Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are no more specialist technologies limited to computer professionals in the fast-changing digital environment. They have become useful tools that change our interaction with digital services all around.
VPNs, which hide IP addresses and encrypt internet connections, are changing the scene of online privacy, security, access, even the digital economy.
In this article, I will explain exactly how VPNs have reshaped the internet and which digital services benefit from their use.
Let’s get to it!
The Rising Popularity of VPNs
Two main reasons have fuelled the rise in VPN usage: growing privacy and security concerns and the need to bypass geographic restrictions on content. VPNs are the flexible solutions meeting various demands from protecting private data over public Wi-Fi to accessing region-specific streaming services.
VPNs have become a shield from prying eyes as governments and companies both tighten their hold on internet monitoring. According to ExplodingTopics, around 31% of internet users globally use VPNs; adoption is especially strong in areas including Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Top 5 Digital Services VPNs are Reshaping
1- iGaming
VPNs have had a significant impact on the realm of online gambling. VPNs give bettors access to unrestricted gaming by allowing them to change their IP address, meaning changing where in the world they are perceived to be accessing the internet. This allows them to access online gaming sites based in different countries. In this way, they can enjoy the many incentives, such as a larger games catalog and bigger welcome bonuses, that come from doing so.
Additionally, VPNs are reshaping the iGaming sphere through the additional security they provide to bettors. Bettors are required to part with sensitive information, such as bank details, in order to wager or withdraw funds. However, having a VPN active makes it much safer to do so by encrypting the information that is provided and making it almost impossible for trackers to unveil it.
2- Streaming Platforms
All of the big names in streaming platforms, from Netflix to Disney+ are much bigger than we are led to believe. Different content is available to subscribers from different parts of the world. This means that we are only able to access a small portion of what the platform actually contains. Unless, of course, we have a VPN.
By changing our IP address to one from a country of our choice, a VPN allows us to bypass geographical restrictions when it comes to streaming services, giving us access to the full library of media that these platforms hold. This also gives us more options when it comes to accessing free streaming websites, such as Hurawatch, safely
3- E-commerce
We all love a bit of online shopping. Having everything we need just one click away and seeing it appear at our door a few hours or days later seems almost like magic. But when it comes to shopping online, not everything is as wonderful as it seems. Since we have to part with sensitive payment information, every time we shop online, we risk putting our security on the line.
However, since a VPN can encrypt this data and make it almost impossible to connect back to a single individual, as such, parting with payment information has never felt so safe. Those with a VPN can rest assured that their information is being protected by multiple factors.
Also, VPNs can help protect you against scam sites that pose as online retail establishments, however, there are more effective ways to do this.
On top of all this, having a VPN and being able to change your perceived location means you can easily find the best deals while online shopping by comparing the prices from different locations around the world.
4- Travel
Another digital service that benefits significantly from a VPN is travel planning. We’re talking about flights and hotels here. Anyone who has ever booked a trip will know how the price fluctuates at different times and across different websites. There do exist certain travel services that will compare the prices for the same trip across different websites, but the comparisons are made between what is available in the country from which the individual is searching.
By bypassing geographical restrictions, a VPN allows you to compare the prices of these things not only across websites available in your home country but across different countries themselves. This is a surefire way to guarantee you’ll find the absolute best prices for your trip.
5- Online Gaming
It is vitally important that we know how to stay safe when gaming. VPNs are greatly affecting the security of online gaming in a positive way. In the online gaming world, DDoS or Distributed Denial of Service, is a cyber attack that involves flooding servers with so much information that they become unresponsive to legitimate players. Understandably, this can be a nightmare for serious and casual gamers alike.
Luckily, a VPN can prevent us from experiencing this kind of cyber attack while gaming by hiding our IP address. We can play our games with peace of mind that we are protected from DDoS attacks and other hacking attempts.
Final Thoughts on VPNs
Virtual Private Networks don’t just come in handy for people who regularly use public wifi. In fact, they have multiple benefits for any and all internet users. By bypassing geographical restrictions, they give us more choice as to how we entertain ourselves, as well as helping us to always find the best deals.
And by improving our overall security and making our information much harder for hackers to access, they can bring a layer of protection to surfing online. It seems almost necessary in this digital age of hacks, scams, and data leaks.
