On a regular internet today, fraudulent activities are just lurking around. Users can be scammed, sites can be hacked and people can become a victim of phishing and identity theft. No matter how careful you are, you can never be sure about your privacy and security while browsing online.
Active internet users, however, can protect themselves today by using a VPN or a virtual private network. Businesses, private individuals and educational institutions are using this in an effort to keep their vital information private and not visible to the prying eyes of the public.
A VPN is a new technology that makes use of a public network to connect remote networks and users but in a more discreet and secure manner. Organizations and people using this enjoy private internet surfing as data they’re reading is encrypted and therefore, cannot be intercepted by anybody using an unsecured public network.
Various companies now provide this service. You can choose to sign up between the free and paid VPNs. But how would you know a good VPN provider?
How to Choose a VPN Provider
Some important factors to consider when looking for a reliable provider are the server location, connectivity protocols, logging policy, anti-malware feature and the price. You can search for providers at www.bestVPN.com.
VPNs are of different types so make sure you choose one that fits your needs. There are virtual private networks meant for occasional use, for heavy downloading, for accessing locations restricted by companies and for people who simply want to enjoy safe and private internet browsing.
Server Location – If you’re a frequent traveler and you want to access local restricted sites, make sure to ask about the server locations of your service provider. You may want to sign up to one that has multiple server locations. This is a very important consideration if you’re an internet user who wants to watch live TV shows or shop online when in another country.
Anti-malware program – Some providers offer bundled services that include anti-malware scanners. It would be a good idea to get this one as it can ensure you’re not downloading viruses and Trojans that can affect your computer and other mobile devices. Even if you’re connected to a VPN, you are still vulnerable to malware and spyware attacks so it’s best to be sure about this.
Price – Know the difference between the free and the paid services. VPN providers that offer free service would more likely log your activities and serve ads when you’re connected to them. They may not have many server locations and may not be fully committed to their privacy policy. If privacy is of utmost importance to you, you should opt for a paid service moving forward.
Image via isutility
Originally posted on April 17, 2013 @ 1:00 am