Do I need a VPN? Why is a VPN necessary, and when?

Why do I need a VPN?

You need a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your online activity, conceal your real IP address, and keep your data safe. It should be the cornerstone of your online privacy and security at home, work, or public places.

These key benefits describe the meaning of “VPN.” A VPN:

• Masks your IP address.
• Encrypts all the internet data you send and receive.
• Prevents third parties from monitoring your online activity.
• Protects against potential cyber threats on public networks.
• Allows users to bypass internet restrictions.
• Helps avoid internet service provider (ISP) throttling.
• Provides access to home content while traveling.
• Reduces the number of targeted ads you see online.
• Protects sensitive company data when you work remotely.

Think of a VPN as a silent shield that keeps your online life private and your information secure.

What is the purpose of a VPN?

The purpose of a VPN is to protect your online privacy. It changes your IP address and creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, which is almost impossible for hackers to break. This allows you to enjoy a private and worry-free online experience. 

A VPN protects your passwords, online banking details, identity, and public Wi-Fi data. It also lets you access home content while traveling and unlocks unrestricted internet in countries where content is censored.

Who needs a VPN?

Various groups and individuals benefit from VPN use, including:

• Privacy-conscious individuals. Regular internet users use VPNs for everyday online activity to enhance privacy and prevent ISPs from monitoring their browsing data and throttling bandwidth based on activity. A VPN protects you from hackers, especially when you’re using a public hotspot.
• Businesses and organizations. There are a lot of VPN benefits for businesses. They help secure company networks for employees working from home or traveling. Moreover, VPN usage can help companies protect their confidential data from cyberattacks.
• Journalists and activists. These individuals often work in risky environments or those that restrict the freedom of the press and expression. VPNs help them access censored information and shield their location.
• Travelers. People traveling abroad use VPNs to securely access content or services from their home country that may not be available in other countries. They help protect internet traffic when they are connected to unsecure online Wi-Fi.
• Students. Educational institutions usually restrict access to internal systems, so a VPN can help students bypass restrictive network policies and access academic resources from off-campus.
• Gaming enthusiasts. VPNs help gamers access gaming servers in different regions if allowed by the game vendor. They can also prevent potential DDoS attacks and reduce lag in some cases.
• Immigrants. A VPN helps individuals living outside their home country access websites, services, and content that might only be available in their home region.
• People living in countries with restrictive regimes. People who live in countries where the internet is censored can use a VPN to avoid restrictions. It protects their online identity, allows safe access to blocked websites, and helps avoid the risk of government surveillance.

When is a VPN necessary?

A VPN is necessary for protecting your online presence. One of the main benefits of a VPN is its ability to encrypt your data, which protects your identity from hackers, advertisers, or government surveillance. You might also need a VPN in situations such as:

• Securing public network connections. A VPN is necessary when connecting to public networks. It will prevent bad actors from intercepting your connection and stealing sensitive data.
• Accessing restricted content. Traveling or living in a country with restrictive regime? Connect to a VPN, change your location, and enjoy unrestrained content without government surveillance.
• Preserving online privacy. A VPN encrypts your online traffic, shielding your data and online activity from third-party snoopers. 
• Accessing home content. If you're a frequent traveler, a VPN might help you access home content from wherever you are.
• Avoiding price discrimination. Some retailers offer different prices to users from different locations. A VPN might help you avoid price discrimination based on your geographic location.
• Securing remote work. A VPN creates a secure and private space for working remotely, keeping confidential company information inaccessible to hackers. It also secures file sharing with your colleagues, so nobody can snoop on what you're sending or receiving.

Should I use a VPN at home?

You should use a VPN at home. A VPN protects your online activity and personal data from hackers, stops ISP tracking, and keeps your connection private. Although using one on a secure home Wi-Fi might seem like a stretch, home networks can still be vulnerable to cyber threats or unauthorized access from hackers.

A VPN at home is necessary to:

• Protect your sensitive data like passwords and financial information.
• Prevent data collection by your ISP and marketers.
• Secure connections for remote work.
• Avoid internet censorship.
• Enhance the overall online experience.

Why use a VPN at home?

