The term “VPN” comes up every time someone starts talking about online security. However, over the years, some myths and rumors have grown around this technology over the years. Today we will explain what VPNs can and cannot do and why you should forget about some common misconceptions.
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What is a VPN?
Let’s start by answering a common question – what exactly is a VPN?
In short and simplified terms, a VPN (virtual private network) is an intermediary between the user (you) and the internet.
VPNs are private servers that you connect to. When you access the web through a VPN, your data travels through its server and then goes where you want it to go (e.g., to the website you are currently reading, the server of the game you are playing, etc.).
How does a VPN protect you online?
As you might have already guessed, connecting to the web via a VPN does more than just redirect your data.
First of all, VPN software encrypts everything that passes through it, making your data packets more secure. This is important if you work or shop online.
The information you send is confidential, but thanks to a VPN, it has an extra layer of encryption, making it hard for potential hackers to see and steal.
In addition, routing your data through a VPN server means that your real IP address is not visible to others.
When you use the internet, the owners of services and websites can see your IP address. This does not mean anything threatening – your IP address is public information that allows your device to communicate with others.
But your IP address provides service owners with your location too – your country and sometimes even your city.
Using a VPN is a great solution to this issue. Service owners can’t see your real IP address when your data is routed through a VPN server. Instead, they can see the VPN’s IP and location.
You can pretend you are on another continent if you want. This is useful in some cases – for example when you are hunting for plane tickets or other items that are often more expensive in wealthier, more populated areas.
6 common myths about VPNs
So, do you really need a VPN to stay safe online? To be honest, it depends on what you use the internet for.
Below, we have collected some common myths about using a VPN. You might be surprised to learn which situations can be dangerous and when a VPN can come in handy.
1. I don’t need a VPN because I use good antivirus software (and vice versa).
It’s great that you are using an antivirus, but antiviruses and VPNs have completely different functions.
Antivirus software protects you from malware. It detects malicious files on your computer and, sometimes, prevents you from downloading them in the first place.
Antivirus does not encrypt your data or protect your privacy like a VPN, so you can’t consider the two software as mutual substitutes.
2. I don’t do anything illegal; therefore, I don’t need a VPN.
Some people still believe VPNs are meant for web users who want to remain private for shady reasons (hackers, software pirates, etc.).
Of course, anyone can buy and use a VPN, and criminals are no exception. But VPNs are just tools – you can use them legally and benefit from them in your daily life.
The protection provided by a VPN is useful for connecting to the network via unsafe public networks or for avoiding government censorship in countries like Russia or China. Using a VPN is not illegal, and everyone deserves to be safe online.
3. Using a VPN will slow down my internet.
Realistically, because of the way a VPN works, it can slow down your connection because of how it works. After all, your data has a longer path to travel.
But slowing down your connection is not the rule. More often than not, it is not even recognizable to the user. Noticeable slowdowns can happen when the VPN server is located very far away, e.g., on another continent.
4. Using a VPN is too complicated for me.
When we say anyone can use a VPN, we really mean anyone. Even your grandma, probably.
Setting up a VPN server and connection from scratch is difficult and requires a lot of technological knowledge, but you don’t have to do this.
Most commercial VPNs are easy to use and have user-friendly interfaces. All you have to do is install the application on your device and click a button to connect.
5. All VPNs are the same and offer the same functions.
While the basic functionality of all VPNs remains the same – rerouting and encrypting data through a third-party server – each provider offers different benefits.
Firstly, there are free and paid VPNs. While the former is, well, free, the latter may offer more server locations, better connection speeds, etc.
When it comes to paid VPNs, providers also try to outdo each other when it comes to paid VPNs. Some offer a no-log policy, and some allow users to connect their accounts to as many devices as they want.
If you are looking for a good VPN, do your research and compare services to choose the one that meets your needs.
6. A VPN will make me 100% anonymous online.
Although some VPN providers offer a no-log policy and do everything they can to keep your data safe and private, that does not mean you can fully rely on them to disappear from the internet completely.
Even with no-log policies, VPN providers collect some user data to analyze and improve their services.
You also need to be careful about the websites you visit. If the site is faked or not properly secured, and you give it your personal information, the VPN will not protect it. The same goes for sharing information on social media and falling for online scams.
