Are Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) Necessary in 2019?

Because being connected to the World Wide Web has become essential, we can't help but use the Internet on a daily basis. So, it's only natural for us to be concerned about our online privacy and whether or not the Internet Service Providers are spying on our activities.

On the other hand, there are still a lot of Internet users who cannot enjoy the benefits of the open Internet. These users have to put up with extremely frustrating firewalls and government restrictions, and for them, VPNs can be a great way to bypass these issues and access websites that are usually geo-restricted. Therefore, knowing how to install and run a free VPN is important for many people and can be their best option if they want to have access to information.

Luckily, VPNs are a great solution for a wide range of issues linked to online freedom, privacy, and security. So, does that mean that VPNs are still useful in 2019?

Before we answer this question, we need to make one thing clear. Saying that you don't need a VPN because you have nothing to hide is a bad argument. You don't allow other people to read your mail, you don't let them see your private messages, and you don't like others snooping around your home. So, why would you allow a hacker or an internet service provider see everything you transfer online, your browsing history, or your personal data?

What is a VPN?

In order to answer that question, we first must learn what a VPN actually is. The VPN, or the Virtual Private Network, is a technology that allows users to surf the web anonymously and enhances their levels of privacy and security. In other words, the VPN creates a private connection between our devices and the Internet. As a result, ,a href="/hacking">hackers and ISPs won't be able to trace our online activities, track our location, or access our devices.

This concept might sound pretty simple in theory, but in practice, it can be quite complicated. The VPN combines three key components: the VPN protocols, the VPN servers, and different levels of encryption.

When it was first created, the VPN was a solution aimed at big corporations which were supposed to help the different branches of the company access a network securely. But this was only the beginning and soon after, the VPN became a worldwide solution for regular Internet users.

Why do people use VPNs?

Nowadays, people use Virtual Private Networks to hide their real IP address and to display a different one. Even if there are many different ways in which users can change their IP address and browse the web anonymously, the VPN is one of the most popular options. VPNs have many advantages and compared to Proxy, for example, they are much more secure.

Another reason why people use VPNs is to enhance their security levels. When you connect your device to public Wi-Fi networks, or when you access onion websites, having a secure Internet connection is essential. VPNs encrypt the traffic and thus, help users enhance their levels of security.

Due to living in countries that have a lot of Internet restrictions, a lot of people need to use VPNs in order to access geo-restricted websites. We are lucky enough to live in a country with little to none such restrictions, but there are many users out there who are unable to access Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and even Vimeo. In order to bypass these government-imposed restrictions, internet users will install VPNs and hide their real location.

It is important to mention that you don't have to live in a restrictive country to use a Virtual Private Network. If you are traveling, you might realize that the country you're visiting has certain restrictions that don't allow you to watch your favorite show or connect with your friends. So, in order to access BBC iPlayer or Netflix, you might need a VPN. Certain countries have banned VPNs altogether, so make sure you are up-to-date before choosing your next travel destination.

You can use VPNs to download torrents without getting into trouble. Usually, torrent websites are a bit problematic, especially in Western countries. If you live in a country where torrents are not accepted, all you need is a VPN and a fast internet connection and you can start downloading.

A great benefit of VPNs is saving money on hotel and airplane tickets. It might sound strange, but airline companies use your location to increase their prices. If you search for a certain flight repeatedly or if you live in a developed country, the airline company might automatically raise the prices. Luckily, you can trick this type of websites and get good prices by using a VPN.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why VPNs are still a relevant solution in 2019. We need privacy and freedom more than ever, so, in order to connect to the Internet safely, VPNs remain our best options.