Between your computer and the internet, there is a multitude of paths that your data must travel to return the right elements in the form of a web page or any other format. When you shop online, browse social networks, or search, this data travels through networks and routers, leaving traces. Anyone who wants to can track your online activity, or your geolocation.
To solve this problem, there is a solution: VPN.
What is a VPN?
The VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure connection between a user and a network or between two networks. It encrypts the different data that circulate: the data sent and received. It also assigns a fictitious IP address to allow its user to browse the internet in complete confidentiality. Thanks to the VPN, all your online activity is encrypted.
Why use a VPN?
VPNs can be used on any device connected to the internet: smartphone, tablet, or computer. They have many advantages and some disadvantages. First, they ensure your security against potential hackers roaming on the internet or using public Wifi connections to carry out their misdeeds.
Secondly, they avoid you being identified by the various software consisting of censoring or blocking certain sites or content based on your location or profile, and they also avoid being subject to particular discrimination on the internet, such as price discrimination or data sale. These abuses being possible since December 2017 to the repeal of net neutrality. The RGPD has been protecting a minimum of user data in Europe since 2018.
Beware, your internet browsing may result in the reading of cookies from the sites you visit: you will need to disable them. In the same way, if you fill in forms or transmit your data yourself, they will not be protected.
How to choose the right VPN?
In order to help you choose your VPN, there are many comparisons to determine the best VPN for your use. This is the case of VPNOverview, which tests all known VPN providers for you on many evaluation criteria. The best VPNs are then rated out of 10, exposing their main features to you. You can then make your choice in an informed way by taking note of the outside opinions on the VPN, and all its features!
There is a wide choice among the different types of VPNs available. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing your future VPN:
The encryption used
Choose an efficient encryption that is really difficult to decrypt for potential hackers. The best encryption currently used is AES-256 (advanced encryption standard)
The Internet Protocol
Choose secure protocols such as OpenVPN rather than commonplace solutions
Data logs
Your VPN may record your internet activity itself in a folder, so check the data privacy policy to avoid choosing a VPN that uses this type of practice.
The different features
Some VPNs offer features that will allow you to make the best use of your software. For example, firewalls, simultaneous connections, ad blocking…
Customer support
If you are not a VPN expert, customer support is essential in case of problems. Always check that the software has a support solution!