Give a Security Boost to all Your Devices at Once

In an ideal world, we’d go online and never have to worry about cybercriminals. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world, and hackers are rampant throughout the digital space. While there are security experts constantly trying to battle them, it’s up to you to make sure all your devices are kept as safe as possible. The best method for many is to use a virtual private network (VPN).

Settle down, grab a drink and read our quick guide on what a VPN is and how it’ll give all your devices, from desktop computer to the latest smartphone, the security boosts they need.

What is it?

How does it work?

How does it protect you?

How can you get even more protection?

What is it?

A VPN lives up to its name – a virtual private network. Essentially it gives you a network to access the internet. That is virtual. And private. It’s a piece of software that you can download onto your device and instantly start using. Of course, there are free versions out there, which are always good to try out, just to give you an idea of how a VPN works. It’s also worth looking for VPN extensions that can be activated via your browser; again, another free way to try your hand at using a VPN. However, if you want the ultimate security, it’s worth looking for a reputable VPN and paying for a license, just as you would any good piece of security software.

How does it work?

We can break this down into two sections – what a VPN actually does and how you can use it.

What does it do?

A VPN hides your IP address – this is your digital identity; it’s the point of origin for your internet traffic and is something that websites, companies, online criminals, and internet service providers keep track of.

Using a VPN, you can connect to a different IP address. You’ll select a different server from a different state, city, or country and then head online.

Your original IP address is then hidden from view, so anyone online trying to trace you would only find the VPN’s IP address.

So you can browse the web in complete anonymity.

How you use it

Once you’ve downloaded the VPN onto your device, simply install it and follow the on-screen instructions.

Now it’s up and running, open up the program, and the menu should be self-explanatory.

You’ll be able to see the various servers across the world. Simply select one and connect to it.

When you see that it’s active, start your browsing.

How does it protect you?

By hiding your IP address, the VPN offers you privacy against those who are trying to monitor your online presence, which is a lot. Search engines like Google and email providers (like Google!) can track what you send. Websites can see what you’ve been up to, and many big companies work with law enforcement agencies for the protection of the country. While this is good, it also means you have no digital freedom.

A VPN lets you get that back as when you use it, it’ll look like you’re online from another country. As well as that, VPNs also boast military-grade encryption technology, so cybercriminals will have a tough job trying to breakthrough. In the event they do, or if your internet connection is cut via the VPN, a kill-switch will disconnect all internet access, so your IP address is never revealed. It’s tough to find that level of protection elsewhere.

How do you get even more protection?

You can still do this with a VPN. But rather than downloading individual VPNs for each device in your household, you can do it with a VPN router instead. That way, you’ll be able to protect all household devices, such as cells, computers, laptops, tablets, and even smart TVs, all at once. Simply research the best VPN router, and you’ll see what we mean. Not only will you get a router that offers you connections to the internet, but you’ll be protected from the very beginning. All of your devices will be protected, so you don’t have to go onto them individually to select a new server.

In 2020, 80% of businesses fell foul to cyberattacks. Seven hundred million people in 21 countries were the victim of cybercrime in some form. And unfortunately, cybercrime is only set to grow as everybody spends more time online. But hopefully, we’ve answered some questions that might be on your mind on how you can protect yourself.