Using unsecured Wi-Fi internet can be risky. It’s one of those times when it’s best to use a virtual private network, or VPN. What to know.
Using unsecured Wi-Fi internet can be risky. It’s one of those times when it’s best to use a virtual private network, or VPN? It's tempting to jump onto the free Wi-Fi at the coffee shop or the shopping mall. But don't do it unless you've got protection.
A virtual private network is a service that hides your online activity from anyone else on the internet. A VPN encrypts your traffic data, which prevents anyone else from being able to read it, and routes it through private tunnels to secure servers around the world. You can also use it at home if you don't want your internet service provider to know what you’re doing. But if that's not a concern, then you probably don't need to as long as your network is password protected.
Start with tech review websites that have tested and analyzed their privacy policies, encryption practices, ease of use, speed, price and other categories. Some review sites rank VPNs according to specific uses like streaming. Experts also recommend VPNs with a “no-logging” guarantee. It's a promise that none of your online activity will be recorded. But it's not easy for an ordinary user to verify whether the VPN operator is fulfilling such promises, so look for audits by third-party inspectors.Experts warn against using free VPNs because many offer sub-par security or could be harvesting your data.
Some reputable VPNs provide a free version, but they typically come with restrictions such as limiting use to one device or a cap on data. They're a good option if you only need to occasionally browse privately.You can install a VPN on your computer just like any other piece of software, or on your smartphone as an app. Or you can add it to your browser as a plugin.
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