A VPN and You. With massive traffic hacks happening across the world and cyber fraud everywhere can a VPN work for you?
Who uses a VPN and for what purpose
If you are like me you are a bit in doubt about the whole VPN thing. You have been quite happy using your normal server network and have not seen a reason to change, but, the world is changing and maybe it is time to readdress this issue.
Do you get a pop-up that says others can view what you are searching for? My carrier certainly sends one and holds information on my full viewing history. This History is available to any government authority at any time, Not that I am over-worried but other things are starting to get at me.
The odd message saying we know what you have been watching and give us money or we will share it on Facebook.
I am in Australia where we have just gone through two massive cyber breaches where our important information has been disclosed to hackers.
The two things are not related but it does show how vulnerable we are to fraud at any given time.
Do you need a VPN
You certainly need some form of blocking in many circumstances.
Using wifi at the coffee shop or other retail outlet is downright dangerous. A simple answer is don't do it unless you have protection. One simple way is to use a Mobile Hot spot and access via the mobile network. This gives you better security than being open to the world. However, this is fraught with Data costs that can get very expensive.
Blocking your Ip address by logging through a VPN is a better way.
Are free VPN services any good?
Any broad-ranging service costs money to run. This includes web hosting, data storage, and indeed VPN networks with servers spread across the world. A free product will either be vastly inferior or be clickbait for upgrades.
Of course, there is a cost but that small amount of outgoing may save you a lot more in expenses.
A principal point of difference is data logging. Many countries insist on data retention so the Network must comply while others work in jurisdictions that get around this problem.
Many are using countries that allow data clearance, which is an important point in your choice.
You may be looking at a VPN purely on data protection but staying in the same boat as the ISP provider that knows everything about you
Who has the best VPN network?
With over 1000 market possibilities the choice is very wide but like most products, the top-level offerings have stood the test of time and displayed consistent and reliable performance.
You will do your research and come to your conclusions as I did. My choice was NordVPN which ticked all the boxes.
Starting in Lithuania way back in 2002 it has served the industry well by developing a bigger suite of offerings.
Their no-log business is based away from countries that impose regulations on them so maintain data records so you are getting the best options available.
Speed of transmission and reception
Speed has become a major issue across a broad area of online activity. With a VPN service routing through a series of nodes around the world you can be left hanging for data, and if you are then your customers will be as well, and they won't accept it.
Nord retains an incredible speed level that eliminates the problem for users.
Being international
As a marketer or a buyer having a local identity has a massive value. Many companies vary their prices depending on their location or country so with your VPN your address can be nominated to the area you are active in. and your web address will be local or close to local.
I am in Australia so what would I know about US marketing? But, if I am seen as more local then I gather more followers.
This can apply in many situations and you can select the final site from which to project your IP address.
Hiding your search history from prying eyes
It matters not what you are doing on the internet to anyone but you. You may want to gamble, play games or even watch porn, all entirely legal but may come with the attention of those watching you. As The Pope said, “even nuns and priests are watching porn ” but I am sure the Vatican will have eyes on the many philanderers going against gods will. I may jest but a VPN will hide the activity and leave you free of your sins.
Legal entities can access your data through your IP provider when they want. We may not be doing anything wrong and gambling is not a sin but your records over time may represent a problem if ever desired in an action against you. Hard evidence is hard to deny.
We research many things in our lifetime and they are not always associated with bad habits but they are our personal history and should remain private and that is only possible by not leaving a trail of events.
My web security often pops up with a little message saying your IP provider is seeing everything you do.
Using a Virtual address when away from home
This is becoming more necessary than ever with easy-to-use WIFI access where ever you go. Imagine writing an award-winning series of books from a coffee shop table and the results get to market before you. Harry Potter may well be called Edwin Potter and JK Rowlings is no longer rich and famous because all her records were gathered by eavesdroppers and put to market before she had a chance. Far-fetched maybe but now possible with a world full of scammers looking for an easy break.
Your bank details were stolen as you move money around to pay your high travel expenses because your transactions are available to those that look.
This is a scary world of possibilities that can create harm, loss, and heartbreak for those that are careless with their media.
Convenience
You may want protection across many devices when away from your home base.
Suppose you want to watch Netflix when you are on the other side of the world. By using local based Ip your Netflix or Apple account will remain accessible. as Nord said
That’s where NordVPN comes in. With one account, you can secure your data on up to six devices. And we have apps for any device you own: smartphones, computers, routers, and even your Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Nord VPN
Conclusion
This is not a definitive guide to the world of privacy but my look as an outsider to a whole new world. It is expanding fast with new possibilities based around advanced technology for those wanting high-level applications.
The rest of us want privacy and protection at a reasonable price from a company that will stay the distance.
That is my offer to you. Nord PPN
A VPN and You by Peter Hanley
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