Imagine a life without the internet: next to impossible. But this growing dependence makes you susceptible to a host of risks.
Your data may be sold without your consent. You may face frequent cyberattacks. Big corporations may monitor you. Another issue is limited access to global content.
The solution: Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Adequate online privacy, security, and accessibility are its greatest forte. Yet, most ignore its importance.
If you want to know the full story behind all these dangers, let’s cover it here.
1. Internet Service Providers Track and Sell Data
Most people assume that their data is completely safe online because they only browse the internet for basic needs. They don’t check shady sites, so things should be fine.
Well, that’s far from reality. Rather, in several democracies, internet service providers (ISPs) have the legal power to monitor and store your data.
When you don’t use a VPN, your dedicated ISP can see exactly which websites you check, how long you browse each, your choice of streaming, your real-time location, your device identity, your search behavior, your personal interests, your used apps, your connection timestamps, and your behavioral patterns.
They sell this data to data analytics teams or advertisers.
Unless you use a VPN, your ISP can do as it wishes with your data. With a VPN, you can conceal your IP address and encrypt data. So, browsing data and activity can’t be used or sold.
2. No Access to Global Content
Without a VPN, you can also face challenges while streaming news websites, academic portals, and streaming platforms, as they often install geo-blocking.
This is a major challenge for remote workers, students, or those who often travel around the world. It can impact your professional or academic productivity.
Furthermore, in some countries, the government monitors online activities and blocks access to specific services or censors content. Geo-blocking makes browsing frustrating, stripping you of digital freedom. Some even have legal consequences for accessing specified content.
Thankfully, the right choice of VPN masks your location and lets you unblock websites effectively. Thus, you can access any site you want from anywhere in the world without the worry of geoblocking or being monitored by authorities.
3. Cybercriminals Target Public Wi-Fi
Airports, shopping malls, cafes, and hotels offer public Wi-Fi for convenience. But public Wi-Fis is a thriving environment for cybercriminals. They need negligible effort to infiltrate these Wi-Fi networks. Packet sniffing, fake hotspots, and man-in-the-middle attacks are common ways for them to intercept your data.
When you don’t use a VPN and use public Wi-Fi, you attract major risks. Hackers may steal login details of your social media accounts, email, or bank accounts, causing financial losses.
They can do identity fraud using stolen data. If the stolen data lets them access personal data or stored files, they can ask for ransom in exchange for letting you have your data.
VPN, on the other hand, encrypts all traffic, making all data unreadable or intractable so hackers can’t do anything even if they intercept transferred data.
4. Platforms Track Your Activities for Profiling
Social media websites, streaming sites, and e-commerce platforms monitor your online activity to forecast user behavior and personalize ads.
Such profiling pushes more political content, content with emotional triggers, that can cause impulsive purchases, and change lifestyle choices.
Without a VPN, even your “Do Not Track” requests are not taken seriously. VPN is the only way to put an end to it.
5. Risk of Cyberbullying
When regular gamers, remote workers, and diligent students access online content without a VPN, they are always at risk of being cyberbullied or cyberstalked.
Attackers can track your IP address, find your location, and threaten you. Some even breach home networks to eavesdrop and then use the information against you.
6. AI-Powered Cyber Threats on the Rise
The risk of AI-driven cyberattacks is higher than ever. In a Harvard Business Review, 60% of participants admitted to being victims of AI-powered phishing emails.
Automated bots scan your network for vulnerabilities, figure out weak passwords, deploy malware, and develop phishing pages.
When you don’t use a VPN and your IP address is public, you become an easy target for AI-powered harmful bots. The real attackers behind these bots can track your device, network, and location.
They can further launch DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, forcibly log into your accounts,
Conclusion
The internet is like the door to a whole new world and endless opportunities. Meanwhile, a VPN is like your personal security for every digital adventure. No longer an option, it’s a basic necessity for your security. So, invest in a reliable VPN today and evade these risks.
