A VPN, or virtual private network, is a great way to keep your data safe while you’re online. By using a VPN, you can browse the internet anonymously and keep your personal information confidential. In addition, a VPN can be used to access blocked websites and stream content from all over the world.
Here’s how it works: the VPN provider maintains a number of servers in locations all over the world. For example, when you’re using a VPN app on your phone, all internet traffic to and from your device is routed through one of these servers.
While moving between your device and ours, data travels inside an encrypted tunnel – so you’re always protected from snoopers or man-in-the-middle attacks [1].
In this blog post, we will discuss the different ways that you can use a VPN and the benefits that come with using one.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is primarily a tool that helps you stay private online by encrypting your internet traffic. This stops anyone from monitoring the sites you visit, including local networks and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Paired with an incognito tab, it also makes it more difficult for websites to recognize you each time you visit.
Privacy is important because we use the internet a lot – for social media alone. By monitoring our activities online, governments and corporations can learn intimate details about our lives. This is why collecting data has become big business.
A VPN is the helpful solution you need to stop anyone from snooping, and it has many other benefits too [2].
VPNs allow you to connect your device to another computer (called a server) located elsewhere on the internet. By doing so, you can browse the internet as if you were in that country and access things that would normally be off-limits.
What Is A VPN Used For
VPN Uses for Business
If you work in a company or run your own business, you’ll know that security is very important. If a hacker were to intercept and listen to the internet traffic coming from your computer while using public WiFi, they’d be able to see all of your sensitive information, including passwords, credit card details, and bank account numbers. The good news is that by using a VPN (a virtual private network), you can keep yourself safe [3].
VPN Uses for Gaming
A VPN connection is not only beneficial for online gaming purposes but also because it protects your IP address from would-be attackers. By using a VPN, your internet speed will remain fast and stable even if rival gamers try to launch a DDoS attack by flooding your network with excessive traffic. NordVPN’s Meshnet feature lets you connect to friends remotely and play over secure private networks [4].
VPN Uses For Streaming
If you’re a big fan of streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, then a VPN can help you access content that’s not available in your country. Additionally, it prevents ISPs from throttling your internet speed and recording your online activities.
Whether you want to watch live TV or download torrents without being tracked by copyright holders, NordVPN has a solution for all of your privacy needs.
Limitations of VPNs
While VPNs are an excellent way to improve your privacy and security online, they do have some limitations.
For instance, a VPN can only protect the traffic that is being sent through it, so if you’re sending sensitive information over a non-encrypted connection (such as email or instant messaging), it’s possible for hackers to intercept this data.
Additionally, not all VPNs offer the same level of protection – the quality of the service will depend on factors such as server location, encryption method, and bandwidth available.
Also, it’s important to be aware that VPNs do not necessarily protect you from cross-site tracking, so if a website is collecting data about your browsing habits, it may still be able to do this even if you are connected to a VPN.
Finally, many free VPN services are actually scams that collect and sell user data for profit, so it’s always worth doing your research before choosing a provider. With NordVPN though – an award-winning service with military-grade encryption and over 5400 servers worldwide – you can trust that your private information will remain safe at all times!
What Can You Do With A VPN
Avoid Targeted Bandwidth Throttling
If you frequently utilize a lot of internet bandwidth for activities such as gaming or streaming, your ISP might deliberately slow down your connection.
Obviously, if your internet service provider (ISP) deliberately slows down everyone’s speeds in a specific area, there’s not much you can do about it.
However, if they’re only targeting individual users based on their web activity sessions – which many ISPs do to control how much data certain people consume – then using a VPN can help encrypt your traffic and get around those restrictions. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy online gaming without having to deal with major disruptions to your bandwidth [5].
Access Your Home Network When You’re Away
VPNs offer many advantages to home users. If you need access to your home network when away from home, for example, or if you travel frequently and want access to Netflix, Pandora, or other streaming media services that are blocked in some countries, a VPN is just what the doctor ordered.
You can configure your laptop (or smartphone) with public Wi-Fi settings automatically so that when you arrive at Starbucks or the airport lounge, all of your email traffic and Web browsing pass over encrypted virtual private lines rather than through plain old open Internet pipes.
