VPN Pros And Cons: Beneficial or Waste of Money?

In reality, we like to keep certain parts of our lives private and confidential. The thought of someone following or peeping in on our activities can be disturbing or upsetting. This is no different when we’re using the internet - our privacy online is just as important as our privacy offline.

For those users that want to ensure their browsing and activities stay private, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a good way to stay secure and prevent strangers from accessing your data. On top of this, VPNs also come with additional benefits, such as bypassing geo-locked content while streaming movies and shows online.

That said, the question is, “are VPNs for everyone”? Before investing in this technology, you should research the pros and cons of a VPN to be sure you’re making the right decision. You’ll find out whether the tool is beneficial to you or a waste of money.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is a service that protects your internet connection. It encrypts your data and keeps you hidden while surfing the internet, streaming a video, or carrying out other activities online by hiding your IP address.

Who uses VPNs

To protect your internet connection on public Wi-Fi hotspots, VPN makes you invisible to hackers who may want to steal your data. So if you use public Wi-Fi often, you should consider working with a VPN.

A VPN is also suitable for travelers or tourists who want to stay updated on social media or access their home content from anywhere. Gamers also use virtual private networks to prevent Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, bandwidth throttling, and to bypass regional locks and restrictions. Even in the commercial and business sectors, many businesses and offices use VPN technology to keep their data and networks safe from malicious parties.

Types of Virtual Private Networks

There are four types of virtual private networks, all of which serve unique purposes. They include remote access VPNs, personal VPN services, mobile VPNs, and site-to-site VPNs.

1.    Remote access VPNs

They usually use special software to enable users to connect to a private network.

Most workplaces set up this type to allow remote workers to access the company’s private network when traveling or working from home. The employees will be able to access all the same files and software they would have in the office.

That said, some offices prefer to use cloud storage like Dropbox as an alternative because it is encrypted and more straightforward to establish.

2.    Personal VPNs

Otherwise known as consumer or commercial VPNs, Personal VPNs are the most prevalent. With this type, individuals are free to surf the web from the security of their VPN provider’s servers. The VPN server shields users' IP addresses to protect them from hackers and fraudsters.

While the remote access VPN gives users access to a private network, the personal VPN offers users a secure connection to the public internet.

3.    Mobile VPNs

Remote access VPNs allow you to connect to a private network from anywhere, assuming you’ll stay on the same network. The IP tunnel closes as soon as you leave the network.

Like the remote access type, mobile VPNs allow users to join a local network. But it’s a better option because it retains a VPN connection even if you lose internet connectivity, switch WiFi, or turn off your device for some time. Note that mobile VPNs can be used on any device or connection.

4.    Site-to-site VPNs

They are used by organizations for large-scale operations. It provides a secure way to share resources between branches indifferent locations by combining their respective networks.

Benefits of VPN

There are many advantages of a VPN based on their classifications.

1. The major VPN advantage is that it keeps your data secure. A VPN prevents hackers from accessing your personal information or stealing sensitive data like your photographs or bank details when connected to public WiFi hotspots. Even home networks need to be protected because they are also susceptible to wardriving attacks.

2. One of the benefits of VPN is that it prevents your ISPs from slowing down or throttling your internet connection. Unlike Rango, other internet service providers may decide to slow your internet speed while playing games or streaming movies to preserve their network stability or when you exceed their data caps. Using a VPN can avoid region-based throttling issues and improve your connection quality. With a VPN, they are unable to track your activities online and, therefore, won’t throttle your connection.

3. Another one of the benefits of VPN is that it hides your location and protects you from being tracked.

4. Using a VPN can encrypt your web traffic from the government surveillance systems so you can avoid censorship and have access to content that is blocked by     national firewalls.

5. A virtual private network can help circumvent online restrictions that are based on geographic regions. For instance, by connecting to a VPN server from another part of the world, you would be able to stream videos and TV shows that are not available in your country.

6. Gamers use VPNs to their advantage to conceal their IP address so they wouldn’t be victims of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Of all the benefits of VPN, this is the most significant for gamers.

7. A remote access VPN allows a business traveler or remote worker to access their company’s network and files from anywhere while keeping the office data     confidential to outsiders.

8. Another VPN advantage is that it prevents price discrimination when shopping online. Some online shoppers get higher prices because of the high cost of living     in their area.

Disadvantages of VPN

1. It lowers your internet speed. The process of encryption takes time because your data has to travel more. However, some VPNs have been optimized, so they     don’t slow down the connection too much.

2. Virtual private networks are not legal in some countries and can be countered by VPN blockers. In these areas, there’s also the prospect of paying huge fines or going to jail if caught using a VPN. It is advised to avoid using VPNs if it is illegal in your country.

3. Some free VPN servers or very cheap ones sell out users’ data to regain their business costs.

4. Unlike personal VPNs, where you can easily install the software on your device, the VPN configuration process for other VPN types can be more complex and     complicated to non tech savvy individuals.

5. Another disadvantage of using a VPN is that it consumes a lot of bandwidth, so your cellular data finishes faster.

6. Free VPNs increase the risk of malware spread through ads.

7. VPNs cannot circumvent some restrictions.

8. Some strategies and methods can be used to track your online activities, even with VPNs.

Conclusion

While the thought of getting a VPN seems enticing, the technology may not be for you. So, it’s best to consider the VPN pros and cons before deciding whether to use a VPN or not.

If a VPN is more detrimental than beneficial to you, there may be other options to achieve your needs. For instance, gamers, video streamers, and other heavy internet users, who want to avoid ISP throttling, can opt for ISPs that don’t throttle or carry data caps, like Rango.

Rango is a quality internet service provider that provides a fast and reliable connection to users and ensures their internet connectivity is not throttled. We offer a variety of HiFi internet plans to suit different needs.

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