your VPN server’s location is Paris, then you’d appear online from that location. This way, by connecting to a VPN and appearing online from a different location, you can easily surpass geo-restrictions.
Having said that, be careful about one thing. You might feel a sudden slowdown in internet speeds while accessing geo-restricted content on a VPN. Your network has to spare more bandwidth for the extra mile your data covers as it first moves to the VPN’s encrypted server and then to its destination.
As a result, your internet speeds get affected.
I also experienced sudden speed drops with my previous internet provider. However, after switching to Verizon Home Internet, I rarely face any slowdowns and enjoy geo-restricted content whenever and wherever I want.
Find Better Online Deals and Prices
How often do you shop online, book flights, or hotels for your next trip? Well, the next time you do any of these things, make sure to connect to a VPN first. Because this way, you might be able to save some money.
Most hotel and flight booking websites charge you by location. For instance, if you access their website from New York, you might receive mind-boggling rates. However, if you visit the same website from the suburbs of another city, then they might charge you differently and probably at lower rates.
Also, I know it might sound too good to be true. So, experience it for yourself and connect to a VPN next time before you book any flight or hotel.
Stay Safe On A Public WiFi
Public WiFi that we can easily find in shopping malls, restaurants, and even in local cafes is invaluable for a person like me who loves staying connected to the internet for free. However, since most public connections are open networks, they’re prone to cyberattacks.
Having said that, it’s best if you use cellular data or carry a portable hotspot device for internet connectivity when you’re outside. But if you don’t feel like paying for internet and want to use public WiFi, then always connect to a VPN.
As I said earlier, a VPN makes your device undetectable on the internet by altering its IP address. As a result, hackers cannot install any malware or virus on your device.
Prevent Bandwidth Throttling
This is rare, but your ISP might throttle your network’s bandwidth as soon as it finds out that you’re engaged in heavy online activity. It can be online gaming, downloading heavy files, or high-quality streaming.
In most cases, internet users with shared bandwidth, like in cable connections, face throttling from their providers. It’s because the ISP has to manage network load during peak hours and ensure every user gets connectivity.
Having said that, you can prevent bandwidth throttling by connecting to a VPN. Since a VPN encrypts your online activities, they become invisible to your ISP. And, as your ISP fails to monitor what you’re up to on the internet, you don’t have to face throttled speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit blocked websites on a VPN?
Yes, like accessing geo-restricted content, you can also visit blocked websites on a VPN.
Can I access blocked game servers on a VPN?
Yes, you can access blocked game servers in your region by connecting to a VPN.
Can a VPN unblock social media sites?
Yes, since a VPN alters your device’s IP address and changes its location, you can easily unblock and visit social media sites by connecting to it.
