VPN use in the UK has grown rapidly over the last few years due to becoming aware that our ISP (internet service provider) can ‘spy’ on our digital journey including the very contents of our emails!!!

Check this usage data on Forbes about VPN usage here

I’m going to give you a brief overview of what a VPN is, what it does and why you need one in your digital life. I’ll show you how to use one, set it up and, in my view, the best allrounder on the market right now, (which is the one that I use!!!)

What is a VPN

Simply put, a VPN ( or virtual private network) is a piece of software that basically keeps what do online, a secret from anybody you don’t want to see it. I’m not just talking about some questionable internet search history if you get me!! Im talking about your emails, online passwords banking details, everything!!

Think of it as Imagine you’re sending a secret message to a friend across town. A VPN is like a secret tunnel you build to deliver that message. Here’s what it does:

Encrypts your message: Jumbles up the message so only your friend can understand it, even if someone peeks in the tunnel.

Hides your location: disguises where you sent the message from, like using a secret mailbox instead of your own address.

This way, your online activity is encrypted and hidden, making it more difficult for others to track you or steal your information. VPNs are especially useful on public Wi-Fi, which can be less secure, but if you ask me, never use public wifi to access your bank.

Are you still wondering is you need one? if so read my post on do i really need a vpn here

How to use a VPN

But do you need to be a Tech genius to know how to use a VPN?

The honest answer is no, if you can install a game on your device, be it Pc Mac, ipad or android then you can install a VPN:

• Sign up
• Download
• Install
• Pick the country you want your server to feed your connection through
• Enjoy full privacy on your connection

Your VPN will then run invisibly in the background, It’s that simple, all you will see is a small icon possible flashing in your app tray.

Benefits of Internet Anonymity

• No one (including your isp) snooping on your emails, internet usage and data
• Geo selection, even gone on holiday and you cant watch your favourite netflix programme because “its not available in this region?) simply select your home country for your chosen server and then watch as much “married at first sight ” as you want!
• More secure connection, so hackers cant intercept your data packets sent via your wifi
• No more bandwith strangling. If an isp can see you streaming load of Hd films, downloading whatever(?) or gaming they have the power to basivally turn down your connection to make it ‘fairer’ other users in he area, booo!!! you pay for 70mb/sec so thats what you should get right? Use an VPN and they don’t know whether you use your internet to send 1 email a month or watch 9000tb of films a day!!!

But how do I choose?

As you can imagine theres 100’s to choose from, My first suggestion to only select a product that has some kind of free trial or money back guarantee, cos if the company is confident you’ll like the product why wouldn’t they let you test it? Make sure its in your budget and it has great reviews and most importantly, will work across all your devices, which leads me to:

Why Use Private Internet Access?

• Award winning product
• 24/7 customer support
• No bandwidth restrictions
• Easy set up ( couple of clicks and you’re done)
• Unlimited device protection ( some give you only 5)
• Dedicated Ip Address (perfect for gamers and avoiding CAPTCHA)
• Ad blocker built in
• All devices compatible, PC, Mac, apple devices, android and smart tellys

Is there something a little lighter that i can use whilst travelling?

As I saoid before a lot of streaming content might not be available when you are on your travels, so you need a VPN to ‘fool’ the TV you are trying to watch your favourite show whilst you’re travelling for business or on your holiday that you are still in your home country.

That can also work in reverse, for instance, your favourite American show is being aired in USA but us in the UK cant stream it yet, change the server through CyberGhostvpn and boom! Get the snacks and drink whilst your watch your favourite show before your mates!!

Cyberghost has dedicated streaming servers optimised for all the major streaming platform for you to use on upto 7 devices

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Private Internet Access

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DO I Really Need A VPN? 7 Compelling Reasons Why Having a VPN is Essential for Online Security and Privacy

You may ask ‘do i really need a vpn?’ I’m not a hacker, i’m not on the dark web and i don’t watch suspect videos!!! But is that really all a VPN does? In an era where our lives are increasingly intertwined with the digital world, ensuring your online security and privacy has become more critical than ever before. One powerful tool that can help safeguard your digital presence is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). In this blog post, we’ll delve into toptech 7 compelling reasons why having a VPN is not just a good idea, but a necessity. You might never use the internet without one again!! If thats the case, we’ve got you covered!!

