Top 15 Things a VPN Can Do You Should Know

VPNs are versatile tools that can improve your online experience in numerous ways. Here’s a look at the top 15 things a VPN can do and real-life examples to illustrate their impact.

What VPN Can Do Will Impress You and Increasing Your Productivity

1. Top 1 VPN Can Do Enhance Online Privacy and Security

Using a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it much harder for anyone to intercept or spy on your activities. For instance, in 2016, cybercriminals targeted airports’ public Wi-Fi users and stole data like credit card numbers. A VPN could have prevented this by encrypting the connection, rendering the stolen data useless

2. Top 2 VPN Can Do Bypass Geo-Restrictions

VPNs enable access to geographically restricted content. A traveler in China, for example, could use a VPN to access Google, Facebook, and other sites that are blocked in the country. Similarly, expatriates can watch streaming services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer by connecting to servers in their home country.

3. Top 3 VPN Can Do Avoid Price Discrimination

Websites often adjust prices based on your location. A real-world example of this is travelers booking flights; people have reported finding cheaper flight prices by using a VPN to change their location to another country. For instance, a user in the U.S. might find cheaper fares by setting their VPN to a country with lower average income.

4. Top 4 VPN Can Do Access Region-Specific Content

A sports fan living abroad could use a VPN to watch local sports broadcasts that are restricted to their home country. For example, a British expatriate in the U.S. might use a VPN to watch live Premier League games that are otherwise unavailable due to regional broadcasting rights.

5. Top 5 VPN Can Do Improve Online Security for Remote Work

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies implemented VPNs to secure their employees’ connections while working from home. This ensured that sensitive company data remained protected, even on potentially insecure home networks.

6. Protect Against Data Throttling

ISPs are known to slow down your internet connection if they detect heavy bandwidth usage, such as streaming HD videos or gaming. A popular example is Netflix users who experience buffering issues because their ISP throttles streaming traffic. A VPN hides this traffic, preventing the ISP from detecting and throttling it.

7. Use Public Wi-Fi Safely

Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in coffee shops or airports, are often unsecured and pose significant security risks. In 2018, hackers used public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop to steal customers’ private information. A VPN would have encrypted the users’ data, making it inaccessible to the hackers.

8. Avoid Government Surveillance

In countries with strict internet censorship, like Iran or North Korea, citizens and journalists use VPNs to access information and communicate without government monitoring. For example, during political unrest, VPNs have been essential for activists and journalists to bypass government-imposed internet restrictions.

9. Secure Your IoT Devices

Smart home devices, like cameras and speakers, can be vulnerable to hacking. In 2019, a hacker took control of a family’s smart camera to talk to their children. Using a VPN on the network could have encrypted the connection and prevented unauthorized access.

10. Prevent Bandwidth Throttling

Gamers often face reduced internet speeds due to bandwidth throttling. A VPN helps avoid this by masking the nature of your internet traffic. For instance, a VPN can help an online gamer avoid the lag that ISP throttling causes, improving their gaming experience.

11. Access Corporate Networks Remotely

A consultant working for a multinational corporation may need to access the company’s internal network while traveling. A VPN allows secure access to the network from any location, protecting sensitive information from potential cyber threats while ensuring continuity of work.

12. Avoid CAPTCHA Checks

CAPTCHA checks can be frustrating, especially for users who frequently switch networks or use shared IP addresses. A dedicated IP provided by a VPN service can reduce these checks. For example, an online marketer who runs multiple ad campaigns might benefit from using a VPN with a dedicated IP to avoid frequent CAPTCHA interruptions.

13. Anonymous Browsing

Journalists and whistleblowers often use VPNs to maintain their anonymity online. For instance, during the Panama Papers investigation, journalists used VPNs to securely communicate and research without revealing their identities, protecting their sources and the investigation’s integrity.

14. Protect Against Cybercrime

With the rise of cybercrime, individuals and businesses use VPNs to safeguard their data. For example, a small business owner who processes payments online can use a VPN to secure their connection, protecting customer information from potential breaches.

15. Get Purely Organic Search Results

Some search engines tailor results based on your location and past search history. By using a VPN, you can avoid this and receive organic search results unaffected by previous searches or your real location. For example, a researcher looking for unbiased information can use a VPN to get unfiltered search results.

VPNs offer a wide range of functionalities that can enhance your online security, privacy, and accessibility. These real-world examples show just how valuable a VPN can be in various situations, making it a vital tool for anyone concerned with their online experience.