The world of VPNs has changed since the post-Snowden digital age. Back then, people scrambled to find ways to protect their online activities from prying eyes and third parties tracking them. But the word VPN back then wasn’t associated with danger and mistrust as it is now.
Fast forward to 2018, individuals are no longer willing to trust their personal data with a free VPN service provider that offers everything for nothing in return.
With so many VPN services out there promising users freedom from government snooping, it’s hard to tell who is trustworthy and who isn’t. This article will cover everything you need to know about using a free VPN for your online security and privacy needs.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that secures your online activities by encrypting your data. VPNs are primarily used to hide your identity and IP address to prevent others from tracking your online activities.
VPNs are used to access blocked websites, unblock geo-restricted content, and create a secure network for remote workers. In addition to securing your online activities, VPNs can also be used to protect your privacy against government surveillance and data theft.
Why Should You Use a Free VPN Service?
If you’re an avid internet user relying on the internet for your daily needs, you should consider using a free VPN online.
Here’s why:
Using a VPN protects your online activities from prying eyes.
How?
A VPN hides your real IP address and replaces it with one from its own server. In this way, it becomes impossible for anyone to track your online activities. A VPN also hides your browsing history from your ISP, which is a big deal these days.
Nowadays, ISPs illegally sell your browsing history to third parties without your permission. Free VPNs have become the norm in the industry, and people have started to wonder if it’s possible to find a free VPN for their online activities. But the word VPN back then wasn’t associated with danger and mistrust as it is now. Using a free VPN service may seem like a smart idea at first, but it’s important to understand the risks associated with it. After all, you get what you pay for.
Are There Any Legitimate Reasons to Use a Free VPN?
While free VPNs are a bad choice for regular internet users, they may be a reasonable option for certain users.
This includes:
– Travelers who want to unblock their internet connection and access restricted websites.
– People who want to hide their identities while performing activities that may put them at risk.
– Journalists and activists who need to remain anonymous and protected from government surveillance.
– People who need to protect their data against identity theft.
– People who want to bypass their school/office/ISP restrictions As you can see, these reasons are specific to certain groups of people and don’t apply to the general public.
If you fall into any of these categories, you may be able to find some benefits from using a free VPN. But keep in mind that you’ll have to accept the risks that come with it.
How to Find the Best Free VPN for Online Security and Privacy?
As we’ve already discussed, free VPNs are a terrible choice for regular internet users. They’re not reliable, they log your data, and they don’t protect your privacy. However, free VPNs can be a reasonable choice for a specific group of users. If that’s you, then you’re in luck.
Following research, we’ve found Urban VPN to be one of the most reliable and fast free VPN services online.
Tips to Protect Yourself From Online Snooping
Check What You Click and Download
Many online sites and apps require you to enter personal information such as your address, credit card number, and other details to download an ebook or app. While entering this information may appear to be harmless at the time, it can come back to haunt you.
You should exercise caution when disclosing personal information on the internet. Always read the privacy policies of any sites into which you intend to enter your information, and don’t forget to delete it once you’re finished.
When browsing the web, you should also be cautious about what you click and download. The majority of download links direct you to malicious websites that can infect your computer with viruses or spyware. To avoid this, always double-check what you’re downloading before clicking the “OK” button.
Be Careful with Facebook and Other Networks
Facebook, Instagram, and other social networks are popular places for people to share photos and videos. This can be useful for staying in touch with family and friends, but you should be cautious about the photos you upload. You won’t have to be concerned if you upload photos of your children, spouse, or family members. However, if you upload photos of your workplace or In other sensitive areas, be cautious about who sees them. You should also consider who has access to your profile information and posts. You can easily change your page’s settings to make certain posts public and others private. This is a great way to limit who has access to your online information.
Use encryption when browsing.
Anyone can easily spy on you while you’re surfing the web. If you’re not careful, governments, internet service providers, and hackers can all use traffic analysis software to spy on your browsing activities. You should always use encryption to avoid this. This will scramble your browsing data, making it impossible for anyone to see what you’re doing online.
You can find a wide range of encryption software online but choose a reputable and secure provider.
Bottom line
We’ve come to the end of our discussion on free VPNs. It’s important to remember that free VPNs are not the same as paid VPNs. The quality of service you receive from a free VPN is significantly lower compared to a paid VPN.
So if you’re looking for a VPN to protect your online activities and data, a free VPN is not the answer. Instead, you should invest in a paid VPN that offers high-quality service and security.
