The internet provides unparalleled access to information, communication and more, but these conveniences almost always come with a catch of data collection. Websites and internet providers collect as much info as they can (within legal bounds) about internet users in order to tailor their services or sell the data to advertisers.
Your data has probably even been collected by your search engine as you navigated to this article, and most of the time it’s a pretty harmless process. However a recent Forbes report has explained that in the wrong hands, personal data can be used for cybercrime, such as hacking or fraud. By masking your identity online, an easy-to-install VPN for IOS or Android, will hide your internet activity from all trackers (both legal and illegal), allowing you to surf the web with confidence.
Why should I worry about my privacy online?
Major media company VICE found mainstream internet providers, also known as ISPs, guilty of transferring their customers’ internet activity data to third parties, and that these providers have access to the entirety of data flowing across each home’s online network. This means that everything, from an internet search to visiting an online bank, can be potentially viewed by your ISP.
Additionally, when out of the house, not only will the ISP of the network you’re using be able to see your internet activity, but hackers can too. Online privacy is crucial to keeping your location streaming, shopping and much more private, but it’s often ignored by major tech companies.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a secure tunnel that shields your internet activity from prying eyes. By encrypting your data, a VPN makes your activity unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it. VPNs mask your IP address to keep your identity and location private so you can browse the web with anonymity.
In addition to privacy, VPNs provide other benefits, including improved online security and geo-location freedom ? so you can watch those extra Netflix shows that aren’t on your local server.
Will my browser’s incognito setting keep my searches private?
The short answer is no. An incognito tab or search only keeps your internet activity private on your device itself, so any searches made using incognito mode won’t show up on your phone/tablet/laptop’s search history.
However, the privacy stops there. Your online browsing and data are just as visible to internet providers and potential hackers as it was before you switched on that incognito setting. Only a secure VPN can make your internet usage private and keep your personal information hidden.
How does a VPN protect my privacy?
A VPN protects your privacy by creating a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. Your real IP address becomes ‘hidden’ and is replaced with the IP address of the VPN server, making it difficult for anyone to trace your online activities back to you.
Even if your data is intercepted on its way to the VPN server, it cannot be read by authorities or hackers, because it is encrypted. Encryption safeguards sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data from potential hackers or surveillance.
