UNDERSTANDING A VPN

A VPN is not a new term for many, as over 50% of the internet population knows of, has used or heard of it; but for those who do not know what a VPN is, here is a brief introduction.

Table Of Contents

What is a VPN?

A VPN, also known as a ‘Virtual Private Network’ is a service that is dedicated to securing your privacy online, encrypting your internet traffic (i.e you’re browsing with your IP address and internet information masked and completely hidden). In other words it makes you seem like a ghost online. A VPN also grants you access to websites blocked by either your government or maybe your ISP (which is unlikely).

So if you’re scared of being tracked online, fret not, a VPN has got you covered (not fully though ☺). Did I mention a VPN also helps you browse faster?

A VPN (this is my favourite) can make websites or other services think you’re browsing from a different country by changing your IP address. How cool is that?

Should I use a VPN?

Personally, I do not see it as a bad thing, but please do not use the little freedom a VPN gives to do anything illegal. Some might feel, “Since I’m anonymous, let’s see what I can do (‘.” 

I would advise you to not do that. You can still be caught. Stay on the right side of the law please.

Are VPNs illegal?

Using a VPN is completely legal, excluding those who live in countries that totally and completely banned VPNs. Yeah do not use a VPN in your country if it’s termed illegal there. You’ll only get arrested for using a service that is legal in other countries (That’s a pretty terrible and dumb way to go out).

These are some countries out of many where VPNs are banned; Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Oman, U.A.E (United Arab Emirates), China, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Uganda among others.

Can a VPN access all sites?

A VPN will grant you access to blocked and restricted sites but, some sites do not allow the use of VPNs and if these sites notice a VPN connection, you will not be allowed to access said sites. The good news is, ‘Some VPNs can bypass this and grant you access to these sites’. That is why I strongly advice use a strong VPN, especially those with premium access and monthly subscriptions.

 How Can I Use a VPN?

You can setup your own VPN directly on your phone 📱 or computer 💻, but to get a better more reliable source, you can download VPN apps on Google Playstore, Apple Appstore or directly from the internet via the various VPN websites.

List of Premium VPNs

There are free VPN apps which are good, but not so good and there are premium VPN apps also which are monitored by their providers (creators) and guaranteed to make you enjoy complete anonymity.

•  Nord VPN (Windows, Android, IOS, mac OS, Linux Chrome, Edge, Firefox e.t.c)
•  Express VPN (Android, IOS, Windows, mac OS, Linux, Chrome, Edge, Firefox e.t.c)
•  Windscribe VPN (Android, IOS, Windows, mac OS, Linux Chrome, Edge, Firefox e.t.c)
•  CyberGhost VPN (Android, IOS, Windows, mac OS, Linux e.t.c)

Amongst others.