Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are fairly simple tools that can be used for a variety of purposes. The 2022 to 2027 period is anticipated to witness a substantial 17.1% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the Global Virtual Private Server Market. This growth can be attributed to significant factors, including the numerous benefits offered by VPS, such as the availability of affordable virtual private servers, increasing security apprehensions within enterprises, improved customization, scalability, reduced downtime, and greater control compared to shared hosting.
Although these tools are renowned for their privacy and data security benefits, they are also helpful for bypassing geo-restrictions on the internet and preventing targeted advertising. This article outlines the seven types of users that stand to gain the most from using a VPN in 2023. Here, you’ll find the different use cases for VPNs and learn how to improve your experience as you do your work. Let’s dive in!
1. Gamers
As a gamer, using a VPN allows you to access other regions on services like Steam; changing your virtual location affords you access to more extensive game libraries. Similarly, since a VPN would hide your personal data and IP address, you’d be protected from cyberbullies and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks that are very common in the online gaming space.
Like streaming, there’s a strong possibility that your ISP is throttling your online gaming data. While this may be unfair, it’s usually done in a bid to offer a uniform internet service to all users. A VPN can, however, be used to disguise the fact that you’re playing games online, consequently improving your speed and overall gaming experience.
2. Online Shoppers
If you’re like most people, you do a great deal of your shopping online. However, you might need to be aware that e-commerce websites like airlines, travel agencies, car rental companies, and hotels often use your IP address to determine your location and the prices you’ll be offered. They can also track your online activities and increase prices on your next site visit.
We recommend that you only shop from an online store with an HTTPS tag and add an extra layer of security by using a VPN and a browser with anti-tracking features. Simply choose the best VPN to install on your phone, then spoof your location to avoid price manipulation and targeted advertising when shopping for vacations or anything else.
3. Business Owners
In today’s business world, many companies now adopt a remote or hybrid work policy, which presents a new set of security concerns. Companies now have to worry about the security of remote workers’ connections as they access company servers from home. These workers could be working from home (via their home network) or in a coffee shop (via a public network), the latter of which is known to be a cybercriminal hotspot.
VPNs help businesses protect their employee data from being intercepted by third parties. These tools do not permit even the Internet Service Provider (ISP) of the worker to see an employee’s browsing activities. Consequently, companies can keep their files and projects secured while also allowing remote workers to feel safe on public Wi-Fi networks, knowing their data is encrypted.
4. Remote Workers
Remote work is more widespread today than it has ever been. However, many companies and countries have placed geo-restrictions on certain online services or websites. This can be for several reasons, from censorship and bandwidth issues to productivity issues. Whatever the case, restricting knowledge workers’ access to information hinders them from completing projects.
With the help of a VPN, remote workers can browse websites they need, irrespective of location, as long as they have stable, uninterrupted internet access. This provides remote workers the flexibility they need to do their best work safely and efficiently.
5. Frequent Travelers
Although online browsing has become safer in recent years, thanks to adopting “HTTPS” over “HTTP,” using a public Wi-Fi network at a café, hotel, or airport can still be risky. This is because most public connections are open and not password-protected. Consequently, users risk having their data intercepted by any hacker or cybercriminal who might be trolling the network.
When you use a VPN service to access the network, you can anonymously connect to any public Wi-Fi and encrypt your active data. What’s more? Most VPNs have a kill switch that temporarily shuts off your internet when your connection drops, ensuring you stay secure at all times.
6. Online Bankers
Online banking is very convenient, and statistics show that it is the most preferred method of banking for most people thanks to its enhanced customer experience, especially with the recent adoption of A.I. in the banking sector. While banks have strict internal security measures, they don’t protect online bankers from all online banking threats. No do-gooders are interested in your banking data, but online bankers can protect themselves using a VPN with a good antivirus solution.
With a VPN, you get bank-grade, 256-bit advanced encryption that scrambles your data traffic, making intercepting and reading your information almost impossible. This gives you a layer of protection that your ISP and any would-be hacker cannot break into.
7. Researchers
A government can be tyrannical or oppressive depending on where you live, and, in such cases, certain types of research can be considered “sensitive” and attract unwanted attention. Similarly, looking up censored materials in such countries might attract dire penalties.
Conversely, suppose you’d like to conduct business competitor research to assess the quality of your competition. In that case, you may feel the need to keep your activity private and not alert them to what you’re doing. In these instances, a VPN would be convenient to protect yourself from observation. Simply activate your VPN and select a server in a distant location before starting your research.
Summary
Whether or not you should use a VPN boils down to your wants and needs. Not everyone might need to secure their private network from cybercriminals, but there are numerous viable reasons to consider using a VPN. If you shop online and travel a lot, worry about your ISP and government snooping on your online activity, or want to access geo-restricted content from any part of the world, you need a VPN.
