With the increase of sensitive information online, a virtual private network (VPN) is more important than ever. A VPN encrypts your data to keep it safe from hackers who want to steal your passwords and other personal information. The encryption also hides your location so advertisers aren’t able to track your activity. Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits a VPN can provide.

International Travel

People who travel internationally can find multiple benefits in a VPN. Some websites have regional restrictions. A person might be able to log into a website when they’re in the United States, but not in Europe. Even some countries will block access to certain websites. The VPN can get around these roadblocks by connecting you to a remote server. This process hides your real location and IP address, allowing you to bypass the regional restrictions. 

Public Wi-Fi

Another VPN benefit is the additional privacy when on public Wi-Fi and unsecured websites. Whether you’re in an airport or at a cafe, you’re probably connected to public Wi-Fi, which is far less secure than a private Wi-Fi network. Hackers can exploit these security flaws in public Wi-Fi to steal passwords and other personal information. A VPN will encrypt your traffic so hackers won’t be able to steal your valuable info. 

Shopping

It’s not just hackers that want your data. Many advertisers, internet service providers, and other businesses love to track and collect user data. This metadata includes things like when and where websites were accessed, what you shop for, click on, and ultimately buy. This can have a negative effect if you’re shopping for something with dynamic pricing. Dynamic pricing is a price that’s adjusted depending on the user’s data like location and browning history. A great example of this is shopping for flights. Ticket prices can vary by hundreds of dollars simply by turning on a VPN and selecting a server in a different country. A VPN can potentially save you money by avoiding this unwanted tracking. 

A VPN can provide multiple benefits. If you are someone who values their privacy, travels internationally, or frequently uses unsecured networks, a VPN is something you should consider. You can also make sure you have an internet service provider that doesn’t sell your data to third parties. Socket values and is committed to your privacy. We will never share or sell your data to third parties. If you’re in one of Socket’s service areas,  you can sign up for service on our website or by giving us a call at 1-800-SOCKET3!