While more people than ever are using VPNs, they only enable them at certain times. For instance, they might turn them on while exchanging files, streaming regional content with a VPN, accessing their financial accounts, and then going back to standard internet usage the rest of the time.
The problem with this is that the digital world is full of threats, big and small. You never know when you'll run into problems.
Situations that can happen almost every time you browse the web
You're using the public or somebody else's WiFi Network.
Public WiFi is notoriously unsafe. You don't know how the network or even hackers have managed to implant malware there. The same also goes even for business or a friend's networks. VPNs safeguard your traffic to keep it away from threat actors.
You need to avoid network or country restrictions.
Anyone who has traveled knows just how difficult it can be to access things like Google in China or other popular sites. VPNs make sure you can access the content you want and prevent you from getting into any trouble when you do.
You visit an HTTP site.
We're not going to get too technical. But you may have noticed the small lock icon in your URL bar. That means the site you're visiting is HTTPS or secure. Generally, HTTPS sites are sites while you can't be sure about HTTP as hackers can break into it much easier. HTTP sites are still all over the web, so you need to make sure your traffic is encrypted.
You're doing anything that requires higher security.
People have gotten better about turning the VPNs on for higher security transactions, but you might not realize all the different facets this applies to. For example, online shopping and even logging into your work portal are sensitive and need protection from threats.
When you just want some privacy.
We have taken the wrong approach to privacy in the digital world. If people don't want what they're doing to broadcast to many strangers, they are perceived as odd. Shouldn't we really be pointing the finger at those who are trying to track everything we do? Your privacy shouldn't be a luxury no matter what you're up to.
Michael (175)
