Visualize that you’re sitting at your favorite café, enjoying your go-to beverage while browsing the internet.
Suddenly, you realize that you need to finalize an important transaction.
Feeling confident and secure, you start typing in your sensitive information — your bank account details.
But then, out of nowhere, you feel a pair of eyes on you.
You turn around to see a stranger peering over your shoulder as he whispers in your ear, “Hey, mind if I take a look at what you’re doing?”.
Shocked and horrified, you turn to face them; but they’re already gone, blending back into the crowd.
Sounds ridiculous, right? Your heart races as you realize your confidential credentials have been compromised.
You feel violated and vulnerable! This may sound like a scene from a spy thriller or a paranoid nightmare, but it’s closer to reality than you might think.
As absurd as it sounds, this is precisely what happens every time you use the internet without taking necessary precautions.
Your online activity is open to anyone, including your internet service provider, federal agencies, and cyber attackers.
Suppose you’re working on an important project using public Wi-Fi.
You click on a link, and suddenly your screen freezes. A notification on your screen warns you of a security breach.
To validate the threat, a pop-up appears, demanding a ransom in exchange for your data.
Panic sets in, and you wonder what sensitive information has just been exposed.
Yes! This is not just a far-fetched scenario; it happens to millions yearly.
The internet is a vast and wonderful place, but it’s also home to malicious actors looking to steal your data and identity.
But what’s the solution?
How can you protect yourself?
Well, take it easy, for the answer to your online privacy woes is simpler than you might think — a Virtual Private Network, commonly called VPN.
This article will explore the ins and outs of how to set up a VPN and how it can provide a haven for your online presence.
So, if you want to protect your privacy, secure your data, and surf the web confidently, keep reading to learn how to set up your own VPN.
What’s the Fuss About VPNs?
We all know the importance of locking our doors, setting up security systems, and avoiding dark alleys at night.
But what about the dangers lurking in the virtual world?
In this digital world today, we rely heavily on the internet for work, socializing, and entertainment.
Yet, we all have secrets we want to keep hidden, whether it’s our online search history, banking information, or personal conversations.
All these pieces of information are susceptible and require high confidentiality.
However, it’s easy to forget the importance of online privacy and security.
We secure our doors, install security systems, and steer clear of sketchy areas at night to protect ourselves from physical harm.
But we take for granted that there are threats in the digital world too.
While we can access any website from anywhere worldwide, we must realize that third-party entities monitor our every move.
But, without a VPN, your online activities are just as vulnerable to theft and surveillance as your physical belongings.
VPNs have become a popular solution to safeguard online activities from snoopy eyes.
But what’s the fuss about VPNs?
Let’s dive deeper into a VPN’s benefits and uncover why it is such a hot topic in tech.
1. Protection from Hackers and Surveillance
Why are VPNs so important? The internet could be a more secure place.
We all know the feeling of being spied on. It’s unnerving and downright creepy.
Well, the same thing can happen online, and without a VPN, you’re at risk.
Hackers can easily steal sensitive information like user credentials and personal texts.
Additionally, governments and ISPs can monitor your online activities and track your every move.
A VPN ensures that your online activities are safe and secure, no matter where you are.
But you may think, “I have nothing to hide; why do I need a VPN?”
Well, even if you’re not doing anything illegal or shady online, there are still reasons to protect your privacy.
For instance, do you want advertisers tracking your every move and bombarding you with targeted ads?
Or do you want your ISP to sell your browsing history to third-party companies without your consent?
A VPN can help encrypt your internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for third-party entities to intercept your data.
2. Protection from Public Wi-Fi Risks
Using a VPN is especially crucial when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are notoriously non-secure and can be easily hacked.
A VPN is necessary if you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks like coffee shops, airports, or hotels.
These networks are infamous for being insecure and can expose your personal information to hackers.
With a VPN, however, you can connect to public Wi-Fi networks with peace of mind, knowing your data is secure.
A VPN encrypts your connection, meaning that even if a hacker intercepts your data, they won’t be able to decipher it.
3. Access to Geo-Restricted Content
The benefits of using a VPN go beyond just privacy and security.
Have you ever tried to access a website or service only to be met with a message saying, “this content is not available in your region”?
It’s frustrating. Suppose you teleport to another country to access restricted content in your region well.
In that case, a VPN can’t exactly teleport you, but it can give you the next best thing – unrestricted access to the internet!
A VPN allows you to browse the internet anonymously without revealing your actual IP address.
This enables you to bypass geo-restrictions and access restricted content from anywhere worldwide.
Short and sweet, the fuss about VPNs is warranted.
But selecting the appropriate VPN service is essential to reap its advantages fully.
Let’s explore how to accomplish this in the following section before we proceed with configuring our VPN.
Thankfully, VPN services exist to protect our online activities, encrypt data, and conceal IP addresses.
But with so many VPN providers available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Choosing the wrong VPN can leave you vulnerable to cyber-attacks, data breaches, and online surveillance.
But have no worries!
We will give you expert advice on navigating the world of VPN providers and selecting the ideal VPN service for your needs.
The first step when selecting a VPN service is identifying your specific needs.
Do you require a VPN for streaming, gaming, or browsing?
Are you looking for a service that supports multiple devices?
Or do you need a VPN that offers robust security features?
Once clear on your requirements, you can evaluate different providers based on their capabilities.
Here are some factors to consider once you have a clear understanding of your requirements:
1. Level of Security
Prioritize VPNs with solid encryption protocols such as AES-256 to avoid potential data breaches.
Moreover, evaluate whether the VPN service implements a strict no-logging policy.
