The Advantages & Disadvantages Of A Virtual Private Network
A virtual private network is a private networks running on public network. It is the extension of a private network that incorporates links over public networks. It allows you to communicate among computers across a public network in a way that uses a private connection. Enterprises or organizations are adopting VPNs to ensure Internet security. Information transmitted on a VPN is encrypted. VPNs offer various advantages such as reduced cost and scalability. However, there are also disadvantages to using VPNs.
Benefits Of VPN: How To Choose The Best VPN
Join AFP’s 100,000+ followers on
Purchase a subscription to AFP
Subscribe to AFP podcasts on iTunes and Spotify
News, press releases, letters to the editor:
Advertising inquiries:
You may have heard of VPN before and you may know that they offer great benefits to those who use them. But do you know what VPN stands for? What does it have to offer? Find the best VPN provider and find out the advantages of VPN.
Top 10 Advantages And Benefits Of VPN
Millions of people worldwide use virtual private networks every day, and not without reason. After all, these tools not only take your privacy and security to the next level but also empower you to enjoy complete freedom on the Internet. Here, well take a look at the benefits of VPN, but first
Don’t Miss: How To Access Netflix With VPN
Get Anonymous And Safe Access To The Tor Network
Although this is not for everyone, some people like to go on the Tor network for extra privacy and anonymity. This is also one of the network you might connect to if you wish to access the dark web.
The Tor browser encrypts your data by tunneling you through several locations, or relays. This means you are virtually undetectable to anyone who wants to track you. However, the caveat is that these Tor servers are limited and also publicly listed. In other words, your ISP, network administrator, government agencies, hackers, websites, or anyone else who might look at your IP address will know that youre connected to the Tor network.
If you use Tor in combination with a VPN, your connection to the Tor network will be hidden from your internet provider. This is desirable, because many associate the Tor network with the dark web, which is in turn associated with cybercrime. Hypothetically, a government agency could ask an internet provider to pass on information about which of its users have ever connected to the Tor network. This would not prove any illegality, but can make you appear more suspicious in the eyes of the law, even if youre not doing anything illegal.
Difficult To Configure Sometimes

It is very important to properly configure your VPN. If you do not choose a good quality and a reliable VPN, then the VPN server, protocols, and encryption nothing can save you from IP address and DNS leaks.
Once your IP address and DNS leaks that very moment, you are gone. Cybercriminals can take advantage of this loophole in your privacy and security.
If youâre aware of the VPN features and configuration, then what are you waiting for? Hurry up! Make the right choice. If you are a beginner, then go for user-friendly VPNs like CyberGhost or Tunnel bear. I am sure these VPNs will make your first experience remarkable and fun-loving.
You May Like: How To Change Your Ip Without VPN
Stay Off Government Lists
Let’s face it. Innocent people that have been exercising their right to surf the Internet have been targeted by government watch lists. It is a subject that no one wants to talk about, but finding yourself on one of these lists can be very bad. Some innocent research that you may have been doing for a college paper could turn into a nightmare. If you are searching anything controversial, use an anonymous VPN account to hide your identity.
Why Get A VPN: Privacy And Security Are The Biggest Positives
One of the biggest benefits of using a VPN is to keep your data secure and online activity private. An ISP and some organizations have ways to keep track of everything you do online. If you think going incognito is all you need to do, you couldnt be further from the truth.
Some automatically associate using a VPN or trying to keep your activity private with nefarious purposes. Thats certainly not the case for a large majority of users. The reason why most people use a VPN is actually simply because of the peace of mind it offers.
The obvious security and privacy advantages of a VPN come when connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi could be widely available at coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and school campuses, depending on where you are. Theres no way to know what kind of security is available on these networks, though. Some can even use these public connections to snoop and steal your data. As a rule of thumb, never do anything like online banking when connected to such networks without a VPN.
All your data is encrypted when using a VPN, so thats a security plus as well. Some services even offer extra security features like protection from malware, among others.
You May Like: What Is Free VPN App
Securing Public Wifi Connections
Public WiFi networks are a security professionals worst nightmare but with a VPN in place, they become much less of a hassle. VPNs prevent hackers operating on a public WiFi network from looking at your data. While public WiFi networks should be avoided for business purposes whenever possible, using a VPN will protect the connection of all your business-critical devices; this is essential for enterprises running a BYOD policy.
Looking for more information on wireless networks, 802.11ax, and wireless hardware vendors? Our Wireless Networks Buyers Guide contains profiles on the top wireless network solution providers, as well as specifications on the network hardware they provide. It also includes questions you should ask potential vendors and yourself before buying.
Check us out on; for the latest in Wireless Networks news and developments!
Advantages Of VPNs: Why Should You Use A VPN Asap
Surely you have heard of VPNs or virtual private networks. These are servers that many of us have used to connect to the Internet through an IP from a different computer, which makes things much easier for us, for example, if we are abroad and want to connect from a computer in our country.
