Whether you are an experienced Internet user or you use the web only from time to time, you should know about a VPN. A virtual private network allows users to use the Internet in a more private way. But what does it mean in simple words?
Generally speaking, a VPN can make your connection secure and anonymous. What does a VPN hide? First of all, it can help to keep your IP address concealed. VPNs also hide where you are and what you are searching for. In other words, the data about your activity on the web is shared in a specific way.
How does the Internet work?
Let’s imagine you’re searching for a new smartphone online, chatting via Facebook, or reading reviews to plan your future vacations. In all these cases, you are informing the Internet about your preferences and experiences. To be more specific, every user leaves traces on the net. They include the following:
- search history;
- cookies;
- cached data.
Who can use this data? First of all, your internet service provider has all this information, but that’s not all. The government as well as other organizations can also collect data on what you are looking for on the net, what pages you visit, and what files or apps you use.
A VPN works differently: once you use it while browsing the web, your computer works via the IP address of the VPN. Therefore, it becomes impossible to track your real location or collect any personal information.
3 things a VPN hides
Using a VPN offers a high level of privacy, but what exactly a VPN can hide?
1. Browser history
Of course, you can remove your history and clear cookies manually in your browser, but actually, it doesn’t work. It is impossible to erase this data from your system entirely.
With the help of a VPN, you can conceal your activity on the Internet. VPNs just conceal your IP address, stopping other people and organizations from accessing your real IP address, location, and other private details.
2. IP address
What is an IP address? It is a specific identification that is used to track down your computer or other devices on the web. It contains essential data that attach your device to your physical location and provider.
Your IP address contains a lot of private details, especially your address. If you are using a VPN, you don’t reveal your real IP address. Instead of this, you are using the IP address that your VPN service gives you.
3. Geolocation
As you already know, your IP address can reveal your location, meaning your service providers know where you live. Plus, some services, like Google Maps track your location to give you more relevant information.
A VPN allows you to change our location without relocations. In other words, you can “trick” sites and apps, convincing them that you’re in one place when you’re currently in another. This can unblock geo-locked content and be beneficial while you purchase something online.
Conclusion
To conclude, VPN services can be incredibly useful when you are looking for more privacy on the web.