In a world where your online life is constantly scrutinized, it’s only natural to wonder if you need a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Whether at home, at work, or on the go, your online privacy and security are more at risk today than ever before. So, how can a VPN connection keep you safe on the web? Read on, and we’ll break it down for you in a way that makes sense — no tech prowess required.
Table of contents
Do I need a VPN?
The short answer? Yes, you do — whether you’re surfing at home, working remotely, or connecting on your phone. Like locking your front door when you leave the house, using a VPN is a critical step to protect yourself from the unexpected. Without a good VPN service, you’re leaving yourself open to targeted ads, phishing scams, and data leaks.
For extra protection, Surfshark offers more tools designed for a safe online experience. These include the Kill Switch, a data leak alert, a private search engine, and an antivirus.
6 reasons why a VPN is necessary
Let’s break down why you need a VPN in your everyday life:
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To protect your privacy online
One of the main reasons VPN services exist is to protect your privacy. Every time you go online, your personal data is at risk of being intercepted by hackers, snoopers, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). A VPN shields you from these threats by sending your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel and masking your IP (Internet Protocol) address.
Whether browsing on public or home Wi-Fi, a trusted VPN service provider like Surfshark ensures that your online activities remain private. VPN protection is crucial if you want to keep your sensitive information out of the hands of unauthorized third parties.
Tip: with Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode, your ISP won’t even know you’re using a VPN, adding an extra layer of privacy.
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To enjoy entertainment in private
If you value privacy in your entertainment habits, you should be using a VPN. Streaming movies, listening to music, or playing online games often involves sharing more sensitive data than you realize. Without a VPN service, your activities are exposed to your ISP and potentially other third parties.
By using a VPN, you can rest assured your entertainment remains private. Reliable VPN providers, like Surfshark, offer fast servers with unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream content or play games without ever having to look at that annoying buffering wheel.
Tip: for the ultimate viewing experience, set up Surfshark on your smart TV and enjoy private and secure streaming on the big screen.
Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.
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To secure your home network
Your home is where you should feel safest, but that’s not always the case when it comes to online security. Multiple devices in your household — from phones and laptops to smart appliances — are all potential targets for cybercriminals. A VPN helps secure your entire home network, protecting every device connected to your Wi-Fi.
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. With a single subscription, you ensure that every gadget in your home, including smart devices like cameras and sensors, is protected.
Tip: the easiest way to protect every device on your home network is to set up a VPN connection directly on your router.
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To defy invasive laws and practices
In an ideal world, everyone, including your government and ISP, would respect your privacy. Unfortunately, in some countries, ISPs routinely log your browsing data and may even sell it to third parties. A VPN connection can help you regain control of your privacy by encrypting web traffic. This makes your data unreadable to anyone trying to monitor your activities, including your ISP.
Additionally, a VPN can help you bypass censorship and access the open internet in regions where websites or services are blocked. This is particularly useful if you travel to countries with strict internet regulations but need to access content from back home, like your bank account.
Tip: Surfshark’s NoBorders Mode helps users in countries with heavy internet restrictions access the web freely.
Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.
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To save money online
Did you know that some online services adjust offers based on location or browsing history? Airlines and hotels may show different prices depending on where you are or how many times you’ve visited their website. With a VPN, you can literally save money by changing your virtual location to avoid price hikes.
Switching between VPN servers allows you to shop for the best deals without being tracked. This simple trick could save you a lot on everything from flights to streaming subscriptions.
Tip: to get the best deals, make sure to clear your cache and cookies regularly as well.
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To protect yourself on public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but notoriously vulnerable to cyberattacks. Connecting to public Wi-Fi without protection is risky, whether you’re at a coffee shop, airport, or hotel. Cybercriminals often target these networks to intercept data, which can lead to stolen passwords, financial information, or personal details.
A VPN adds a crucial layer of security when you’re on public Wi-Fi hotspots through VPN encryption. This ensures that even if someone manages to tap into the network, they won’t be able to decipher your data.
Tip: in the Surfshark app’s VPN settings, you can enable the Invisible on LAN option to get extra protection on public networks.
What does a VPN hide?