However, virtual private networks can have many uses, and they do not stop presenting advantages when we decide to use them also in the business environment. By the way, not all VPNs are free, nor do they necessarily have to function as a public Wi-Fi network.
You can set up your own VPN in your company and use it for your own purposes.
Also Check: How To Monitor VPN User Activity
What Are The Best VPNs
We believe that;ExpressVPN is the best all-round VPN of this moment. With stable and reliable connections, its ideal for anonymous and safe online browsing. Whats more, ExpressVPN is very user-friendly. Theres even a reliable money-back guarantee you can use to try out the service. While ExpressVPN is a little pricier than other VPN providers, its one of the highest quality VPN services out there and wont log data that could compromize your browsing activity.
To get ExpressVPN,;simply navigate to;their official website and download the software in three easy steps:
If you want to see a bigger list of the best VPNs, we can help.;To make things easy for you, weve collated a list of the;best VPNs and even added a quick guide on .
Better Online Gaming Experience
As a VPN provides security through an encrypted connection, hide your IP address and personal data. Thus, you can easily get access to certain banned games in your location. It helps you to choose a virtual location to play your favorite game and improves your gaming experience. VPN allows you to play online with full safety and security. It also protects you from DDoS attacks and helps to avoid certain gaming restrictions like IP bans. It helps you to enjoy online games and makes the gaming experience better.
Also Check: How To Use VPN On Android TV
Access Full Netflix Content Anywhere
A big reason why people pirate content is that they dont get access to all the content on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Due to their copyright agreements, these popular streaming services cant broadcast all their catalogs outside the United States. But, using a VPN can solve this problem. As a VPN service has the power to change the IP address of your computer, you can unlock tons of content and have more options for chilling with Netflix.
Pros And Cons Of A VPN

You wouldnt want a stranger looking through your window, or sneaking into your house and stealing something precious. In the online world this can happen all the time without you even realising. A VPN is an essential tool for avoiding just that. Let’s look at the pros and cons of a VPN and why it’s worth having.
Paul Black
Don’t Miss: Does Mcafee Livesafe Have VPN
Can Be Used Across Multiple Devices
If you want to protect more than one device, then its best to go with a VPN service. They can be used on multiple devices even simultaneously. Youll only need to sign up for one account, choose the right VPN, and install the application once, after which you can use it across all your devices just by logging on wherever you are. The VPN can be installed on your PC, laptop, smartphone, and even tablet if you want to.
With a VPN youll be able to protect all of your devices from public Wi-Fi attacks, data snoopers, and hackers wherever you go! You can connect with a VPN on your home Wi-Fi connection to protect all of your devices whenever youre at home, or just install it on the data center that connects your computer and smartphone.
Remember that its best to choose a service that has server locations in multiple countries so you get access to the widest range of content possible.
Bypasses Censorship & Restrictive Firewalls
If youre in a country that actively censors the Internet, its very likely that you will lose access to certain websites and services. With a VPN, you can spoof your real identity and location to get around these roadblocks and use the Internet freely.
Similarly, when youre at school or work, you may have noticed that youre unable to use certain websites. IT departments at these locations set up firewalls to ascertain that you comply with various rules and policies. By connecting to a VPN, you can bypass firewall restrictions at school or office and use the sites and services you want without any hurdles.
Recommended Reading: Can You Make Your Own VPN
The Best VPNs For The United States
- Powerful encryption keys protect your privacy
- Blazing speeds and no data or bandwidth limits
- Anonymously browse the internet in the USA
- Get the best VPN deals and enjoy free trials
Available on:
Fastest VPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN in the USA because it can do it all. From high-speed connections to security protocols that guarantee your anonymity, it does everything you could want or need from a VPN.
- Built-in speed tester makes it easy to find the fastest server
- Servers in 10 US states, from Miami to LA
- AES 256-bit encryption keeps you anonymous and safe online
- No questions asked 30-day money-back guarantee
- Servers in over 90 countries
- Compatible with multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Over 6,000 people have picked ExpressVPN in the last 30 days
An easy-to-use VPN, CyberGhost can quickly connect you to hundreds of AES 356-bit encrypted IP addresses in the US. 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Anonymizes your online actions and prevents ISP throttling
- Secure public Wi-Fi connections protect your personal information
- No bandwidth limits, so you can stay connected 24/7
- Excellent customer support
A US-based VPN, PIA understands what its USA customers need. All its servers are highly encrypted and they have a strict no-log policy to protect user privacy.
- Public wifi and hotspot protection for all devices
- High-level encryption for anonymous browsing
- Unlimited bandwidth and data transfer
- 40,000+ IP addresses
Hides Your Private Information
Websites and apps can;constantly track your online activity, analyzing the data they collect. A VPN can;prevent web browsers and others from accessing your connection, helping to keep;information you send and receive anonymous and secure. Some VPNs also offer;military-grade 256-bit encryption of your data.
