What is VPN (Virtual Private Network) and when is it necessary?

Surely while browsing sites you have seen ads that offers VPN services. Some for free, and others that promise maximum anonymization in exchange for some Decent costs.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is most often used when you do not trust the Internet Service Provider (ISP). Many people are convinced that the ISP can see everything they do on the computer and use that information for commercial purposes. Others use VPN to hide the real IP address, considering it as such are completely anonymous while browsing online.
VPN is a solution through which you can connect to a dedicated network, which will use its resources and which will become the "bridge" between your computer and the rest of the Internet. Virtually all data exchange between your PC and the Internet will no longer be done through a provider (ISP), but through the private network (VPN). The latter offers greater security of data exchange through various encryption methods.

You have to keep in mind that Anonymization on the Internet is not just about hiding the IP address (Internet Protocol). Many companies and internet providers use it cookies si web trackers for monitoring customers and users while browsing the Internet. Elements that can provide enough information about your identity and activity online. From the type of operating system used to the resolution of the monitor and the extensions installed in the browser, they can be easily found by organizing a website that you access. As for Facebook and Google, there are a number of tools for finding out about you even if you use a VPN connection.
So, don't get the wrong idea that once the VPN is activated you are 100% invisible and anonymous on the internet.

It is true that VPN is very useful, especially when working from home or from another location and you need to securely connect to the company's infrastructure. The connection between your PC and VPN will be encrypted and thus the data exchange will be secured. But this is a VPN Enterprize and not a free one that you find in the "offers" in online ads.
For example, Cisco offers complete VPN solutions for corporations, but here we talk about network infrastructure as well as software. Cisco AnyConnectVPN is such a solution for companies.

Which VPN service to choose? Premium Services vs. Free VPN (Free)

There are companies that offers free VPN access and I promise IP address anonymization. Opera has such a service integrated into Opera Browser, and each user can choose to activate the VPN connection with a single click. But it is by no means a safe service. You don't know who has access to that VPN and what data it can extract from it. The same thing happens with service 1.1.1.1 al CloudFlare. Another free VPN that can be installed on your smartphone, iPhone, Mac or Windows PC.
When we choose a free service, and here I am not referring only to VPN, we must be aware that for that service, someone platestit is for it to be functional. And since no one is willing to throw money out the window, it means that behind that free service there is something that the regular customer doesn't see. Either the user's identity is found out and exploited for marketing purposes, or even worse, the user's confidential data reaches third parties interested in their exploitation.
In the case of a paid service, this does not happen. Purchasing a VPN service also involves a contract and some legal terms that the service provider must comply with. Otherwise you are entitled to notify the control bodies and follow the legal steps. For free services, you do not have this possibility. Especially since most of the time when we accept a free service, we do not take the time to read the section "Terms and Conditions" or "Privacy".

In conclusion, if you just need to access a website, without entering sensitive data on it, you can choose a free VPN service. You will have the benefit of no longer accessing it with your IP. But you will not be completely anonymous.
For work from home and handling sensitive data remotely, we recommend paid VPN services. It does not have to be an expensive service, but before purchasing it it is advisable to read the "terms and conditions", plus some reviews.

The data on your computer will be completely safe when you do not transmit it on the internet. Eventually the PC should not be connected.

Passionate about technology, I enjoy writing on StealthSettings.com since 2006. I have a rich experience in operating systems: macOS, Windows, and Linux, as well as in programming languages and blogging platforms (WordPress) and for online stores (WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop).

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