A VPN can hide several aspects of your online activity, keeping you secure and private whenever you’re connected. Here’s what it can protect:
- Your web activity: without a VPN, everything you do online can be tracked by third parties, from your ISP to hackers. A VPN encrypts your web traffic, making it nearly impossible for anyone to spy on your browsing habits;
- Your IP address: your IP address is like your home address on the internet. Exposing it can lead to targeted attacks or even identity theft. VPNs mask your real IP, replacing it with one from the VPN server, so your location and identity remain hidden;
- Your networked devices: every device connected to your home network, from your smartphone to your smart fridge, can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. A VPN protects your home network by hiding all these devices behind an encrypted connection.
Tip: installing Surfshark on your router automatically protects all your connected devices, so you don’t need to set it up for each one individually.
Do I need a VPN on my phone?
Absolutely. Your smartphone is likely the device you use the most, whether you’re browsing, shopping, or banking online. It’s also the item you carry everywhere and connect to various public Wi-Fi networks, such as coffee shops, airports, or hotels. Unfortunately, these networks can be prime targets for cybercriminals looking to intercept your data.
A VPN on your phone protects you by encrypting your internet traffic, making it much harder for hackers to access your personal information, passwords, or payment details. This is especially important if you rely on your phone for sensitive tasks like online banking or emailing. Even at home, a VPN on your phone adds an extra layer of security, ensuring your ISP can’t monitor your activities.
Tip: with Surfshark, you can protect your phone and other devices simultaneously, thanks to its unlimited device connection capabilities.
The takeaway: is a VPN necessary?
Whether at home or on the go, using a VPN is one of the easiest yet most reliable ways to improve your online privacy and security. Choose a reliable paid VPN service, and you won’t have to worry about the prying eyes feasting on your sensitive information.
FAQ
Is it worth having a VPN?
Yes, it’s worth having a VPN if you want to protect your privacy. With a VPN like Surfshark, you can get VPN protection for as little as $2.19. That’s one less coffee a month — not a big price to pay for your safety online.
Is it OK not to have a VPN?
While a VPN is not mandatory, the benefits of enhanced privacy and security far outweigh the cost. Without a VPN, your online activities are exposed to potential threats from hackers and intrusive ISPs.
Do I need a VPN for a Fire Stick?
Yes, a VPN on your Fire Stick helps protect your streaming activity from being monitored. It also ensures your internet connection remains private, especially when accessing your home content while traveling abroad.
Do I need a dedicated IP for VPN?
A dedicated IP is optional for most users but can benefit specific tasks like online banking or accessing secure systems. It provides a stable connection that is less likely to be flagged by websites or services.
Do I need a VPN for each device?
You should have a VPN on every device that connects to the internet, as each device is a potential target for cyberattacks. Alternatively, installing a VPN on your router can secure all devices on your network at once.
Do I need a VPN with Tor?
Using a VPN with Tor adds an extra layer of security by masking your IP address before connecting to the Tor network. This combination provides stronger anonymity and protects you from malicious exit nodes.
Do I need a VPN for international travel?
A VPN is essential when traveling to protect your data on unfamiliar and potentially unsecured networks. It also allows you to securely access your home content, regardless of your current location.
Do I need a VPN to work from home?
Yes, a VPN is crucial for securely connecting to work resources, especially if you handle sensitive data. It encrypts your communication and file transfers, protecting them from potential eavesdropping.
Do I need a VPN for online banking?
Yes, a VPN is highly recommended for online banking, especially when using public Wi-Fi. It encrypts your connection, ensuring your financial data remains secure and inaccessible to hackers.
Do I need a VPN for my business?
Yes, businesses need a VPN to protect sensitive data and secure their employees’ internet connections, especially for remote work. A VPN provides a safe, encrypted connection for accessing company resources and files. For large businesses, tools like a VPN concentrator offer a great solution for protecting the entire network of employees.
When shouldn’t you use a VPN?
You shouldn’t use a VPN if the service is free, as free VPN providers tend to compromise your privacy by selling your data. Additionally, some banking apps and streaming services may require you to connect without a VPN for security or licensing reasons.
