Did you know that in 2020, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are being used by at least 26% of ALL internet users?

The current global VPN market has an estimated worth of almost 20.1 billion dollars. Heard of a VPN, but not really sure what it is? With the information and tips below, decide whether a VPN is essential to your cybersecurity!

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (or, VPN) is a service that provides you with an encrypted connection to a network. This allows you to keep your browsing hidden, and your data private.

FixMeTip: We recommend NordVPN. It’s speedy, reliable, AND as a FixMeStick customer, you get an exclusive discount to use it on 6 devices for 3 years at a cost of only $3.49 USD/month! Don’t miss out. Try it here!

How does a VPN work?

First, you choose a remote VPN server and connect to it. We love NordVPN because it makes this part simple. Once you’re connected to this new server, you are assigned a new IP address.

Next, all your traffic goes through this connection where it is encrypted, so even if someone were to hack into it, they would not be able to understand anything. Once it reaches the server, it gets decrypted and goes to the intended destination – all at lightning speed without you even noticing.

Let’s look at an example! Adam wants to check his bank statement online. He is at a local cafe, using the cafe’s public Wi-Fi connection.

Adam is nervous to log in to his bank account on a public connection, as he fears his identity and banking information could be stolen by hackers or online snoops.

So, Adam connects to NordVPN so that his online activity is encrypted and he logs into his bank account without fear! NordVPN sends Adam’s IP address and location through a virtual tunnel that encrypts his data and his computer’s location. This means that as Adam navigates his bank account, he is hidden from the bank website itself and everyone else – making it safe and secure.

Benefits of Using a VPN

Feel safe knowing a VPN protects you from identity theft and hackers that try to track your online activity. Using an unsafe network connection can leave you and your personal data vulnerable to digital theft. If you’ve ever been hacked, you know that the results can take months or even years to resolve.

Enjoy the Internet carefree and with no restrictions. Travelling out of the country for work but still want to watch your favourite TV shows and sporting events? VPNs allow you to route your connection through servers all over the world. This means you can access content from anywhere, regardless of your actual location!

Have peace of mind knowing your data is always private. With NordVPN, privacy is one click away. As a FixMeStick customer, you get a discounted price to use it up to 6 devices for 3 years – which amounts to only $3.49 USD/month!

No one will be able to see which websites you visit or what files you download with a strict, no-log policy and automatic kill switch.

Feel secure, regardless of where you are. VPNs are most commonly used during travel, as a tool for maintaining security and convenience! Let’s say you landed at Heathrow Airport in London. You can check your travel itinerary, attend to some work emails, or stream your favourite TV shows, safely with a VPN.

Feel secure across devices. VPNs are compatible with both Windows and Mac laptops and desktops, as well as smartphones, tablets, game consoles, routers and more. With NordVPN you can connect 6 devices at once on a 3-year subscription, at a low cost of $3.49 USD/month!

FAQ’s

Q. I’m using a wired internet connection instead of a Wi-Fi connection- would I still benefit from using a VPN?

A. Yes! VPNs remain a critical cybersecurity step even if you are using a wired/ethernet connection.

Q. I mostly connect my computer and phone to private Wi-Fi connections- is a VPN still necessary?

A. Absolutely. While private networks reduce the chance of exposure to lurkers and cybercriminals using the same network, they cannot protect you from a targeted attack on your private network, or a data breach of your ISP (Internet Service Provider). #FixMeTip: With an easy to use app, VPNs are also accessible on mobile devices!

Q. Does a VPN replace my Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

A. VPNs do not replace your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Instead, it works alongside your ISP by redirecting your internet traffic away from your ISP, giving it an additional layer of protection. This way, no one, not even your ISP can get their hands on your browsing data.

Q. Can my smart TV be protected by a VPN? If so, why would that be an important step to take?

A. Most smart TV’s don’t have a built-in VPN functionality. But do not fear! By setting up your router with a VPN, your smart TV will have a direct VPN connection. Smart TV’s offer a peek into our lives and habits, and they are indeed hackable. Using a VPN is a strong first defense in locking down these devices!

Q: Do I need a VPN with the StartMeStick?

A. The StartMeStick has a Tor browser built-in to it that functions like a multi-layer VPN. Additionally, you can choose to add a single-layer VPN on the StartMeStick’s built-in Chromium browser (which will also function faster than Tor, but at the cost of privacy) through a VPN provider in the form of a Chromium extension. We’ve arranged a discount for StartMeStick/FixMeStick customers with NordVPN.

Still curious about VPNs?

Check out this video for a clear and short introduction to VPNs.

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Do you use a VPN or have a quesiton about VPNs? Share your experience with us or leave a question in the comments section below!