VPN Update: Is it still important to use a VPN?

We may receive commission for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our affiliate disclosure . If you aren’t using a VPN now (or never have), it may be time for a VPN update. Nearly all cybersecurity experts say “yes.” – it is still important to use a VPN. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) while you’re online is still very wise and vital. This is especially true if you send private, sensitive emails and shop online. And it’s all the more critical if you’re connected to the internet from somewhere other than home. Just because you may not be using one now does not mean you have been safe and secure online. Wait. There’s more. It’s also essential to use a Virtual Private Network if you’re sharing important information online that could put you at risk for identity theft if it gets into the wrong hands. Hackers aren’t slowing down. They are looking to break into networks, especially those that are open to everyone and, therefore, not secure. These are called unsecured networks. Here are just a few examples where you’re likely to use an unsecured network: Law enforcement, government agencies, and cybersecurity experts refer to this information as PII (Personally Identifiable Information). (You can read our article about it here .) Hackers can break into networks to look for, capture, steal, and use data. This is at the heart of identity theft. Want a simple, no-nonsense explanation for using a Virtual Private Network? Here’s one. Not Sure Which VPN to Choose? Let Our Tool Help! If you were transporting all your valuables and riches, would you rather. The internet is the alleyways and open roads, and your data is in a digital sedan that can get slowed down and ambushed. Opening a VPN account is like hiring an armored vehicle to transport your data on a secure highway. It’s about as simple as that. Really. The Internet was created to connect us to what’s essential. Making it secure was an afterthought, which is why so many hackers can breach networks and steal data. That’s still the case today. Although some built-in protections exist, the Internet is not a natural safe place. Are you new to VPNs? Start with our article What is a VPN and How to Get One . Bit by bit, internet providers and websites have made their networks safer and offered more protection for us, but it’s an ongoing battle to stay ahead of hackers. That’s why using a VPN is relevant and vital as we enter the new quarter of the 21 st Century. You might also want to use a VPN if you are paranoid or fear that authorities, spies, or snoops are tracking your internet behavior or reading your personal correspondence. And one more thing. If you get blocked by websites or service providers because you’re “out of the region,” using a VPN can help you circumvent the block. A VPN could be invaluable if you like adding protection without much effort. We can explain the importance of setting up an account with a VPN provider as simply as this: Ask yourself, “Who doesn’t want that?” The answer is that everyone does, and everyone should. This is especially true for those concerned about their personal, financial, or business information floating on the Internet…unprotected. You can get a free VPN, but you should only get one from a reputable provider with a recognized name in the industry. The only VPNs that cost nothing (and the only ones that you should consider) are the free versions of VPNs that offer paid subscriptions. The free version will have some limitations compared to a paid subscription, but it will still do what you want it to—protect you from online dangers. A VPN is simple to install, easy to use, and inexpensive, especially when you share it with family and friends at no added cost (giving them the added security and privacy they all need). If you want to learn more, check out the VPN articles on our website by clicking the “ VPNS” link in the top menu or check out our comparison chart by clicking below. We may receive commission for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our affiliate disclosure .