Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are the cornerstone of basic Internet defense. A VPN establishes a secure connection between your device and a server in a remote location, protecting you from hostile actors online. While it is common to see VPNs in use on desktop computers, they are also available for mobile devices, such as phones.
Mobile phones are the most common type of device for Internet access today. This, naturally, leaves those who access the Internet through your phones vulnerable to malicious actors. Even iPhones, which are particularly vaunted for their security measures, are vulnerable. No device is completely secure, but can be made more secure through the efforts of developers and users! To this end, VPNs are one of the most effective ways to protect your mobile devices.
A VPN for your mobile device can help with the following:
Maintaining privacy online: Without a VPN, your Internet privacy is very limited. Even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see what you are doing. Using a VPN can conceal your Internet activities from all third party actors, including your ISP. VPNs are crucial if a user values privacy above all else on the Internet.
Maintaining reliable Internet access: During times of social unrest, or underneath regimes built on repression, Internet access will be limited or even restricted entirely. While unlikely, VPNs are purpose-built to defeat outside efforts to disrupt your access to the Internet.
Bypassing region locks: Casual Internet users can access different geo-locked servers for services such as streaming, allowing the streaming of shows that are only available in certain countries.
When setting up your VPN, consider the following:
Why are you getting a VPN? VPNs are used to maintain security online, so your needs might influence what provider or plan you will use. Are you trying to protect yourself while using public Wi-Fi, or are you trying to encrypt your mobile messaging?
Is this provider trustworthy? There are a multitude of VPN providers for you to choose from, but like any industry, some have better reputations than others. Look into any potential provider to see if they provide a trustworthy VPN.
Are you willing to pay for it? While there are many free VPN providers available for mobile devices, their services might be lacking compared to the premium services with a price tag. Compare the different plans available from different providers to see which is the best fit for you.
VPNs are not just to see what Netflix in Denmark looks like; They are one of the easiest ways to provide for your own personal online safety! If you want to use VPNs to protect your mobile device (and you should!), use this blog as a basis for your own research to find a VPN service that is best for you.