The term ‘virtual private network’ (VPN) is now well-known and widely used, with 44% of UK Internet users now using this technology at some point in their lives.
What’s more, some 41% of people in the UK and the US use a VPN at least once a week, this helps to underline the numerous benefits that the technology can deliver to users.
In addition to securing your network and minimising the threat posed by malicious malware attacks, however, VPNs can also unlock a series of surprising advantages for users. Let’s get into it!
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a piece of software that creates a virtual and encrypted connection between your device and a remote server.
Once connected, all of your web traffic and data will be routed through this virtual ‘tunnel’, presenting as an indecipherable string of code to potential hackers, third-party network managers, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
This is highly recommended when connected to a public Wi-Fi network, which may well be unsecured or use outdated WPA2 protection. In this respect, VPNs create another layer of network protection that’s much needed in the digital age.
When you complete a VPN download and log in to the client, the software will also mask your device’s IP address and physical location.
This minimises the risk of you being targeted with malware attacks while it also prevents you from being doxxed when online.
OK, So What are the Hidden Advantages of Using a VPN?
Now that you understand what a VPN is and its primary advantages, the question that remains is what other benefits can it deliver to users? Here are some surprising answers to keep in mind:
#1. A VPN Can Save You Money
Perhaps the most surprising benefit of VPN usage is the fact that it can save you money, especially when engaging in flash sales, booking airline tickets or hiring rental cars.
In these instances, websites will often adjust pricing based on a visitor’s physical location, which can be obtained through their IP address. This is especially relevant with travel websites, such as Kayak.com, Hotels.com, and Travelocity.com.
This is where a VPN comes into play. Remember, this technology can mask your actual IP address, tricking website trackers and retailers into thinking that you’re in a completely different part of the world.
So, in this instance, you should select a VPN client that has server locations in less wealthy countries and jurisdictions, such as the Philippines. This will offer access to much lower prices across a range of products and services, as brands look to optimize sales in different international markets.
So, if you’re planning a trip abroad or looking to buy discounted items in a flash Amazon sale, you should consider using a VPN and targeting remote server locations in developing economies.
#2. Boost Your Online Connectivity
VPN usage continues to rise among businesses too, especially as remote and hybrid working models become increasingly commonplace in 2023.
In the UK, more than half of workers (57%) now want a hybrid working arrangement, which requires them to spend two or three days a week in the office and the remainder of the time at home.
Not only can businesses use VPNs to securely connect remote workers to their servers and allow for secure data transfers, but they also sustain an enhanced level of connectivity regardless of where individual network users are located.
This is aided by port forwarding, which is a common VPN feature that allows remote computers access to a specific computer, its individual files, and attachments.
Make no mistake; port forwarding is incredibly beneficial when distributing documents or employing individuals across a diverse range of locations, making VPNs an increasingly in-demand tool in the age of remote and hybrid working.
#3. Avoid the Threat of Bandwidth Throttling
As we’ve already touched on, ISPs can also observe your network activity without the use of a VPN.
This can be problematic when engaging in activities that consume high volumes of data, such as gaming or streaming content online, as ISPs may subsequently look to throttle your bandwidth during periods of peak network usage.
This may be done to protect the integrity and performance of the wider network, but it may result in untenable and interminably slow Internet speeds during particular parts of the day.
If you deploy a paid and trusted VPN client, however, you can encrypt your web traffic and activity at all times. This enables you to continue streaming content and gaming as you wish, as ISPs won’t be able to intercept your data and throttle your bandwidth accordingly.
Remember, a VPN can also mask your IP address and allow you to stream content from geo-restricted content libraries across the globe, creating an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience no matter where you are in the world!
