VPN Uses — What is a VPN Used for in 2024?
Posts by Colin TanApril 12, 2023
As the world continues to shrink and the internet expands, we find ourselves navigating through an increasingly complex digital landscape.
While the internet permeates every aspect of our lives, our digital footprint grows larger.
This leaves us vulnerable to cyber threats. From hackers to governments, there is no shortage of entities vying for our personal information.
Our sensitive data is constantly at risk, whether through advertising or other means of cybercrime.
But that’s where a hero emerges — the VPN.
Short for Virtual Private Network, this magical tool has become the ultimate protector of our online privacy and security.
Browsing the internet without a VPN is like walking through a crowded street undressed.
Your every move online is exposed for anyone to see, and your personal information is up for grabs by anyone with ill intentions.
A VPN is a commonly known technology that allows users to connect to the internet securely.
It is a popular tool for individuals, companies, and governments around the world to protect their sensitive data from inquisitive entities.
It is the superhero of the digital world, swooping in to save the day, protecting our data from those who would use it for their own gain.
And while it may sound like a complex technology reserved for the tech-savvy, it’s actually quite straightforward.
To put it simply, it’s a secure and encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, allowing you to browse the web anonymously and safely.
However, a VPN is not just a one-trick pony.
In fact, it has many uses beyond just shielding us from cybercriminals and government surveillance.
Let me take you on a journey to explore the extraordinary ways that people have been using VPNs to protect themselves and their loved ones.
From journalists working in countries where freedom of speech is a distant dream to digital nomads running businesses from the most remote corners of the globe, VPNs have become an essential tool for safeguarding their lives and livelihoods.
But that’s not all.
We’ll also uncover some fascinating VPN uses that you probably never knew existed.
We’ll cover it all, from gamers using VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions to spies communicating with each other in secret.
But before we move on to the uses of a VPN, let’s first enlighten the concept of a VPN by providing a more detailed explanation.
Understanding the Concept of a VPN: What is it and How Does it Function
Imagine that you’re a spy working undercover to bring down a notorious criminal organization.
You’re deep in enemy territory, surrounded by dangers at every turn, and your only lifeline to the outside world is a tiny device in your pocket.
But how can you communicate with your agency without being detected by the enemy’s surveillance network? This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) would come in handy.
A VPN is like a secret underpass that connects you to the internet, allowing you to send and receive data securely and anonymously.
But a VPN is not just for spies. It has many practical uses in everyday life.
It offers a wide range of benefits to anyone who uses the internet.
However, to get your hands on these advantages, it’s important first to understand how a VPN works.
Let’s illustrate the uses and working of a VPN with the help of an example.
Suppose you have just moved to China for work. You are excited to explore a new country and culture.
But soon, you realize that many of the websites and apps you used back home are not accessible in China due to government restrictions.
All that excitement fades away as you accept that you’d be unable to access your favorite content while you’re there.
That is until one day when a colleague tells you about a lifesaver called VPN.
Joyous with hope, you rush to download a VPN on your phone.
You choose a provider with servers in the United States and connect to it.
Suddenly, you can access all the websites and apps you were fond of using back home as if you had never left.
But while unlocking access to your favorite show on Netflix meant a great deal to you, it is not the only benefit of using a VPN.
You soon discover that the VPN also protects you from snoops and eavesdroppers.
You can safely browse the internet, knowing your sensitive information is encrypted and your online activities can’t be traced back to you.
But how does a VPN do that?
When you connect to the VPN, your phone creates an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server in the US.
All your online traffic, including your IP address and location, was hidden behind the server’s IP address.
This meant that anyone trying to intercept your online activities would only see the VPN server’s IP address, not yours.
In other words, a VPN acts like a cloak of invisibility for your online activities.
It keeps you safe and secure while you browse the web and unlocks region-locked content, no matter where you are in the world.
Common VPN Uses
VPNs have been around for decades but have been experiencing a surge in demand in recent years due to heightened anxiety over online safety.
As online privacy and security concerns grow, more and more people are turning to VPNs to protect their data while browsing the internet.
But a VPN is more than just a security tool – it has a wide range of uses that can benefit both individuals and businesses.
Here are some of the most common VPN uses and how they can help you get the most out of your online experience.
1. Secure Browsing
VPNs are commonly used for secure browsing, particularly when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, meaning that anyone connected to the same network can access your data.
This makes your data vulnerable to cyber intruders who can intercept and steal your personal information.
A VPN can be used in this situation to avoid the risk of data breaches when using public Wi-Fi.
With a VPN, your data is encrypted, making it almost impossible for anyone to access your data.
Therefore, using a VPN is helpful when using public Wi-Fi networks such as those in airports, cafes, and other public places.
2. Access Geo-blocked Content
Have you ever tried to access a website or streaming service only to find that it is not available in your country?
Then you must be tired of seeing “not available in your region” when trying to access your favorite shows or movies.
Well, you can use a VPN to unlock any restricted content you want that would otherwise be unavailable in your region.
Many streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, limit access to their content based on your location.
With a VPN, however, you can bypass these geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world.
Connecting to a VPN server in a different country allows you to access region-blocked content as if you were physically located there.
This is especially useful for travelers who want to keep up with their favorite shows while on the go or for people living in countries where certain websites and services are blocked.
3. Protection Against Online Tracking
Have you ever noticed that after browsing for a particular product online, you start seeing ads for that product everywhere?
This is because of online tracking.
Online tracking is the practice of collecting data about your online activity and using it to display targeted ads.
