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What Is A VPN, And Is It Worth Getting In 2022?

Image source: nordvpn.com

Introduction

VPNs are increasing in popularity as they improve online privacy protection and make browsing more secure. Internet service providers can gather consumer data; in the United States, they can even sell it without the user’s permission for marketing purposes. A VPN adds additional encryption to the user’s internet session, making it private and secure. VPNs, along with antivirus software, are regarded as critical cybersecurity software for user protection. Knowing how to utilize VPNs is essential for getting the most out of the software and staying safe online. In this guide, we will try to answer the question: are VPNs worth it?

Why Is It Worth Getting A VPN?

Is a VPN worth it? A VPN obscures the user’s original IP address, making IP address tracking impossible. VPN, which reroutes all online data flow through its secure servers, prevents ISPs from gathering and selling user data. Malicious third parties are prohibited from snooping on user data by encrypting it further, denying them access to sensitive information and login passwords (like banking logins or social media logins). This tool is strongly recommended for protection when using public Wi-Fi, frequently targeted by thieves to steal data, and further encryption inhibits. High-quality VPNs that have a no-logs policy and do not store browsing information on their servers considerably improve internet users’ privacy.

VPN Uses

Here we will discuss a few of the vital VPN uses in detail.

  • Protect Users Using Public Wi-Fi

Is it worth getting a VPN or not? Because public Wi-Fi networks are typically unsecured, hackers may exploit them and use MiTM and other methods to steal people’s data. When connected to a VPN, even when linked to unprotected public networks, the user’s data is encrypted and passed over a secure tunnel, making it extremely impossible for hackers to intercept.

  • Prevent Bandwidth Throttling

ISPs opt to slow down connections to prevent consumers from using excessive bandwidth (this can affect streaming, online gaming, downloading large files, etc.). A VPN can prevent this because the ISP cannot see what the user is doing online, and bandwidth will not be limited according to a specific use case.

  • Bypass Censorship

Authoritarian countries or others that restrict privacy frequently opt to outlaw websites or services that may harm those in power. This typically includes social media platforms such as Facebook, which is prohibited in China, and WhatsApp, which is unavailable in some Middle Eastern countries. This can be avoided with a VPN because others cannot see what the user is doing online when it is connected.

What Can a VPN Not Do?

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There are more ways to track people online than just IP addresses; therefore, if complete online anonymity is desired, additional privacy software should be used in addition to a VPN. If the user uploads something to social media, regardless of VPN encryption, this data will be associated with their social media account. Free VPNs should be avoided because they lack adequate security safeguards or collect and sell user data. VPNs encrypt and secure internet data transport; however, they do not guard against viruses and malware (or offer minimal protection). Some VPN providers, however, have already begun to include malware (antivirus) protection as an optional service in their VPN packages.

NordVPN Review

Below we will review NordVPN to know: is NordVPN worth it.

Nord Security

NordVPN is included in Nord Security. Nord Security also offers:

  • NordLayer, a business VPN
  • NordWL, a toolkit for building VPN products

Meshnet

Customers can now connect to devices or encrypted private tunnels using NordVPN’s new Meshnet functionality. Users can connect to other devices from any location without the need for a VPN server. Every communication on Meshnet is encrypted, the same as when utilizing a VPN server. Meshnet opens up a slew of new possibilities, such as easier file sharing and teamwork for projects, gaming gatherings, internet traffic routing, and more.

Threat Protection

The newest addition to the NordVPN portfolio, threat protection, is an extra layer of security that complements the VPN’s core functions. Threat Protection is intended to make browsing safer by detecting dangerous files and blocking harmful websites, ads, and trackers. On the NordVPN website, you can read a blog entry about Threat Protection. Threat Protection is presently available for both Windows and Mac users.

Other Features

  • If a user’s connection to the VPN server is lost, NordVPN’s built-in killswitch prohibits them from accessing the internet.

 

  • One NordVPN account may encrypt around 6 devices, and it is compatible with macOS, Linux, Android, Windows, iOS, and Android TV. Firefox and Chrome both have widely available browser add-ons.

 

  • Customers may enjoy the speeds of WireGuard without sacrificing their privacy, thanks to NordVPN’s WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol.

 

  • NordVPN’s 5400+ servers spread across 59 countries ensure that there are always fast servers to select from.

 

  • The NordVPN website’s knowledge base area contains detailed descriptions of VPN protocols, servers, how-tos for increasing VPN performance, and other useful reading material.

 

  • The fastest server available in a country is chosen automatically by the NordVPN app.

 

  • If you have any questions about NordVPN, a customer support service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

  • Your internet activities will be kept private, and your devices will be secure because it is a no-logs service with two completely independent audits to ensure this.

 

  • It is a service that is routinely updated, issuing updates every few months with critical security patches to ensure the online safety of users.

Conclusion

Data is one of the most expensive commodities on the planet. There are numerous venues that sell online data, and individuals can only exert so much control over how their privacy is safeguarded online. If you use a VPN, you will have some control over the information you disclose to your ISP and other third parties. So, if you’re wondering: is VPN worth it, the answer is unequivocal yes.