14 hours Ago
The need for online privacy is growing, which is why most people are turning towards VPNs to secure their internet activity. These tools offer significant benefits, but they aren’t a complete shield. Here is what a VPN actually protects and what remains exposed.
A VPN is a tool that helps you stay private and secure when browsing the internet. It works by hiding your data and routing it through a secure server in a different location, which makes it difficult for others to monitor your online activity. For example, let’s say you connect to a public Wi-Fi network at a cafe.
If you are using a VPN, it will encrypt your data, hide your details, and make sure no one can see what you are doing online. Without one, anyone could potentially intercept your data and steal your details over such a network. One of the common VPN-related misconceptions is that it makes you completely anonymous.
This is not entirely true, though it does a good job of protecting and hiding specific types of data. Here’s a closer look at the types of data a VPN helps keep under wraps. Your ISP (internet service provider) can see more than you might think when you’re browsing online without a VPN.
This includes: When you use a VPN, it encrypts all of this data before it leaves your device. This means that your ISP will be able to see that you are connected to a VPN server, but nothing beyond that. Your IP address shows where you’re connecting from and links your online activity to your location.
This information might seem trivial, but it can reveal quite a lot, which websites, advertisers, and even hackers can use to target you. A VPN masks this data, and replaces your IP with one from its own server. This way, websites and trackers cannot link your activity back to your real identity or location.
One of the reasons you see ads for local businesses or have websites adjust their content for your area is because your IP address reveals your location. Since a VPN hides your IP address, it also hides where you are connecting from. For example, if you are choosing a server in the USA while sitting in Japan, it will look like you are connected to the internet from the USA instead of your actual location.
Beyond hiding your identity, it can also help you access region-specific content and avoid certain location-based ads. Your bandwidth usage is the amount of data you send and receive while online. This includes everything from streaming, downloading, and even simply browsing.
Your ISP monitors this data, and often uses it to check how much bandwidth you’re consuming and for what purpose. For instance, if you’re streaming videos or downloading large files, they might slow down your connection (also known as throttling). Since a VPN encrypts this data, your ISP won’t be able to determine if you are streaming, browsing, or doing anything else.
Your ISP can see that you are using a VPN, but some of the most reputable VPNs have features to make this less obvious. They offer obfuscation tools that make VPN traffic look like normal traffic. This can be helpful if you’re on a network that restricts VPN usage or if you want to ensure even greater privacy.
Now that we know what exactly VPNs hide, let’s take a look at what they don’t (and can’t). Firstly, VPNs don’t mask the information that you share online voluntarily. This can include logging into your socials or entering your private information (location, phone number) somewhere else.
Similarly, they don’t hide cookies, which are small files that websites use to track your activity and remember your preferences. Cookies are usually stored on your device, so even with a VPN, websites can still recognize you if those cookies aren’t cleared. Another thing to keep in mind is that a VPN doesn’t make your device invisible.
Apps or services that require GPS access, like maps or ride-sharing platforms, can still determine your physical location. And let’s not forget; not all VPN providers are trustworthy. Some might have access to certain data of yours, such as the servers you connect to or the times you’re online.
This information could potentially be shared or exposed. To stay safe, consider a VPN that has a no-log policy. This makes sure that your data remains as private as possible.
In conclusion, while a VPN is a great tool for protecting your privacy, it is not a complete solution. Even when you are using one, pair it with good practices like clearing cookies regularly and being cautious about the personal information you share. There are quite a few practices you should follow when choosing a VPN for a better online experience.
You have the option to pick between several paid and free VPN options out there. Alternatively, you can use VPN together with a proxy . Image credit: Pixaby Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Zainab is an Actuarial Sciences graduate from Pakistan with a passion for technology.
When she's not busy writing insightful pieces on Windows and the latest tech trends, you'll find her with her nose buried in a productivity book, always on the lookout for ways to optimize her workflow and stay ahead of the curve..
