Feeling Safe on Your Mobile: 5 Reasons You Should Start Using a VPN
A VPN or a Virtual Private Network encrypts all data that goes from your device to the server. This way, it keeps your online activity hidden from third parties and potential hackers. While VPN is a popular security measure for desktop connections, it isn’t mentioned very often when talking about mobile device security. However, mobile phones are as vulnerable as PCs and laptops, if not even more exposed to potential security threats.
We live in a digital age where half of our life happens on our mobile phones. Even if you’re not using your phone everywhere you go, it’s probably resting in your pocket or backpack. Still, as you walk by different coffee bars, restaurants, and stores, your phone may automatically connect to open networks. This leaves it exposed to various security threats. Hackers who want to access the abundance of data available on our mobile devices find ways to get their hands on passwords, credit card numbers, and other valuable information.
Using a VPN is the only real protection against potential malicious attacks that happen on a daily basis. Many people limit the use of virtual private networks to desktop devices. However, a VPN is more than necessary on mobile devices as well. Let’s take a look at the top five reasons why you should start using a VPN on your mobile phone.
#1 Unprotected Data
Your mobile device carries tons of unprotected data from account passwords to billing information. Without adequate protection, this data is accessible to experienced hackers who can exploit it for their malicious purposes. Even the most secure networks can have vulnerabilities, let alone the unprotected public Wi-Fi networks we often connect to. Each time you connect your mobile device to a public network, you expose it to security threats. However, if you connect through a Virtual Private Network, all your data will be encrypted and invisible to the hackers’ eyes.
#2 Prevent Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks are most common on computers and laptops, but that doesn’t mean hackers are not targeting vulnerable mobile devices. They usually look for unprotected devices connected to weak or public networks. Once they find their way into your mobile phone, they lock it and require a ransom payment in virtual currencies to restore it to its original state. This is another reason why you should look for a reliable VPN that will hide your device from potential threats. An encrypted network will secure your mobile phone, keeping it safe from ransomware attacks.
#3 Protecting Confidential Files
If you work remotely or need quick access to confidential files located on a corporate or personal Google Drive account, opening the file on unprotected networks can lead to serious security issues. Hackers might be lurking behind the public network your device is connected to. This can compromise your confidential data. Connecting your mobile phone to a virtual private network will allow you to browse confidential files safely. Also, you can access the corporate account without worrying about third parties tracking your activity. A simple VPN can prevent a disaster that could cost you a fortune!
#4 Bypassing Geographical Restrictions
How many times have you found an online video stream source or a new program and you couldn’t access it because it was “not available in your country?” The more often it happens, the more frustrating it gets. However, using a VPN service can be a solution to the issue of geo-restricted content. Connecting your device to a virtual private network based in a specific area other than your current location can provide you access to sites that aren’t available in your country. Whether you are hoping to watch a geo-restricted YouTube video or a Netflix show, a VPN will make it possible on your mobile device.
#5 Using a VPN on Android Devices – Getting More Bandwidth
Last but not least, some of the more advanced VPN services allow you to use multiple internet connections at once. This lowers latency and increases bandwidth. As a result, this leads to faster internet speed on your Android device, as well as better quality and performance. Using it, you won’t have to wait for videos to buffer or pages to load. However, many free VPN solutions compromise the internet speed so you will have to invest in a paid version to get the best out of the service. Either way, using a VPN on your Android device will potentially increase your internet speed and performance.
Conclusion
Increasing safety while surfing the web on a mobile device is mandatory for avoiding security threats. The best way to ensure your data is fully protected is to use a reliable VPN service that encrypts your data. It is even more important to use a VPN when connecting to public networks, as they are often the easiest target for hackers who are looking to steal data from mobile devices.
