Online privacy is a long-lost battle. Whatever you try, if someone wants to reach your data, they would retrieve it anyhow. An ordinary person with no technical knowledge has this definition in his mind. Still, we hear something called hotspot VPN (Virtual Private Network) claims to disguise our data traffic and protect us from external access.
Is it so? Does VPN provide complete secure us against online threats? What are the benefits? We will find out in this article.
How does VPN work?
Connecting to a VPN means connecting to an external server. That server becomes your online identity. If anyone tries to trace you, they will find the server’s identity, not your IP address. This saves you from getting snooped by government agencies or your Internet Service Provider.
A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your computer and the VPN server; it hides your location and online activities.
Is VPN safe to use?
Indeed, VPN provides you with a layer of security, but it won’t guarantee you a hundred percent safety. Connecting to a VPN means lending your identity to a third party, and at times, they misuse this by harming your devices with malware. There are more risks associated with the use of hotspot VPN. It includes
ICSI research found that 72% of free VPN providers collect your online data and sell it to advertisers with the highest bid.
Some VPN companies ask for sensitive permissions to keep an eye on your continuously updated data. They consistently make money by selling this information.
It’s pretty easy to infect your device with malware when connected to a VPN network.
It slows down your Internet speed and, at times, limits data usage.
Most free VPNs are not trustworthy. They do more harm than good.
A VPN masks your identity, but what if the provider itself is compromised. It mostly happens in the case of free VPNs as they have fewer sources to generate revenue and no creditability to maintain with customers.
So, a VPN can never provide you with guaranteed security, but it’s better to use a paid VPN, and please stay away from the free ones.
Benefits of using a VPN
Let’s agree that despite a security lapse, people use VPNs and are famous. Here are some fantastic benefits it provides.
1. Access to blocked content – VPN allows you to watch content blocked in your demographics but available overseas.
2. Secure data transfer – Most remote workers use this when they need to transfer data securely. It may include sensitive company reports, news, or more. VPN reduces the chances of a breach.
3. Act as a proxy – It hides your identity from hackers worldwide. It saves you from getting hacked or snooped. Also, it makes it difficult to trace your location.
Conclusion
A hotspot VPN is not entirely safe, but it adds a security layer. That’s why it’s famous plus it brings numerous benefits. We recommend you take more security measures if you are handling sensitive data. Do not solely rely on your VPN provider.
Also, always use a VPN when on the public network, but go with the paid ones. Have you ever tried the free VPN? Share your comments.
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