Meta: While VPNs are increasingly being used by people in gaming and entertainment to help you stay private online, do they protect the user?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a downloadable program from the internet that establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your desktop, smartphone, or tablet device and the internet.
VPNs enable you to use public networks while appearing as though your device is connected to a private network. A VPN basically enables you to surf the net anonymously, and it’s regarded by many as a vital tool to fully protect your browsing data.
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Do VPNs protect the user at websites?
A Virtual Private Network allows you to share and receive data in a much more secure and private environment.
Each time you connect to the World Wide Web, you are exposing yourself to hackers and anyone else who is looking to harvest information, which could include anything from your web browsing history and personal information to your bank details, private chats and any files you share or receive.
VPNs keep you and your personal information hidden and are therefore able to provide that extra level of security to the user.
How can I get a VPN?
You can get a VPN right now from hundreds of different websites, and when downloading a trusted VPN from a verified publisher, using it is perfectly safe.
While you can find some free VPNs out there, it would be a good idea to spend a relatively small amount of cash for an annual paid-for VPN subscription from a trusted service provider. It would also be a good idea to switch your VPN on and use it as often as possible.
Keeping your VPN on at all times will ensure that your real location and IP address remain hidden, that your online data stays encrypted, and that your browsing history stays invisible to your internet service provider and to any other unscrupulous third parties that may be tracking you.
You will find that Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, and Opera come with built-in VPNs that can be switched on or off by the user at any time, and to start browsing anonymously, all you have to do is click on your preferred location from the available options.
Simply select a location to start browsing anonymously. Let’s just say that you’re based in India and want to play slots at US- focussed online casinos.
You could switch on your VPN to connect to the US, and then when you’re searching for online casinos, you would find a wide range of online casinos that US players have access to, and which you will have access to as a result of using the VPN protected search.
What are the risks of using a VPN?
While VPNs can offer complete anonymity and protect your online activities to a certain extent, they will NOT protect your device from hackers, spyware, malware and viruses.
In other words, don’t start using a VPN as a form of Antivirus for your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Examples of some of the most trusted antivirus software out there today are Norton 360 Deluxe, McAfee Internet Security, Kaspersky Total Security, and Windows Defender Antivirus.
Other notable mentions include Trend Micro Maximum Security, ESET Smart Security Premium, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, AVG Antivirus, and Panda.
Some of these are free to use, and others come with an annual subscription fee.