Disproving 4 Common Misconceptions About VPN Technology

In the past, having anti-malware software installed on a computer was enough for digital security. However, cyber threats and malware have since evolved. Today, full security (and privacy) relies on having multiple tools in use at once. Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are one such tool. Despite the uses and benefits of VPNs, there are also many misconceptions about VPN technology. In this article, we will go over four common misconceptions and explain the truth behind them:

• A VPN is for paranoid users
• VPNs are only for illegal activities
• VPNs are slow
• I can get a VPN for free

“VPNs Are Only for Paranoid People” 

For the past few years, you may have noticed that stories of data breaches, data collection, and hacking have become terrifyingly common in the news. The likelihood is that they will only get worse with time. This is the reason why VPN technology is for more than just paranoid internet users. Although many think that these breaches only affect large companies (which is what it may seem like in the news), everyone is a possible victim. 

If you do not have secure internet access, anyone connected to the web and with the technical know-how can easily access your online activity, hack into your vulnerable accounts, and collect your personal information and passwords. The threats to your cybersecurity are real, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. A VPN is a tool for everyone.

“VPNs Are Only Used by Cybercriminals”

A common misconception about VPN technology claims that it’s only used to keep you from getting caught doing illegal activities. These activities include downloading copyrighted materials or doing shady transactions. Sure, such things are possible. However, the features of VPNs have uses and advantages beyond illegal activities.

VPNs can help you reduce your digital footprint, limit how websites track you, remain safe on public wi-fi and more, all of which is legal and important for your digital safety.

“A VPN Will Slow Down My Internet Connection” 

There is a possibility that a VPN will slow down your connection speed because of the encryption and decryption process that simultaneously happens as you search and visit different websites. However, this is not typical.

VPNs do a lot of work to keep you safe. They simultaneously encrypt and decrypt your data, while helping you search for and visit sites on the web. As a result, your connection might slow down. However, this is not always the case, as believed by many.

In fact, a VPN can even improve your internet speed by masking your activities from your internet service provider, or ISP. These businesses often conduct bandwidth throttling, which is the intentional slowing down of the internet service they provide, to save their network resources or alleviate network congestion.

“I Can Just Get a VPN For Free”

Although things that are labeled “free” definitely look attractive, subscribing to a service that protects your online information and activity for free is too good to be true! These providers make you pay in other ways, by pushing ads and even collecting your info to sell to other businesses.

For the best available cybersecurity on today’s market, paid VPNs are the better option. These providers invest lots of time, effort, and resources into building these complex tools to make sure they are secure and work the way they should. Although the initial investment may seem expensive, opting for a paid VPN can save you from costly damages in the event that your personal information gets sold to third parties, which can happen with free service.  

Conclusion 

VPNs are powerful tools that can protect you from hacking and breaches. However, many people don’t use them because of the outdated misconceptions surrounding these services. Don’t let these misconceptions prevent you from taking full advantage of top internet security.

If you’re looking for the best VPN technology on the market today, look no further and get in touch with us today. Our team of experts will be happy to help you protect and secure your online life!