Does VPN make me anonymous online? Can VPN hide my torrenting activity? If you’ve asked yourself these questions at some point, we’re here to break down the details. Let’s delve deeper into the world of VPNs – what they do and don’t do, and whether you should get one.
What are VPNs?
VPN refers to commercial technology consumers buy directly for their browsing and internet needs, but the concept of VPN otherwise is much larger. It has always been intrinsic to how corporates function, enabling workers’ access to data and resources regardless of location. This has always been the case, long before working from home became the norm.
How does VPN work?
A VPN creates a “tunnel” or encrypted connection between your computer and a remote server run by a VPN service. Users’ internet activity passes through the tunnel and onto the server. The server, in turn, sends online traffic to the public internet. Any data that comes back to your device comes back the same way.
Do VPNs guarantee anonymity online?
VPNs make it tough for third parties to identify and track online activity. The technology achieves this by encrypting online traffic and re-routing it through a VPN server. How does online privacy affect you? Our Internet service providers (ISPs) have data and insights into our online behavior. They can profit from consumer data by selling it to third parties. If you don’t like the idea of ISPs collecting and making money from your activities, VPNs can put your mind at relative ease. It’s still worth remembering that VPNs don’t provide complete anonymity. When dealing with more sinister privacy threats, it’s best to rely on other privacy tools.
Do VPNs hide torrenting activity?
When you use a VPN, your ISP cannot detect the sites you visit, meaning torrenting activity remains hidden. While your ISP can’t see your online activity, it can detect when you’re using a lot of bandwidth and make inferences.
Can VPNs bypass censorship?
Yes, it’s possible to connect to VPN servers overseas and browse the net as if you were in another country. If you cannot view content due to censorship, VPNs can bypass these restrictions in some cases.
Will a VPN keep me safe online?
The network can make it tougher to track you online. VPN offers significant but limited protection against cyber threats such as phishing, malware, or scams. Do not depend entirely on it for safety. It’s always a good idea to use a VPN alongside antivirus apps or in-built browser tools for added layers of protection. Stay alert, use secure passwords, and don’t click on suspicious pop-ups — just as you would when browsing without a VPN. When done right, a VPN can uphold the tenets of internet freedom. That, in itself, is a noble endeavor to get behind. Still, it’s important to always remember (again) that web traffic isn’t invisible. Anyone observing can still see the traffic, if not its contents. Remember to get familiar with the facts before deciding to use a VPN. The laws (and punishments) can vary depending on where you are.