A Virtual private network or VPN is an anonymity tool and they have been around for quite a while now. VPNs are used to secure internet connections and hide IPs of users. This is achieved by connecting you to a faraway server making it look like you are sitting in that faraway area instead of your actual location.
Let’s take a look at some common VPN myths and the truths behind them;
Myth #1: A VPN is only used for an illegal activity
This is the most common type of misconception regarding VPNs; you only need them when there is some funny business for example accessing the content that has been restricted in your location. Although a VPN would solve that problem but that is not the only reason VPN is used.
VPN encrypts all the inbound and outbound traffic on your device. This makes your internet connection secure. Therefore even if you are not doing anything illegal, you must use VPN when you are using internet at unsecure locations such as public hotspots.
Myth #2: VPNs slows down the internet and your computer
VPNs redirect your traffic through a server placed in another country or continent. It seems that this would significantly reduce your connection speed – right? Wrong. That is simply not true.
Internet speed depends upon two factors: one is your ISP speed and the second is the location of VPN server and its bandwidth quality. Therefore you must get a good VPN service that has servers spread around all over the globe and with good bandwidth.
Just to give you a heads-up that good VPN services are never free, you get what you pay for. And that brings us to our next point.
Myth #3: A free VPN will fulfill your requirements
This myth is more like a hope than misconception. We all love things that are free but that’s not how the world works. You have to give something in return if you are acquiring a service. Almost all VPN services have a free trial and some VPNs are genuinely free – but there is a catch. The free versions and services always and I do mean ALWAYS have some restrictions. Most commonly, these restrictions mean that you can only choose from specific countries. Secondly there is a cap on maximum speed.
And the more terrifying aspect is that these free services sometimes are not that secure. So always use a premium service if you want premium results.
Myth #4: All the VPN services are the same
All the VPN services are the same, it doesn’t make a difference which one you choose – that is not true at all. Whilst the general idea is the same and all reputable services do offer excellent results. But each service provides a different type of encryption. Sometimes these encryptions won’t suit your requirements all att. Think of it like each ice-cream vendor having its own flavor, it’s all about what you want and what would suit you.
Myth #5: VPN gives you a free pass to do anything online
VPN is an encryption service that will hide your IP. But that doesn’t mean you cannot be hacked into or even traced. Even with VPNs you are open to malware attacks so make sure you keep anti-virus software updated.
If you are committing a serious offence through internet, authorities can still track you down using extra resources. Fun stuff like tormenting, illegal music downloading and online gaming is fine. But don’t for a minute think you can do something horrible and get away with it.
Being anonymous makes you invisible but not invincible.
About the author:
Nuur Hasan is a software developer and a political activist, he intends to dedicate his life to the becoming the voice of the voiceless.