Escape Censorship and Geographical Restrictions
A VPN can also give you access to more content online as it masks your IP address.
For example, if you live in Germany but want access to American Netflix, then using a VPN would allow you to appear as though you were in America and gain access.
Of course, this means that technically speaking the content available on one’s server is usually restricted because of licensing agreements – just like how most of Europe cannot watch Hulu without the use of proxies or other workarounds. Still, that is no reason to leave oneself open to potential security risks or scammers [6].
Save Money On Flight Tickets, Hotels, And Car Rentals
A VPN not only protects your privacy and data online but can also help you get a better deal on your next vacation. By connecting to different points of sale and using multiple currencies, you can find the best rates for airfare, hotels, and more.
Did you know that flight prices sometimes increase based on your browsing history? To avoid this, try clearing your browser cookies or using incognito mode. But be aware that this may not be enough, as rates can also differ depending on what country you’re searching from.
A VPN can help you stay under the radar and get better rates by connecting to a server in a different location. If you’re trying to find lower prices on hotels, car rentals, or anything else related to travel, using a VPN is an easy way to save money and enjoy more peace of mind while planning your next trip.
Make Public Wi-Fi More Secure
Public WiFi can be dangerous if you’re not careful. If a connection isn’t encrypted or has been tampered with, going on it could mean someone sees what sites you visit. A VPN stops this by encrypting your internet, so there’s much less of a chance that somebody will steal your payment info while you’re using public WiFi.
Protect Your Mobile Devices
With the prevalence of mobile devices and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, it’s more important than ever to protect your personal information while you’re on the go. VPNs allow you to use public Wi-Fi without worrying about being hacked by a hacker or eavesdropped on by neighbors with evil intent.
They also encrypt all data that passes through them, meaning that even if someone can access your connection, they won’t be able to see what you are doing online – making it impossible for anyone to snoop into your bank account or Google search history.
As most mobile users have discovered over time, using a public network comes with certain security risks. While many people know that using a hotspot means opening themselves up to potential attacks, many aren’t aware of the full range of threats they’re exposing themselves to.
Access Your Work Or University Network Abroad
If you are trying to access your school, work, or university network from outside of the country, you might not be able to due to location restrictions. With so many people relocating abroad because of the pandemic, this has become a more common problem as regulatory measures tighten.
Using a VPN is essential for anyone who wants to work or study remotely. Not only will it help protect you from online threats, but you’ll also be able to change your location and access the websites and networks that you’re used to [7].
Download And Upload Files Securely
Some people might not know this, but there are a few reasons P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing is actually legal. For example, it helps distribute open-source software or public-domain videos. Additionally, it allows for the easy transfer of large sets of data across networks. Despite its benefits though, many ISPs don’t allow their customers to engage in P2P activities because it can slow down connection speeds and limit bandwidth usage.
However, your ISP is not the only party at fault. All users on the same network can see each other’s IP addresses, which could present a significant security threat and act as an entryway for cybercriminals with severe consequences.
Turning on a VPN will let you use P2P without your internet service provider slowing you down, and at the same time keeps you safe. Your IP remains hidden and any online traffic is encrypted so that no one can see or intercept it.
Protect Your Privacy
Using a VPN can help you keep your online activities private from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the government. This means that you won’t have to worry about ISPs selling your browsing history or other sensitive information, as they cannot collect it if you’re protected by a VPN. The same goes for hackers and government surveillance – it’s more difficult for them to intercept your data when using a VPN.
Additionally, many people use a VPN to protect their privacy when accessing sensitive materials online like banking services or purchasing items on the dark web. If this sounds like you, then choosing a reliable VPN is an excellent way to ensure that no one else can find out what you’re up to while browsing online!
Protect Your Online Communications
Not everyone knows this, but the main reason to use a VPN is for security. By using one, you’re essentially creating an encrypted tunnel that keeps all your internet activities secure.
That said, different protocols can be used for different purposes, so do some research before you commit to anything–you don’t want to find yourself in a contract with limitations.