You May Like: How To Change Country Using VPN
Bonus Part: Itop VPN Free Fast & Secure
The iTop free VPN adheres to banking security requirements, which means that your sensitive personal data is encrypted and safeguarded using the same industry-standard banking technology that banks use to safeguard their clients. Fear that hackers and fraudsters will keep your personal files online and will not reveal your sensitive personal information to government agencies and organizations that will use it to limit your freedom of choice and collection.
When you use an ITop VPN, your actual and physical IP addresses are hidden, and your ISP wont be able to identify the true IP address. As a result, your ISP will be unable to save your data plan or track your online activities. Large corporations might purchase these bundles for precise advertising. You may also use the internet to disguise your true address and avoid any abuse.
What Does VPN Stand For
In the present time, understanding a VPN is a must. A VPN, i.e., Virtual Private Network, is a service that allows access to geographically restricted websites and virtual content. It helps protect your sensitive data and private information from cyber criminals like hackers by masking your IP address and providing a layer of encryption to your internet connection. A VPN has two utmost features, which are of prime importance. They are:
- SAFETY and SECURITY
- PRIVACY
Don’t Miss: Why Use VPN For Streaming
It Is Integrated With The Browser
If you are the user of Opera browser and use this browser as your main browser to access the internet, you dont need to install any add-on in order to be able to use the VPN service that comes with it. You simply activate the private connection under the Privacy settings in the browser, and you are good to do. The virtual private network is already embedded within the browser and you can also easily configure it from the browser interface. So, unlike the other free services which requires you to install an additional software or add-on, you can simply use the Opera VPN out of the box.
Disadvantages Of A VPN

Slower connection
The encryption process and routing your traffic through remote servers can slow down your internet connection. However, premium VPN services usually have fast protocols and powerful infrastructure that make the speed drop barely noticeable. NordVPN has an exceptional advantage here, as it scored excellently in recent speed tests performed by AV-TEST. Its lightweight NordLynx protocol is living proof that speed and safety are totally compatible.
Some VPNs are insecure
Free VPNs are often unsafe and do more harm than good. The fact that they are free likely means that they use other ways to monetize their operations. This can mean collecting your data and selling it to third parties or flooding you with ads. Free VPNs also tend to have a smaller server infrastructure, which results in congested servers and, consequently, slower speeds. Besides, they may have more security holes and weak encryption algorithms the perfect recipe for data leaks. Just remember the recent leak incident of a few free VPN providers.
Is there a downside to using a VPN? That depends on the one you choose. Always make sure your VPN has an audited no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect your data. Make sure it uses strong encryption and has a global network of servers so it doesn’t slow you down too much.
Subscription costs
VPN does not protect you from voluntary data collection
Recommended Reading: How To Use VPN Windows 10 Free
Hide Your Private Information
Hackers can use a variety of methods to intercept sensitive information you enter on websites. Using that information, they can try to impersonate you, gaining access to bank accounts, credit card information, and more. With a VPN, however, you can enjoy high-level security, such as 256-bit encryption. This makes all your communications online look like nonsensical, garbled text and characters to anyone who is able to find a way to intercept them.
You Can Access Blocked Sites
Depending on where you are, you might find that some of your favourite sites Facebook, Google, and other sites are blocked. Some countries, like China or Myanmar, dont allow you to access these sites because they have restrictive censorship laws. A VPN means you can bypass those laws and access your favourite sites. Make sure that youre being safe while you do this, though, because you dont want to run afoul of the authorities.
Recommended Reading: Is There Any VPN That Works With Netflix
What Is A VPN
Lets start with the basics.;VPN is the acronym of;Virtual Private Network;, or;virtual private network;that, unlike other more cryptic computer words such as;DNS;or;HTTP;, does give us fairly precise clues as to what they consist of.
The keyword here is;virtual;, because it is this property that generates the need for the VPN itself, as well as the one that allows VPN connections to offer you the multiple uses that we will see later.
To connect to the Internet, your mobile, PC, television and other devices usually;communicate with the router or modem;that connects your home with your Internet provider, either by cable or wirelessly.;The components are different if you are using your mobiles data connection but the essence is the same: your device connects to another, which connects you to the Internet.
The most normal thing is that you do not have one, but several devices connected to the same router: phones, computers, consoles In this case, each one will have a local IP address assigned, which is not visible from the Internet.;This is a;local network;, a set of devices connected in such a way that they can share files and printers without going through the Internet.
However, it is another peculiarity of VPN connections that is making them so fashionable nowadays: the;data tunnels;.;Normally, while you use the Internet your device contacts your Internet provider, which is the one that connects with the different web services to offer you, for example, YouTube videos.