This indicates that they don’t retain any information about your online behavior.
2. Number of Servers
Another critical factor to consider is the server network.
The more servers a VPN provider has, the faster and more reliable the connection will be.
Additionally, the server locations determine which geo-restricted content you can access.
A VPN with servers in multiple countries offers more comprehensive access to blocked content while providing privacy and anonymity.
3. Reasonable Cost
While investing in a VPN is essential, it should not drain your finances.
You should not opt for a VPN that makes you shell out a fortune for features that another provider offers at a reasonable price.
Search for a VPN that provides a balance between affordability and top-notch service.
This ensures you get the best value for your money without emptying your wallet.
Our Curated List of the Best VPNs — Top-Rated Recommendations
Having discussed the crucial aspects, it’s time to explore our top selections for the finest VPNs.
Following a thorough investigation, we propose NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and Atlas VPN as the leading options for practical VPN usage.
After researching and experimenting with multiple VPN services, we narrowed down the top three.
These providers fulfill all of the requirements mentioned above.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN furnishes sturdy safeguarding measures through its military-grade encryption and implements a strict no-logs policy.
Additionally, it flaunts a massive grid of over 5,500 fleet-footed servers spanning 60 nations.
We’ve also found NordVPN to be one of the speediest VPNs available, and its software interface is user-friendly and intuitive.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark VPN ensures secure browsing with its AES-256-GCM encryption and upholds a strict no-logs policy.
It provides high-speed connections and a vast network of over 3200 servers across 100 countries.
Additionally, Surfshark VPN allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
3. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN delivers speedy performance through its network of over 750 servers in 45+ global locations.
It also guarantees user privacy with a no-logs policy. In addition, it implements robust encryption protocols like IPSec/IKEv2 and WireGuard.
How to Set up A VPN- Detailed Steps
Are you ready to enhance your online privacy and security to a higher level?
Having assessed the benefits of using a VPN and learning to select the right one for your needs, it’s time to set it up on your device.
So, let’s get started.
Step 1: Select the Right VPN Provider
Before setting up a VPN on your device, you need a VPN provider that meets your needs.
Selecting the right VPN provider is crucial as it will determine the quality of service you will receive.
You can refer to our guide on choosing the right VPN for you, and don’t forget our top picks — NordVPN, Surfshark & Atlas VPN.
Step 2: Sign Up for the Service
Once you’ve chosen a provider, the next step is to sign up for their service and create an account if you’re going for a paid version.
This step will enable you to access the VPN software and enjoy its premium benefits when you install it on your device later.
To sign up, visit the VPN provider’s website and select a subscription plan that fits your budget and usage requirements.
Once you choose a plan, you will be prompted to create an account by providing your email address and password.
Step 3: Download and Install the VPN Software
After creating an account, you can download and install the VPN software on your device and start using it.
Generally, it’s a simple process that involves following on-screen prompts.
Almost every provider offers software for all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Ensure that you download the correct software for your device’s operating system.
Then, follow the instructions provided by your chosen VPN provider to install the software on your device.
Step 4: Configuration
After installing the VPN software, the next step is to configure it.
You’ll need to launch it and sign in using the account credentials you created earlier.
From there, you can select a server location to connect to. Choose a server location based on your needs.
For instance, if you want to access content only available in the US, select a US server location and click on the connect button to connect to the VPN.
Step 5: Verify Your VPN Connection
After connecting to a VPN server, you must test and verify your VPN connection to ensure that you are protected and that the VPN works fine.
There are several ways to test your VPN connection.
One way is to check your IP address.
You can do this by visiting websites such as NordVPN’s What’s My IP Tool, which will display your IP address and location.
If the tool shows the IP address of the VPN server location, then the VPN is working correctly.
If it indicates your real IP address, then there might be a problem with the VPN connection.
Another method to verify your VPN is working correctly is by running a DNS leak test.
To perform a DNS leak test, you can use online tools like DNS Leak Test by Surfshark.
If the DNS requests leak outside the VPN, you may need to troubleshoot or change your VPN settings to fix the issue.
Step 6: Take Extra Precautionary Steps
Finally, you can customize your VPN settings to ensure extra protection.
For example, you may want to enable a kill switch, automatically disconnecting you from the internet if your VPN connection drops.
This prevents your IP address from being exposed.
All three of our top picks come with an integrated kill switch, so you don’t have to worry about downloading a separate kill switch for them.
All Done! Enjoy the Perks of Your VPN
Well done! You have successfully learned how to set up a VPN and can now reap the many advantages that come with it.
Following our guide, your VPN is now up and running, providing a secure, private, and enhanced internet browsing experience.
But don’t stop here! Setting up a VPN is just the first step.
Ensuring you are using it correctly and to its full potential is crucial.
To truly enjoy its benefits, you must make it a habit to use it regularly.
Enjoy your worry-free internet experience, and stay safe out there! Happy Browsing!
FAQs
Can I Use a Free VPN or Pay for A Subscription?
Yes, you can use a free VPN.
However, free VPNs have limitations such as slower speeds, fewer server locations, and a need for advanced features.
If you need to use a VPN regularly and require better performance and more features, it’s worth investing in a paid subscription.
How Often Should I Update My VPN Software?
It’s essential to keep your VPN software up-to-date to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
Most VPN services will automatically update their software, but a good rule of thumb is to check for updates at least once a month.
What Should I Do if My VPN Connection Fails?
If your VPN connection fails, try reconnecting to the VPN or changing to an alternative server location.
Verify that your internet connection is stable and that your VPN software is up-to-date.
If the problem persists, contact your VPN provider’s customer support for assistance.
