Needing a safe way to communicate through the World Wide Web has never been more crucial. You no longer need a computer to log on. Your handheld mobile device can fit in your pocket and go pretty much everywhere with you, which means you’re that much more vulnerable to hackers since you’re spending more time on these networks. There are several ways to safeguard yourself, however, and here’s a good one to read up on: VPNs.
1. First of All, What IS a VPN and What Will it Help You Do?
Technology isn’t immobile like it used to be. These days, it goes where we go. It’s fairly easy to set up your electronic device at a coffee shop or someone else’s office and connect to the internet so that you can share information; but you must do so safely. No matter where you’re plugging in from, you should always seek out a secure way to reach your network.
Virtual private networks do just this. They provide connections between devices that keep your information encrypted, so that the only people who can reach that data are the ones you want to. VPNs can also keep your IP addresses hidden. Networks are not only password protected, but they also require a PIN. What’s more, the PIN changes every 30 seconds, making it even harder for unwelcomed visitors to eavesdrop. Another bonus? VPNs make it possible for you to bypass certain censors and filters that your government is placing on your internet activity, since you can even obtain an IP address that appears to be from another country!
2. Knowing How Different VPNs Will Work for You
There are many virtual private network providers, so it’s important to know the distinction. For example, there is a very basic kind of VPN that only runs at the application level, meaning that it will only protect—for example—the internet browser that you’re running it in. For instance, if you use a VPN for Internet Explorer, it only applies to your activity in Internet Explorer. Anything done outside of IE is still exposed.
Other virtual private networks provide more widespread security, though. As an example, AnchorFree’s Hotspot Shield, a crowd favorite, monitors all internet activity. It’s already available for Apple iOS devices, and Androids are next. Of course, which kind of VPN you choose to utilize will depend largely on what kind of web surfer you are; but obviously, you want to cover all of your bases.
3. More on How VPNs Work with Smartphones
Luckily, these days, a lot of smartphones are already created to incorporate virtual private networks. You must make sure that it’s compatible with the network you want to connect to. If this isn’t the case, you can often subscribe to a third-party virtual private network for a monthly charge.
Sometimes, certain VPN subscriptions will be recommended—or only certain ones will be available—for specific phone models, like Samsung. Find out which one works for your mobile device.
With any of these scenarios, once the VPN is enabled, you can search the internet and check your mail with security.
4. Why the IP Addresses Matter So Much
By this point, you can see how IP addresses play such a huge factor, since as you move around with your mobile device, the address may very well change. While you may only have one logical IP address, VPNs can use numerous physical IP addresses, depending on where you are.
Plus, VPNs will continue to give you a protective shield not only while you roam locations, but also across different kinds of internet connections. So, for example, you can use your phone’s 3G (which wirelessinternet.org explains is only becoming more in-demand) and then switch to WiFi, or even a cabled Ethernet connection—all under the protection of your virtual private network. Not only can you log online through your phone relatively invisible, but you can seamlessly switch from one device and connection to another.
Virtual private networks are still heavily in development; but more and more, mobile devices are coming already equipped with these safety shields. And while you might currently have to purchase something separately to protect your own personal mobile device, more universal solutions are currently being sought so that no matter what kind of technology you’re using, a common VPN will be readily available to you.