A VPN can help protect against online tracking by encrypting your traffic, making it difficult for advertisers to track your online activity.
4. Remote Work and Business Use
As the world shifts to remote work, many employees are now working from home.
With more people working from home than ever before, the need for secure and reliable remote access has never been greater.
That’s why businesses often use VPNs to secure their communications and data when employees are working remotely.
A VPN can provide a safe connection between remote workers and their company’s network.
This allows the employees to securely access company files, software, and other resources as if they were in the office.
This helps avoid exposing sensitive information to the public network, ensuring that company data remains protected.
5. Secure Online Transactions
As we increasingly rely on online banking and shopping, the need for secure transactions has never been greater.
A VPN can help keep your financial information safe through encryption and by hiding your IP address.
This means that cybercriminals won’t be able to seize your confidential data.
So, a VPN is useful for giving you peace of mind when making transactions online.
6. Online Gaming
Are you a serious gamer who wants to protect your personal information and prevent lag and latency issues?
A VPN can be used to achieve both.
If you are an online gamer, you know how important it is to have a stable and fast connection.
With a VPN, you can connect to servers located in different countries.
Connecting to a VPN server closer to your gaming server can improve ping times and reduce lag issues that can ruin your gaming experience.
A VPN can also protect you from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can interrupt your gaming experience.
Top Providers for the Best VPN Usage in 2024
Now that we know what a VPN is used for, it’s time to discover the one that provides optimal usage.
With so many services out there claiming to be the best, it can take time to pick the one that actually lives up to its claims.
That’s why we decided to take charge and get the bit between our teeth.
Based on our careful research, we suggest NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and Atlas VPN as the top picks that will provide you with a VPN experience that is truly valuable.
You want a service that is reliable, fast, and secure.
So, we thoroughly analyzed and tested these three VPN providers, and we’re confident they offer them all.
Don’t trust us? Take a look at the features yourself.
1. NordVPN
First, we have NordVPN, a real powerhouse in the VPN world.
It offers military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy to protect your data from intrusive eyes.
With over 5,500 fast servers in 60 countries, you’ll have no trouble accessing content from around the world.
NordVPN also proved to be one of the most rapid VPN services, so you won’t have to deal with annoying buffering or slow internet speeds.
Additionally, its software is intuitive and easy to use, making it a great choice for both beginners and advanced users.
2. Surfshark VPN
Next on our list is Surfshark VPN, a relatively new player in the VPN market that has quickly risen to fame.
If you’re looking for a VPN with a balance between speed and affordability, Surfshark VPN is an excellent option.
With AES-256-GCM encryption and a strict no-logging policy, Surfshark ensures that your online activities remain safe and sound.
Plus, having more than 3200 servers in 100 countries delivers fast connection speeds.
So, you’ll be able to access any content swiftly from virtually anywhere.
What’s more, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections so that you can protect all your devices with just one subscription.
3. Atlas VPN
Last but not least, we have Atlas VPN, a newcomer that has already made a mark in the VPN Industry, despite its recent arrival.
Atlas VPN also boasts a no-logging policy and robust encryption protocols such as IPSec/IKEv2 and WireGuard.
So, you don’t have to worry about protecting your online privacy and security.
Atlas VPN offers fast speeds with 750+ servers in more than 45 locations worldwide.
This makes it an ideal choice for streaming and downloading content without any interruptions.
Finally, Atlas VPN’s user-friendly interface and excellent customer support also make it a great option for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use VPN service.
Tips to Use a VPN Effectively
Are you tired of feeling like Big Brother is always watching you online? If so, then you need a VPN!
But using a VPN is more complex than just turning it on and forgetting about it.
You need to know how to use your VPN effectively to get the most out of your VPN.
Here are some tips that will help you get started:
1. Choose the Right VPN
Some VPN providers are faster, more reliable, and more secure than others.
Choose a provider that works like a Swiss army knife; remember our top three recommendations that fit the bill.
2. Use Kill Switch
A Kill Switch disconnects your device from the internet when the VPN connection is lost to prevent accidental data exposure.
3. Connect to the Nearest Server
Connect to the server that is closest to your physical location. The farther away the server, the slower your internet speed will be.
4. Keep Your VPN Up to Date
VPN providers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
Keep your VPN client up to date to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience.
FAQs
How Do I Choose the Right VPN for My Needs?
When choosing a VPN, it’s important to consider factors such as security, privacy, speed, and ease of use factors.
Look for a VPN provider that offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and servers in the countries you need to access.
How Do I Set up A VPN?
The process for setting up a VPN varies depending on the device and VPN provider.
Typically, you must download and install the VPN software or app, create an account, and connect to a server.
Your VPN provider should provide detailed instructions on how to set up the VPN on your device.
Can I Use a VPN to Watch Netflix?
Yes, you can use a VPN to watch Netflix or any other streaming services by connecting to a server in a country where the content is available.
However, Netflix has been known to block some VPNs, so choosing a VPN that can bypass this restriction is important.
Conclusion
Do you like being eavesdropped on when having a secret conversation with someone?
Of course not.
Then why be ok with intrusive snoopers prying on your confidential online activities?
As we all know, the world has become increasingly connected, and so has the internet.
But with all the benefits of a global network, there are also drawbacks.
Cybercrime is on the rise, and internet privacy is a growing concern.
This is where the use of a VPN proves advantageous.
So, if you haven’t already, we encourage you to try out a VPN and experience its beneficial uses for yourself.