Change Your IP Address
A VPN scramble your IP address so that it appears as though you are accessing the internet from one of the server’s location. There are many advantages to this, such as increased privacy, geo-restriction lifts for streaming purposes, and content unlocking.
Additionally, changing your IP address can help you keep your identity anonymous in certain cases.
If you want to explore the benefits of using a VPN, there are many great options available on the market today. Just be sure to do your research and select one that offers strong security features and unlimited bandwidth – you definitely don’t want to compromise your privacy or data with a subpar service!
Change Your Online Location
There are several reasons why you might want to use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN for short, for your internet connection. One of the biggest reasons is to change your online location. This is useful if you’re trying to access content that would otherwise be unavailable from your current geographic regions, such as streaming video services that only offer their content in specific countries – like Netflix and Hulu [8].
Other times, changing your location can help you get around government-imposed restrictions on what types of content users are allowed to access, such as some news sources or social media websites. A VPN can also make it appear that you’re traveling abroad when you’re actually at home so that you can access content that would normally be blocked.
All you need to do to change your location while using a VPN is connected to a server in the country or region that you want to access content. In most cases, this can be done with just a few clicks. And if there are other servers available nearby, you might also find that they’re faster than the one you started with so it might make sense to test out some different locations for yourself and see which ones work best for your needs.
Watch Live Sports Or Events From Around The World
Whether you want to catch up on your favorite shows or see what’s happening in another part of the world, using a VPN allows you to cut through all the geo-restrictions that prevent you from seeing specific content.
For example, if you wanted to watch a football match from Spain but don’t have access because it’s only available within Spain, then using a VPN will allow you to connect to an IP address in Spain – and this will give you access just like someone who lives there!
Increase Internet Speed
Unfortunately, many internet service providers (ISPs) throttle speed and limit bandwidth, which can negatively impact your internet experience.
A VPN scrambles your IP address, making it more difficult for your ISP to filter and throttle your traffic. This increases both speeds since less data is being processed, and bandwidth because there’s no longer a limit on the amount of data that can be used.
Block Third-Party Tracking
Third-party monitoring of website visitors is a common occurrence, even without your knowledge. To better protect yourself, most VPN solutions will block these onlookers and only allow you onto websites where they are confident in the intent.
Unlock Blocked Content On Streaming Services
If you’ve ever tried to watch a certain show online and found that your access is blocked, then you know how frustrating geoblocking can be. Geoblocking prevents users from streaming content outside specific regions and has been used by Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Instant Video, and other sites that have their own proprietary services to prevent users from accessing illegal streams of copyrighted material.
Rather than a stream through an illegal site or wait until a program is available on the legal service you subscribe to in your country, use a VPN. Once inside the VPN’s network, the blocked content will suddenly become available to view without any trouble.
Avoid Governmental Censorship
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a tool that helps secure your data when you are browsing the internet. If you live in a country with strict censorship laws on the web, such as China or Iran, you need to use a VPN to keep your internet freedom. A VPN works by encrypting your connection and routing it through one of its servers located elsewhere.
For example, if you wanted to watch Netflix while living in China, then you would need to use a VPN because Netflix is blocked there. There are quite a few different types of encryption protocols that can be used for this purpose too such as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec for mobile devices.
Connect To A Remote Network
While the most common use of a VPN is to access network resources in another country or region, such as connecting an employee in Seattle to a company office in New York, it can also be used for other purposes that may require you to connect through different locations.
Create The Ultimate Lockdown Streaming Hub
Another common use for VPNs is to create a secure and private streaming hub, allowing you to access your favorite movies, TV shows, or live sports from anywhere in the world. By using one of the many compatible VPNs on the market today, you can create a completely hidden network that will give you complete control over what you watch and when.
Whether you want to stay up-to-date with local news while traveling or stream your favorite sports team’s games while on vacation, a VPN can provide you with everything you need to enjoy all of your favorite content safely and securely.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy all of your entertainment options without worrying about surveillance or censorship, consider setting up a VPN today.
Get More “Free” Services And Websites
Additionally, you may be able to take advantage of other “free” services by using a VPN.
For example, some websites may restrict the number of times you can download content each month unless you have a paid subscription.
