When to use a VPN?

Highlights

• A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, acting as a digital bodyguard to protect your online identity and privacy. 

• At home it hides your activity from your internet service provider, helps reduce targeted ads, and bypasses geographic restrictions. 

• On public Wi-Fi it shields you from threats like man-in-the-middle attacks and fake hotspots by encrypting all data.

When you’re online, every click, every search, and every purchase leaves a trace. A virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your online identity and be an important part of keeping your information safe.

How Does a VPN Work?

Think of a VPN as your personal, encrypted tunnel through the internet. Instead of your internet traffic travelling openly for anyone to see, it gets scrambled and rerouted through a secure server. This makes it incredibly difficult for digital snoops to intercept your data, giving you a much-needed layer of privacy and security.

Let’s take a look at how a VPN can be your identity’s best friend, both at home and on the go.

Why Should I Use a VPN at Home?

You might think, “I’m on my secure home Wi-Fi, I’m safe.” While your home network is generally more secure than public Wi-Fi, it’s not impenetrable. A VPN shields your digital life in three key ways:

• Stops Internet Service Provider (ISP) Snooping: Your ISP tracks your activity, potentially selling the data. A VPN encrypts your traffic, masking your IP address and making it unreadable to your ISP and ensuring browsing privacy.

• Blocks Targeted Ads: Your browsing habits can be tracked and used for targeted advertising. A VPN obscures this data, making it harder for advertisers to profile your interests accurately.

• Bypasses Geographic Restrictions: A VPN allows you to connect via servers in other countries, “relocating” your digital presence to unlock blocked content or services.

How Does a VPN Protect Me When I’m Using Public Wi-Fi?

This is where a VPN truly delivers. Public Wi-Fi hotspots — at coffee shops, airports, libraries — are notorious for not being secure. They’re often unencrypted, making it incredibly easy for cybercriminals to intercept your data.

• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Hackers on public Wi-Fi intercept your communication, stealing data like login or credit card details. A VPN’s encryption makes these attacks impossible.

• Packet Sniffing: Without a VPN, your data on public Wi-Fi is exposed to “sniffing” devices. A VPN scrambles your data into meaningless code.

• Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots: Cybercriminals set up malicious hotspots (e.g., “Airport Free Wi-Fi”). If you connect, your data goes to the hacker. A VPN still encrypts your traffic, even on a fake network, providing essential protection.

A VPN won't eliminate every online risk, but it's an incredibly powerful tool to keep your information safer. By encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address, it adds a robust layer of protection for your online activities, whether you’re relaxing at home or grabbing a coffee at your favourite café.