What is a VPN?

VPNs are becoming increasingly popular among internet users who value their privacy and want to protect their online activities from prying eyes. Where exactly what is a VPN, why do you need it and how do you choose the best one? Read on and you'll find out.

What is a VPN and how does it work?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, can be thought of as an encrypted virtual tunnel. All your online internet activity is sent through this virtual tunnel before it reaches the internet. This virtual tunnel ensures that everything that passes through it is encrypted AND remains anonymous. This is because everyone has an IP address which, like a home address, can be traced back to you. Thanks to the VPN - i.e. the virtual tunnel - your own IP address remains hidden and your internet traffic comes from a different IP address that cannot be traced back to you. As an example, suppose you visit a website or buy something in a webshop, no one can find out who just visited the website or webshop or from which location. The same applies to everything you do online. Besides security and anonymity, there are many other advantages, so keep reading.

Why do you need a VPN?

All VPN providers will claim you need a VPN. Since you need the internet with pretty much everything you do these days, they're right too.... So how do you know which VPN is best for you?

There are several things to consider when choosing a VPN. A VPN can help protect your online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online movements. A VPN can help you bypass country restrictions by letting you connect to a server in another country, giving you access to content that might not otherwise be available.

If you work remotely or need to access your company's network from a remote location, a VPN can provide you with a secure and encrypted connection to your company's servers.

Lastly, VPNs provide an extra layer of security against hackers and other online threats by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This makes it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your personal information or infiltrate your devices.

How to choose the best VPN?

Every VPN provider will claim to be the best. We will share with you what to keep in mind when looking for a VPN so that you can make the most informed decision.

Security is the most important factor when it comes to choosing a VPN. A strong encryption protocol is a must. Also, ensure the provider has a lot of servers and especially in the countries you want access to. And a server in your own country should be a must for the fastest connection.

Preferably, you want your VPN provider to have a no-log policy. In other words, you don't want anyone, including your VPN provider, to see what you are doing. If this is a must for you, then we recommend providers such as NordVPN and Surfshark.

A VPN that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface will make it easier for you to get started and configure your settings. Look for a VPN that has a simple and intuitive interface, and offers clear instructions on how to use it. Reading reviews from other customers can really help with this. 

Lastly, VPNs can vary in price. Going for the cheapest might not always be the best idea as you don't want your security to suffer. it's important to find a provider that offers a balance between affordability and quality. 

An easy list of what to look for when choosing a VPN:

• Security
• No-log policy
• Server locations
• Speed
• User-friendliness
• Price

Conclusion