However, if you connect through a VPN first, those restrictions won’t apply since your IP address will appear as though it is located within the region where they are offered freely.
Research Your Competition Privately
If you are an entrepreneur or small business owner, a VPN can also be used to research your competition privately and without detection. By connecting through multiple countries and using a fake IP address, you can access the websites of your competitors without raising any red flags. This can help you gain valuable insights into how they operate their businesses and what types of marketing strategies they may be using to boost sales.
Unblock VoIP Services
Using a VPN is a great way to unblock VoIP services. Why? This is because any sites that prevent users from accessing their servers (which are also known as “geo-blocked”), can now be accessed since the actual IP address of your computer has been changed into one belonging to another country.
For example, if you were trying to access Skype while located in China, unless you had some sort of technology that could bypass restrictions on the Great Firewall – like a VPN – you would have difficulty doing so.
With a VPN connection, however, your location will remain hidden and your PC will appear to be somewhere else. This lets you use Skype just as if you had never even left!
Stay Secure On The Tor Network
Using a VPN while browsing the Tor Network makes it harder for hackers to track you.
Furthermore, using a VPN when using the Tor network helps to prevent someone from monitoring your internet traffic and learning about any sensitive information that may be transmitted across the internet.
Secure The Entire Home
In today’s connected world, having access to the internet is crucial. Unfortunately, there are many security concerns that can arise from this constant connection. While antivirus and malware software help protects your computer, they leave all other devices on your network vulnerable to cyber attacks.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers an additional layer of security for all of these devices by encrypting the data that passes through them. In addition to protecting you and your family online, VPNs also offer added privacy when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
Use Public Wi-Fi Hotspots Safely
Although there are many legitimate uses for such connections – including accessing work files remotely, engaging in business transactions online, and even just staying in touch with friends by logging into social media sites – there are also plenty of potential dangers lurking on public Wi-Fi networks. These can include cyber attacks, identity theft, and more.
One way to protect yourself when you’re online in a public setting is to use a VPN. A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic and makes it virtually impossible for hackers or other malicious actors to see what sites you’re visiting or steal your personal information. With a VPN, you can stay safe and secure while enjoying the many benefits that come with using public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Get More Out Of Your Kodi/XBMC Experience
If you’re a fan of Kodi or XBMC, there’s no doubt that you’ve already discovered some great ways to stream your favorite movies and TV shows online. But did you know that a VPN can help improve your Kodi/XBMC experience even further?
A VPN allows you to bypass geographical content restrictions, giving you access to more streaming sources than ever before. It also encrypts your data, so that others won’t be able to see what content you’re accessing and where it’s coming from. With a VPN, you can get the most out of your Kodi/XBMC experience by accessing more content and staying safe at the same time!
Prevent Traffic Shaping
When you connect to a VPN, it encrypts your data so that no one else can see it. This makes traffic analysis and manipulation much more difficult. It’s not impossible for some ISPs or governments (depending on where you live) to throttle certain types of internet traffic once they realize what it is.
For example, if your ISP knows that you watch Netflix a lot at night, they might slow down the connection during those times. If you’re using a VPN however, they won’t be able to tell how much data is sent over specific types of connections or when you are streaming content because all communication between your computer and the VPN server is encrypted.
What Do People Use a VPN For Most?
As with all software, VPNs can be used for a range of different things. Some common uses for this technology include:
- Browsing the web anonymously and securely. By routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel between your computer or device and a remote server, it becomes very difficult (if not impossible) to track who is sending what information over the internet. This makes it ideal for people living in countries where access to certain types of content is restricted due to censorship or political reasons. Using a VPN also helps protect against hackers snooping on your online activities by hiding the location of your computer or mobile device;
- Avoiding geolocation restrictions. If you use streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, you may be familiar with the irritation of having certain content blocked because it is not available in your country. With a VPN, however, it is possible to bypass such restrictions by using an IP address from another country and fooling the streaming service into thinking that you are connecting from there instead;
- Protecting your online activities from prying eyes. Using a VPN also makes it harder for third parties (such as ISPs and government agencies) to access information about what you are doing, where you go on the internet, and who you communicate with. This can help protect your privacy and prevent certain forms of surveillance or hacking;
Although VPNs have many potential uses, these are some of the most common reasons that people turn to this type of technology in order to improve their overall online experience. What other benefits might you be able to enjoy by using a VPN?
