These days, we have noticed Internet privacy deteriorating slowly, which has left us to depend on specially designed tools that provide the needed protection at all costs. Among the most popular tools that are available these days is the Virtual Private Network (VPN).
If you are familiar with VPN, you may be wondering why this tool has reached its peak popularity. What does a VPN hide? In this guide, you will learn the answer to this question, understanding what it hides to provide us the needed protection.
VPN Hides Geolocation
One advantage of using a VPN is accessibility to a comprehensive network of servers that are scattered in many locations across the world. As you connect to any of these servers, VPN hides your real IP address, allowing you to access geo-censored content and websites that are restricted by the government, among many.
In most of the cases, the actual location will not matter unless you are living in a state that is heavily restricted, such as China. The good news, however, is that some of the best options on VPN work there as well.
VPN Hides Internet Traffic
The term ‘VPN’ is often equated to ‘encryption’ because of what it can actually offer, especially if the VPN is paid. In fact, the latest technologies involving the use of a VPN include the encryption of your activities and internet traffic.
This is done through a safe virtual tunnel that ciphers and encapsulates information through it. The best part is that it can be done with just a couple of clicks, assuring that your data is well hidden from ISPs, hackers, and the prying eyes of people.
VPN Hides P2P Traffic
File-sharing networks or P2P has become controversial these days. In fact, in certain countries, they are considered legal. In others, however, they are still extremely prohibited. While they may not really be illegal, but using them through privacy is.
The sad news is that as of this point, there is no real way to tell whether you can use them in sharing content or the one achieved through such questionable means. With the fact that ISPs can trace the traffic going through these networks, you are at risk of facing legal issues.
With this said, if you share files actively using a P2P network, it is recommended to subscribe using a paid VPN service that complies with the highest standards in the industry.
VPN Hides Search History
While you may think that only you can view your search history, think again. In fact, ISP, cybercriminals, marketers, as well as the owner of your WiFi, can have access to your browsing history. In certain countries, even ISPs are allowed to sell your browsing history legally.
While you cannot change the laws of your country, you can always enable a VPN that will hide your browsing history from your ISP, as well as from those who may spy on you.
VPN Hides Online Spending Behaviors
Your online spending behavior can tell a lot about you and your personal life. This is also the reason why you get sold specific product offers, as marketers use this information to their benefit. As you connect to a VPN, however, you can prevent these marketers from easily tracking your IP address, or bother you with their offers and special deals.
VPN Hides Social Media Identity
With the availability of social networks these days, people tend to socialize a lot. However, most users forget that social networking sites are not the best place to throw their opinions. Also, it does not mean that because you use a nickname, you are guaranteed anonymity.
It is very important to note that social media networks are not really safe. This means that your information, location, and other personal details may be tracked and passed to local authorities or third parties. Thus, a VPN can help in masking your online identity.
VPN Hides Mobile Online Activities
Browsing a website on your smartphone is not completely safe, as you are still exposed to the very same risks that you may face when using a desktop computer. This means that some nosy individuals can still see your IP address, private information, and online activities that you would rather keep private. The good news is that mobile VPNs act as good as their desktop counterparts in giving you the protection you need.
Conclusion
Indeed, a VPN can hide a lot of things, including your very personal details such as online identity, geolocation, browsing history, and even other sensitive data. If you take security and privacy seriously, a dependable VPN is considered a worthy investment on your part and should be considered a handy tool in your arsenal.