Use a VPN to Protect Your Sensitive Data:

In today’s cyber landscape, your personal and financial data are under constant threat from cybercriminals and hackers. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, transforming your data into an unreadable format while it’s transmitted. This means that even if a hacker manages to intercept your data, they won’t be able to decipher it, keeping your sensitive information, like passwords, credit card details, and personal messages, safe from prying eyes.

Use a VPN Whilst Using Your Device on Public WiFi

Public Wi-Fi networks, often found in coffee shops, airports, and hotels, are convenient but notoriously vulnerable to attacks. Some people say never ever use public WiFi! Hackers can easily intercept your data on open Wi-Fi connections, potentially leading to identity theft, unauthorized access to your accounts or install keyloggers on your device. Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi networks creates a secure tunnel for your data, making it nearly impossible for hackers to steal your information.

Gaming/ Streaming Peace Of Mind

Like gaming online You can forget about DDoS attacks and bandwidth throttling with NordVPN. They have a special feature  to set up secure virtual LAN parties with your friends. Also your isp can slow down your connection whilst your streaming, especially when watching data heavy hd or 4k streams.

Bypass Geographic Restrictions:

A VPN can grant you access to a world of content that might otherwise be unavailable in your region. Content providers often impose geographic restrictions on their offerings due to licensing agreements. For instance some social networks are banned in certain countries, leaving you to think “how am i going to share pictures of my dinner with the world?’ or more seriously your company’s social presence may depend on it, especially if you are a travel blogger! With a VPN, you can virtually change your location and access region-specific content, from streaming services to websites, as if you were physically present in a different country so you wont miss the football if you’re on holiday!!

Maintain Online Anonymity:

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have the ability to monitor your online activities and even sell your browsing history to third parties. A VPN masks your IP address and routes your internet traffic through servers in different locations. This helps you maintain anonymity online, preventing ISPs, advertisers, and websites from tracking your every move and building a detailed profile of your online behaviour. Ever been on a online store then every other website has a banner ad with the same home beer chiller you were looking at yesterday? A VPN will end that.

Enhanced Privacy and Freedom:

In certain countries, internet censorship and government surveillance are a concern. A VPN can help you bypass censorship by allowing you to access blocked websites and services. Additionally, it shields your online activities from government surveillance, granting you the freedom to express your opinions and explore the internet without fear of repercussions. We’re not saying you’re going to start a revolution but i’m sure some people reading this in certain parts of the world know what i’m talking about!

While shopping

Avoid targeted pricing, fake websites, and bait and switch attacks with a VPN. Shop securely, knowing your credit card details are safe from snoopers even on public networks.

What does a VPN do?

This is a shade too techy for me so i’m going to let my friends at NordVPN explain the finer points!

A VPN reroutes your traffic through a remote server, encrypting it in the process. Typically, when you try to access a website, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) receives the request and redirects you to your destination. But when you connect to a VPN, it redirects your internet traffic through a remote server before sending it over to your destination.

First of all, a VPN hides your data from snoopers — Encryption is important when you want to protect your internet traffic and minimize your online footprint. This way, your internet service provider won’t be able to sell your entire browsing history to the highest bidder.

Your IP (and, therefore, your virtual location) is also hidden and you get a new one that belongs to the VPN server you’re connected to. This ensures extra security and significantly increases your privacy online — no one knows what city or country you’re browsing from.

These are common VPN functionalities, but NordVPN aims higher. We want to protect not only your data but your devices as well. That’s why we’ve developed the Threat Protection feature to keep your devices safe from common internet hazards: malware in downloaded files, web trackers, flashy ads, and malicious links. You don’t need to be connected to a VPN server to use it — just turn it on, and it will guard your device 24/7.

So Do I Really Need a VPN?

If you can relate to any of the points i’ve made about then I’d say, 100% you do, My personal favourite through experience is NordVPN follow this link for a special offer

They offer a 30 day money back guarantee and have won a world of awards

NordVpn can protect all your devices:

In conclusion, a VPN is a versatile tool that goes beyond just safeguarding your data; it empowers you to take control of your online experience. From protecting sensitive information to bypassing geographical restrictions and maintaining anonymity, the benefits of using a VPN are undeniable. By investing in a reliable VPN service, you’re making a proactive step toward securing your online presence and ensuring your digital activities remain private and protected.

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