Pros and cons of using VPNs – A Detailed Analysis

In the world of cybersecurity, VPNs have become one of the biggest issues for new users concerned about staying safe from potential online security breaches. However, many people use such services only because of the desire to shield themselves in search of security and privacy, without fully knowing the implications of using a VPN. 

Starting from the beginning, a VPN is a Virtual Private Network, a service that encrypts the user’s information online, so that third parties cannot analyze it, steal it, and not even supervise it.

There are many points in favor of VPNs, as they are a powerful shield against possible breaches or unwanted individuals that stalk our data. Despite this, it is necessary to expand our knowledge of this service before installing such software.

First of all, it’s always necessary to keep potential data leakage or theft in mind, seeking reliable data backup solutions (for more information, click here). Once you consider a VPN, here are the pros and cons to think about. 

Advantages Of Having A VPN

There are many good reasons to use a VPN service. 

• Say goodbye to geographic restrictions: Have you ever wanted to see a cooking recipe from a specific country and the browser has blocked you for your country of origin? Was any video not allowed to be broadcast in your location? To counter these issues, you’ll need a VPN that’s proven to have strong unblocking capabilities when reviewed under rigorous testing criteria. A good VPN service like NordVPN allows users to spoof their location anywhere in the world for easy online accessibility and tackle these issues of geo-restrictions.
• Complete configuration on the profile that you are going to show wherever you visit: If we stop to think about it, any website you visit can see your IP address. We should not be amazed if we conclude that, if any website registers that information, any hacker can get hold of it. From the IP address, we can know the location, your internet provider, and even access more confidential information if you are not very careful with your passwords. In this way, by masking your IP through a VPN, you can secure your gadget from hackers and everyone who is spying on you.
• You will leave behind the censorship: In the same way that you can see a cooking recipe from another country blocked in yours, you can escape the censorship imposed by your country, government, school, or work office to access any information. Since the IP address is hidden, Firewall restrictions find it more difficult to track you, making monitoring almost impossible for the network administrator.
• You can keep your internet provider at bay. In many countries, provider companies have developed the practice of “taking control” to improve the user experience. For example, limiting its bandwidth or changing the price according to the services that the user uses. This is possible because internet providers can monitor their clients’ internet activity… Unless you have a VPN.

Many of them are multiplatform. Although they do not work on all types of devices as I mentioned above, there is usually no problem in finding the version for Windows, Mac OS, Android, Linux, or even Amazon Fire Tv.

Disadvantages Of Using A VPN: 

But although VPNs are an excellent service to keep our privacy and information safe, there are also a series of factors to take into account:

• If you want a good virtual private network, it will have to be paid: There are indeed free VPNs, but they are not very reliable. Free providers do not have good encryption or are not correctly configured, so your data could continue to be exposed, and others could continue to track your connection. However, the best companies that offer VPN offer monthly and annual packages with multiple offers that can reach the pocket of almost any user.
• Many VPNs are not compatible with all devices: It is true that on the computer and telephone, the vast majority of VPNs can cover your back, but things change when using them in a connection through a Smart TV or a video game console. It would be possible to reconfigure everything to work, but it would be extra added work for a basic user.
• The connection speed will be significantly reduced. This is perhaps its biggest disadvantage. Despite the attempts of VPN companies to keep the speed as fast as possible, it is not surprising that encrypting an entire connection through another virtual network reduces the maximum speed.
• The capacity. Like speed, capacity is another factor to take into account when hiring a VPN. Many companies offer only a certain amount of covered data on their network, so if you are transmitting cumbersome data, the network may stop working in the middle of your work.

With every day that passes, the value of information grows without stopping. Some companies make more money in their businesses by selling and treating their users’ information than by selling their products or developing their services. If others are getting rich with your information, it is better to know who to give it to, right?