We are in 2025. That is the first quarter of this century and possibly one of the most remarkable periods in human history. We have come a long way from those bulky monitors to sleek smartphones.
However, not everything is gold and glitter. As we become more and more connected, we are also entering a society where we are connected to the internet all the time, one way or another.
In this hyper-connected era, where we are always online in one way or another, the importance of VPN for online privacy has become more crucial than ever
One can imagine that privacy is a myth and doesn’t really exist. Tech giants like Google, Meta, OpenAI, and others constantly collect data from us, and governments censor and monitor how we surf the internet. While this may seem harmless to an individual, there can be serious consequences.
“As an individual user, what can I do?” is something many people wonder when they hear all this. Well, today is time for some answers and a good place to start is by using a VPN.
Why a VPN All of a Sudden?
VPN? Isn’t that a bit extreme for everyday general use? Many of you might be wondering this, and to some extent, you are right. Normally, we use a VPN to download torrents, access a site banned in our country, and more.
But times have changed and we are now in an era where protecting our digital footprint is absolutely necessary.
The Value of Our Digital Image
The digital image is everything that we have online. That includes our primary email ID, social media handles, login information for various sites, bank account details, and everything you access online.
It is one thing for the government and other agencies to have information about these(although they shouldn’t), but bad actors can steal this information and use it for god knows what.
An interesting case from the USA is a prime example of how companies and governments are trying to steal information. The investigation by the FBI concluded, “Chinese-made Huawei equipment could disrupt US nuclear arsenal communications.” Source: CNN.
Basically, the USA signed a deal with Huawei to install towers at a cheaper rate. However, these towers were very close to a military base.
When even one of the strongest militaries is vulnerable to digital theft, a common person should be more cautious. Hence, it is paramount that your digital identity is secure.
Is it Necessary?
The government should be responsible for keeping our networks secure, right? Well, they do secure them, but in the process, they monitor our digital image, which is also a big NO!
Let’s look at it on a basic level. To access the Internet, you need an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which is regulated by the government.
As soon as you take any connection from any ISP, you open a gate through which the ISP and the government can monitor your internet activity.
You might argue that how does my data make any difference but when we talk about data from millions of people, it can be used to detect patterns, exploit vulnerabilities, and more. Hence, giving unrestricted access to anyone is not the answer.
Then some bad actors just want to steal your information or your money.
Also, in cases where you use public WiFi or open WiFi, the risk rises exponentially. There are countless instances where people lost a lot of money or had their accounts hacked because they used public WiFi to access their accounts. The bottom line is that they aren’t safe. So in every condition, you are open to constant surveillance by ISPs, governments, and other agencies. In worst-case scenarios, you lose your accounts and money.
Hence, it is absolutely necessary.
How a VPN Protects Your Online Privacy
Before we explore how a VPN can help you safeguard your digital image, let’s understand what a VPN is. In short, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. This encrypted tunnel shields your online activities from prying eyes, including your internet service provider (ISP), government agencies, and cybercriminals.
How Does a VPN Work?
Here is a brief outline of how a VPN works:
- Connection: When you connect to a VPN server, your device establishes a secure, encrypted connection with that server.
- Traffic Redirection: All your internet traffic is routed through this encrypted tunnel, hiding your IP address and location.
- Masked Identity: The VPN server acts as an intermediary, masking your true IP address with its own. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activities back to you.
What Is the Importance of VPN for Online Privacy?
The two main issues identified in this article are government surveillance, ISPs, and other spying agencies. As it turns out, a VPN can help prevent all of them. Here are some of the main benefits of using a VPN:
Better Privacy
Well, the first thing you get is enhanced privacy. By masking your IP address, a VPN prevents your online activities from being linked to your identity. It is good for not only your privacy but also your anonymity on the internet.
A Safe Connection
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it much harder for hackers and cybercriminals to intercept and steal your sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data.
No Censorships and Restrictions
Many countries impose internet censorship and geo-restrictions. This is a serious issue as it is against the concept of the internet itself. The Internet is supposed to liberate you by providing unrestricted access. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region.
Protection While Using Public WiFi
Public Wi-Fi networks are notorious for their lack of security. As mentioned earlier, there have been many instances in which Public WiFi networks were responsible for stolen information. By using a VPN, you can create a secure connection and protect your data even when using public Wi-Fi.
Wrapping Up
So now you know the importance of using a VPN. Even if you are browsing every day like a normal individual, it is reasonable to assume that many parties are tracking your movements and that is why it is important to use a VPN. We hope this guide helps you understand what we are facing and how we are going to tackle it. It is time for you to be more mindful while browsing the internet and not just say yes to everything without thinking critically.
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