Are you exposing yourself to risk when you join a public Wi-Fi network at an airport, a hotel or a coffee shop? A virtual private network (VPN), which creates a private connection even on a public Wi-Fi connection and protects your identity, may be able to help.
VPNs can especially be useful for people who travel often, such as retirees who are exploring with their new-found free time. But while VPNs are useful for many people, they don’t make sense for everyone. Instead of rushing to subscribe to a VPN, it’s important to understand what it does to determine if it’s worth the cost for you.
Must Read
- Warren Buffett on Market Volatility -- and 3 Ways You Can Take Advantage
- Experts are Bullish on Gold -- Here's How to Get In
What a VPN actually does
VPNs encrypt your information when you use a public Wi-Fi network. They keep your internet protocol (IP) address hidden from websites you visit and can make your traffic appear to come from another location.
The Federal Trade Commission touts VPNs as valuable resources that can protect sensitive information when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often insecure. However, these tools don’t safeguard you from phishing scams, malware, account takeovers or other hacks.
You are also not anonymous online, even with a VPN. Websites that use cookies to track your online movements can still use that technology even if you are on a VPN.
How People Are Protecting Their Identity Online with VPNs Today
- NordVPN plans are starting as low as $3.09 a month
- SurfShark: Surf the web incognito and without tracking
When a VPN is worth paying for
Many VPN subscriptions cost between $2 and $13 per month. Paying for a VPN may make sense if you regularly use public Wi-Fi. Remote workers and travelers who encounter many public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports, coffee shops and other locations may want to consider the purchase.
VPNs also keep your information more private, so if you are extremely conscious about where your data goes, this service may work for you. However, the VPN company can see what you do online, so you are essentially shifting trust from your internet provider or public network to the VPN company. Public Wi-Fi is more likely to be hacked than a VPN, but online security depends on the provider.
You can get started with a free VPN, but it may be a case of getting what you paid for. Free VPNs have privacy and performance trade-offs that make them less optimal than paid VPNs.
When you can probably skip it
You shouldn’t rush to add another paid monthly subscription to your budget just because you saw a fear-inducing advertisement. If you frequently use a trusted home Wi-Fi and don’t log into sensitive accounts on public networks, you likely don’t need a VPN. Multi-factor authentication will make it even harder for hackers to penetrate your accounts.
Plus, modern websites increasingly use HTTPS, which already encrypts most of the information sent between your browser and the site. VPNs add relatively limited additional security for people browsing on trusted networks — though they can enhance your privacy by masking your IP and hiding activity from internet service providers (ISPs).
A VPN also doesn’t free you from other security protocols. Regularly changing your passwords, updating your software and having a password manager can be more effective at keeping your information safe than a VPN, especially if you don’t rely on public Wi-Fi too often. You need a toolbox to keep your online information secure, and a VPN is one tool in the set.
Must Read
- Warren Buffett on Market Volatility -- and 3 Ways You Can Take Advantage
- Experts are Bullish on Gold -- Here's How to Get In