If you love modern digital technologies, you have probably heard about VPN extensions and applications. Such software products help users connect to virtual networks and use all the possibilities of the free Internet. But is there a downside to the coin? Is a VPN connection so reliable, and what pitfalls await an ordinary user? Here are the main pros and cons of using a VPN.
The Main Pros
Let’s start with the positive aspects that are most significant. Here are the top benefits you should look out for. This list is relevant for any Internet user, regardless of the place of residence.
It Secures Your Data
Traffic encryption is very important. If you are using an unsecured wireless network, hackers can gain access to your data. This happens if your network, intermediate server, or some service is not reliable enough. Data encryption and remote server connections help protect your data even from your ISP or government. For example, people can read EssayPro reviews without any problems and even order papers without fear that their data will become public.
It Protects Your Online Privacy
Remember how you can clearly see the footprints in the snow in winter. Every Internet user leaves the same marks when visiting sites, watching videos, or performing any online activity. Your ISP company has full access to your logs and may transfer them to the government or sell them to third parties. This is usually done in order to understand consumer needs, but this is still not acceptable. VPN helps close the door in front of your ISP and surf the World Wide Web anonymously.
You Can Change Your IP and Bypass Geoblocks
Have you ever had to put up with the fact that a popular web service or site is not available in your country? Let’s say you want to read Pay Me To Do Your Homework reviews, but your provider is blocking the connection for some reason. VPN apps allow you to bypass this limitation elegantly. The point is that your device will be connected to the so-called “intermediary.” This is a third-party IP address (server) that may be located in another country. Technically, you will go unnoticed and will be able to bypass any geoblocks and IP restrictions.
Protection in a Hostile Environment
Imagine a situation where you find yourself in a country that dictates to the population which sites are unacceptable. If you visit prohibited Internet addresses, then you may have problems with the local police. Thanks to a VPN connection, all your activities will be hidden from officials and law enforcement agencies. This option is especially relevant for students and journalists.
The Main Cons
Unfortunately, VPNs have a number of disadvantages. Some are not obvious or critical. However, you should be aware of all the pitfalls in order to be prepared for unexpected consequences.
Slower Connection
Since the actual connection is through an intermediary server, you’ll have to come to terms with a slower connection. Do not think that you will have to wait 10 minutes for the image to load. Regular web surfing will not cause you any inconvenience. But if you want to download any large file, then you have to put up with the double or even triple the waiting time.
Some VPNs Are Insecure
This is partly about free applications or extensions for your browser. The problem is that such software products are designed to attract an audience and do not provide maximum protection. In addition, some VPN services store logs and some customer data. If you do not want deanonymization, then you need to look for reliable companies that are registered in “blind spots”. These are countries that are very zealous in protecting personal data and do not require companies to disclose any information about customers.
Subscription Costs
Unfortunately, security is the privilege of those who are willing to pay for a subscription. This monetization format is used by many companies. If you want maximum privacy and protection of your Internet connection, then you have to come to terms with the monthly expenses. Fortunately, most of the services offer affordable prices. On average, you will have to pay $4-10 per month.
VPNs Will Not Turn Voluntary Data Collection off
Some search engines and social networks collect user data automatically. In this case, the VPN will not be able to prevent companies like Google from learning about you. But if search services and social networks are interested in you in order to collect data for advertising campaigns, then some sites may be downright dangerous. You should use common sense. A VPN can make you invisible on the web, but it will not protect you from malicious code or infected hyperlinks that you can click on.
Final Words
Now you know about the main advantages and disadvantages of this technology. Internet surfing can be much safer if you use virtual servers. At the same time, you should be careful when choosing a VPN service and use common sense when visiting potentially dangerous sites. Then many disadvantages become nothing more than nuances.