Using a VPN at home protects your online security and privacy. Reasons to set up a VPN on your phones, computers, TVs, and IoT devices at home include:

• For a safe home network. Devices that connect to the internet can expose your data to cyber threats. For example, an unprotected surveillance camera or doorbell is a gift for a cybercriminal seeking your sensitive information. Setting up a VPN on your home devices prevents hackers from accessing your personal data.
• For a private and smooth connection. A VPN makes it more difficult for hackers to intercept your online traffic and steal sensitive data or your identity. It also acts as a digital shield against ISP monitoring and ISP throttling. What's more, a VPN can work as an ad blocker and shield against intrusive and possibly malicious ads. This may help you speed up the loading times and save your mobile data.
• For remote access to a home network. If you travel or are often away from home, you can use a VPN to securely access files or systems on your home network from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. In addition, if you use remote desktop software to access your home computer from a different location, a VPN can ensure a secure and encrypted connection, protecting you from potential threats.

Do I need a VPN on my phone?

Yes, you need a VPN on your phone to browse worry-free. A VPN is necessary if you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, and hotels. These Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, so you're better off with a VPN.

Benefits of using a mobile VPN include:

• Secure internet connections. Public networks at cafes, airports, and hotels aren't completely secure. A hacker can intercept your connection on a public Wi-Fi and seek your credentials or banking details. A mobile VPN encrypts all the data coming in and out of your phone, making it nearly impossible to decrypt. 
• Changed IP address. Your IP address encodes your approximate location. By connecting to a VPN server, you can change your IP address to anywhere in the world and enjoy the encrypted connection with no tracking or profiling.
• Protected personal data. A VPN helps you keep your sensitive data from prying eyes and makes sure that your passwords, banking details, and browsing history stay private. It's like a silent shield against identity theft and data breaches.
• No more tracking. Have you ever noticed the same ads following you around as you browse? That's tracking. Advertisers and websites collect your browsing habits through cookies and target you with ads. A VPN shields you from spying and provides a more private online experience.

When should I use a VPN on my phone?

You should use a VPN on your phone when:

• Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Accessing sensitive or personal information.
• Connecting to business resources remotely.
• Seeking to keep your online activity private.
• Avoiding censorship.

How to choose the right VPN

To find the best VPN, you must first define your preferences. Even though every use case may require a different VPN setup, the rule remains the same — the most important things when choosing a VPN are privacy, security, speed, and usability. You can follow these tips to find the best option:

• Choose a reliable VPN company. Pick a secure VPN service with legitimate customer reviews and that invests in product development and maintenance.
• Seek a no-logs VPN service. Carefully read a VPN provider's privacy policy and look for a VPN that doesn't log the user's browsing activities.
• Make sure a VPN supports your devices. Make sure a VPN supports all your devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even routers.
• Look for a wide selection of servers. Make sure a VPN service provider has many VPN servers and offers more virtual locations to choose from.
• Choose a speedy VPN. Pick a VPN that won't significantly slow down your connection. NordVPN employs the NordLynx protocol, making it one of the fastest VPNs available.
• Make sure you get support. Purchase a VPN with 24/7 customer service to guide you if any technical issues arise.
• Pay special attention to the price. Never rely on free VPNs because most of them monetize their services by collecting and using your sensitive data for marketing purposes or selling it to third parties.

So if you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi, carry out sensitive transactions, or want to stream your favorite shows securely, a VPN is worth having. It adds an extra layer of security to your internet traffic. Apart from all of the reasons to use a VPN mentioned above, you can use a VPN in other cases too, like saving money on flights and rentals or secure downloads. Check it out!

Read our blog post on how to use a VPN if you need further guidance.

Why choose NordVPN?

Choose NordVPN to get the best protection against online threats. It's a trusted provider that doesn't log, store, or share your online data with third parties, encrypts your traffic using sophisticated algorithms, and offers additional features for smooth browsing. NordVPN is the best VPN to use for all-round online security and other reasons:

• Fast speeds. NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. It pays special attention to software architecture and employs load-balancing algorithms that distribute user traffic across multiple VPN servers, which prevents server overload and provides top speeds.
• 7,500+ secure VPN servers. NordVPN has more than 7,500 servers in 154 locations. Just click "Quick Connect," let the app automatically connect you to the closest server, and enjoy seamless browsing.
• Threat Protection Pro™. This advanced feature makes NordVPN more than just a VPN. It blocks annoying ads, alerts you about malicious phishing sites, and stops malware ridden downloads.
• User-friendly app. NordVPN's intuitive app makes cybersecurity even more enjoyable.
• Specialty servers. Want more flexibility? Try NordVPN's specialty servers, like Double VPN, which adds even more security to your browsing by encrypting your traffic twice.