How Do You Choose a VPN to Use?
When choosing a VPN to use, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration:
- First, you should consider the level of security and privacy offered by the VPN provider. Ideally, they should offer strong encryption and other security features like a kill switch or leak protection. This will ensure that your online activities remain private at all times;
- Second, it’s important to look at the speed and performance of the VPN service in order to determine how suitable it is for streaming and gaming. Many cheap or free services tend to be slow and unreliable, so it’s important to pick one that offers fast connections with minimal lag or buffering issues;
- Third, look for additional capabilities such as the ability to unblock geo-restricted content, ad and malware blocking, or even split tunneling so you can use a VPN alongside your regular internet connection;
Ultimately, when choosing a VPN for your needs, it’s important to weigh up all these factors in order to find one that offers everything you need in an easy-to-use and reliable package.
FAQ
Can I watch anything with a VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN to access content from sites that may be blocked or censored in your country. A VPN allows you to mask your IP address and bypass restrictions on accessing certain websites or streaming platforms. Additionally, a VPN can help protect your online privacy and security by encrypting all of your internet traffic.
What can I watch on Netflix with a VPN?
Netflix is a powerhouse media company that offers customers access to plenty of great content. But, as many users have found out, the country-specific offerings can vary significantly, depending on your location. If you want access to all the shows and movies that Netflix has to offer worldwide, then you’ll need a VPN.
Here are some examples of what’s available when you use a VPN:
- The US. The US version of Netflix has one of the most extensive catalogs in the world. You can scroll through thousands of titles here, including popular options like House of Cards, Stranger Things, and Arrested Development.
- Users also get access to new releases earlier than in other countries. The US version of Netflix has one of the most extensive catalogs in the world. You can scroll through thousands of titles here;
- The UK. If you’re a fan of British shows like The Crown or Peaky Blinders, then you’ll love what UK Netflix has to offer. The selection is somewhat smaller than US Netflix, but it’s still packed with great content, including many critically-acclaimed films and documentaries. The selection is somewhat smaller than US Netflix, but it’s still packed with great content, including many critically-acclaimed films and documentaries;
- Australia. In Australia, Netflix users get access to a wide variety of popular movies and TV shows from around the world, as well as a large selection of Australian content like Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Rake;
- Canada. Canadians love watching American and British content on their Netflix accounts. But they also have their own great shows too, like Trailer Park Boys, Kim’s Convenience, and Too Wong Fu [9];
What does a VPN not protect you from?
A VPN is an excellent way to protect your online privacy, but it doesn’t do everything. In particular, a VPN won’t do much to protect you from your ISP or the government monitoring you at home.
Your ISP can see every site you visit and sell that data without your permission, while the government may be able to see exactly what you’re reading on a given website – and even record its content [10].
Because of these reasons, we don’t recommend using a VPN as a primary means of protecting yourself or hiding illegal activities. However, if you need access to information (such as news in countries where media regulations are strict) or work in sensitive industries (such as finance), getting a VPN might still be worth considering.
Is it illegal to use a VPN for streaming?
There is a lot of misinformation out there about VPNs and streaming. It’s common for people to assume that it’s illegal to use a VPN for streaming, but this isn’t the case. While some streaming services don’t allow you to use a VPN connection, others do. Whether or not they actually enforce this rule is another story altogether.
The key thing to remember is that using a VPN won’t make something like Netflix think you are in another country. This means that whether or not you can access content will depend on what licensing agreements the service has with your location and how those agreements are enforced by the company itself.
Where VPN is illegal?
VPNs are used in countries where the government restricts access to certain websites. For example, Turkey has banned Facebook and Twitter so many use VPNs to circumvent this restriction by connecting to servers located outside of Turkey.
Despite its usefulness as a privacy tool, some governments have banned or are considering banning VPNs. China is one such country that has blocked all major VPN services from operating inside the country, stating that they do not follow Chinese laws. Other countries like Russia and Iran are also considering similar bans on VPN usage [11].
