A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the best solutions you will find anywhere for enhancing personal security on the Internet. Wondering how a VPN helps? By the end of this article, you should have a good idea of how a VPN can help you maintain anonymity on the Internet.
One of the things that are unique identifiers when you access the Internet is your IP address. This is a unique number that a website or service can use to track you. With a VPN, you change the IP address that gets relayed. With a VPN, your true IP address gets masked. It also adds a layer of encryption that can help you maintain better privacy across the Internet.
How Does A VPN Work?
A VPN works by having you connect with it. Once you connect with the VPN server, it routes all of your traffic through it. It’s typically in a secure location either in the same country you’re located in or even halfway across the globe. A VPN provider typically has a range of servers that you can choose from based on your needs and your specific use-cases. Some providers will even allow you to narrow down your preferred server based on the city.
Once you’re connected, it will use encryption (when enabled) to secure the data that is being transmitted. You can choose to go unencrypted for streaming sites if you value speed over security. Otherwise, your information will be kept safe through encryption. Your IP address will be masked because it will be hidden behind the server. Instead of your IP address being shown, it will show the server’s IP address that you are connected to. That way, you can hide your true identity and remain anonymous.
What Additional Features Does a VPN Usually Have?
VPN providers have made their clients easier to use than ever before. However, they are also more feature-rich than ever before. Because of this, you have a lot of options available when you sign up for a VPN provider and start using it. The majority of them make it very easy for you to install and start using right away.
However, not all of them are the same. You will find that the best VPN providers will protect against potential leaks through WebRTC and against your DNS server.
VPN Extensions For Browsers
If you aren’t necessarily looking for advanced features and functionality, you may want to look into installing a browser-based VPN. You can install a browser extension or proxy such as 1337x that will grant you the same features that you would get with a full VPN client. This is also good for those that don’t want all of their traffic routed through the VPN server.
If you are looking to change the IP address to work only in your browser, you could use a VPN that is built into the browser as an extension.
Here are some of the most popular services for browser-based VPN’s:
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Build in VPN in Opera’s browser.
This is a good browser-based VPN that will allow you to turn it on through the security section.
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Zenmate
This is a good VPN extension that you can use across various browsers. However, if you are looking for free access, your choice of servers will be limited. Likewise, you can expect slower speeds without paying.
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Browsec
This is another good option for users of Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Edge. If you are looking for free access, your choice of servers will be limited. Luckily, the VPN doesn’t require any configuration and it’s very easy to use.
Keep in mind, some of these browser extensions will not work in their mobile versions. Thus, you will be unprotected if you are using the mobile version of the browser in many instances.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of different advantages to using a VPN. Not only does it allow you to change your location, but it helps you mask your real IP address. You can bypass Geo-restrictions and more. It gives you much better security while using the Internet which makes it a must for those that are privacy-conscious.