How much is a premium VPN per month?
Premium VPNs can cost $10-$15 per month, with some providers offering annual discount rates of 50% or more. If you travel frequently or want to access streaming services like Netflix on your phone, a premium plan may be well worth the investment.
Can a VPN owner see your history?
No. A VPN will mask your online activity from your ISP and any other third parties that might want to snoop on you. However, a VPN does not offer complete protection from government censorship or surveillance. If you need maximum security, consider using an encrypted messaging app like Signal, which can’t be hacked by anyone but the intended recipient of your messages.
Does VPN hide text messages?
There are many things that you can do with a VPN if you want to keep your activity private. One of these is hiding text messages, which is useful whether you’re worried about the government spying on your messages or just concerned about someone else reading them [12].
Does VPN work on Amazon Prime?
One of the most popular uses for VPN is to unblock Amazon Prime so that subscribers can enjoy their favorite shows and movies, even when they’re outside of their home country. Whether traveling abroad or living in a country where internet censorship is prevalent, users can enjoy unrestricted access to all of the incredible content on Amazon Prime with the help of a quality VPN.
Should my business use a VPN?
It’s true that, when used properly, a Virtual Private Network can help you keep your business more secure and protect your sensitive information, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that your business needs one. How do you know whether or not using a VPN is right for you?
One of the best ways to decide if you should be using a VPN is to do some research into what companies in similar industries are doing. If any of your competitors already have implemented VPNs for their employees – especially if it was done at the request of their clients – then it may be worth investigating further. Similarly, if businesses in other industries are embracing VPNs, it may be worth considering as well.
Another factor to consider is the type of information that your business handles. If you regularly handle sensitive customer data, for example, then a VPN can help keep this information more secure and prevent unauthorized access. Similarly, if your employees often travel or work remotely, a VPN can help them stay connected no matter where they are or what device they’re using.
Ultimately, whether your business needs a VPN will depend on a number of different factors, including the type of information you handle and how often your employees travel or work remotely. If you’re not sure whether using a VPN is right for your business, do some research and talk to other professionals in your industry to get their opinions and insights. At the end of the day, what matters most is ensuring that your business is using the right tools to keep its information secure and protected.
How many devices can connect to one VPN?
One of the best things about VPNs is that they’re easy to set up. Whether you’re using a desktop computer, a smartphone, or a tablet – it only takes a few seconds and you’ll be ready to connect with other devices. A good VPN provider will offer an app for almost every platform out there. That includes Mac, Windows, and Linux as well as Android and iOS, so you can use your favorite device to connect [13].
Do I need a VPN on my phone?
A VPN is a tool that makes it easy for you to access data on your phone from other countries. It can allow you to surf the internet privately and securely, providing encryption tools that will keep your activity out of view. This can help protect your sensitive information or give you access to things like streaming media that wouldn’t normally be accessible in your country.
In fact, using a VPN on your mobile device can bring many benefits. Some people choose to use them so they can safely browse the internet without worrying about their connection being tracked. Others may want to unblock websites while traveling. Plus, some may even use a VPN as a way of accessing content that would otherwise not be available due to geo-restrictions.
Useful Video: 5 Cool things You Can Do with a VPN
References:
- https://nordvpn.com/blog/interesting-vpn-uses/
- https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/what-to-do-with-a-vpn/
- https://www.howtogeek.com/133680/htg-explains-what-is-a-vpn/
- https://nordvpn.com/blog/interesting-vpn-uses/
- https://nordvpn.com/blog/interesting-vpn-uses/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/why-use-a-vpn/
- https://digital.com/best-vpn-services/things-you-can-do-with-a-vpn-that-cant-do-without-one/
- https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/what-are-vpns-used-for/
- https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-netflix-shows-outside-us
- https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/en_US/privacyhub/what-does-vpn-hide
- https://www.top10vpn.com/what-is-a-vpn/are-vpns-legal/
- https://adguard-vpn.com/en/blog/what-does-a-vpn-hide.html
- https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/best-vpns-for-connecting-multiple-devices-at-the-same-time