While internet security, particularly the security of your data, has been a prevalent issue for nearly a decade.
The last few years have provided many compelling examples of why we should take comprehensive steps to safeguard our people and data against malicious entities active on the internet.
Table of Contents
Why do you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
Eight factors to consider when choosing a right VPN Service
1. Select the service carefully
2. Security
3. Speed
4. Connectivity
5. Number of Servers
6. Number of Connections
7. Privacy Policies
8. Pricing and Payment Method
Conclusion
There are other more dangerous types of malware out there besides the archetypal hacker.
Even if you don’t live in a country where the government enjoys much more liberty than it should, corporations are still eager to obtain your browsing data to gain an edge over their competitors.
Although this type of intrusion is not always malicious for your device and typically does not compromise your most private information, it is still disruptive and irritating.
Why do you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
There are two main reasons that everyone can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), and with the recent evolution of rules, liberties, and Cyberattacks, almost anyone now needs VPN.
The primary purpose is to hide your IP address and browsing details from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and anyone curious about your online activities.
The secondary reason is to gain access to data, interaction, and media that your ISP has restricted for whatever reason.
When selecting the best VPN service, it’s critical to understand what we’re looking for and the level of security we need.
To determine this, you must be familiar with laws and the tenacity of the industries that see you as a market. And, there is a chance of identity theft, which significantly increases if you live in a developed country.
If you’ve determined to buy a VPN, it’s a simple matter of reasoning to determine which VPN service is the perfect suit.
Some aspects of a Virtual Private Network are more critical than others, and some networks can appear to be very attractive but lack a few basic features. And, when it comes down to the very best, minor differences can be the deciding factor between your choices.
Eight factors to consider when choosing a right VPN Service
1. Select the service carefully
A reliable and trustworthy service provider is significant when selecting a VPN. When you subscribe to a VPN service, you’re granting third-party access to your identity and browsing history as well as to your VPN.
Research the company’s past before you starts using the service. Besides those created only to launder the identities of malicious organizations online, new companies are just incompetent at providing decent service.
Using a well-known and highly-regarded VPN service is always a smart option.
2. Security
Regardless of why you’re using a VPN, your primary concern should be security. There is no point in selecting a VPN provider unless you are confident that the provider will protect you, your device, and your data.
Although all VPN providers and several proxy servers can provide you with privacy when the system runs, it is critical that the VPN provider you select implements the required security protocols.
Contrary to popular belief, the most expensive providers are not necessarily the best since this usually indicates that the VPN provider has a small user base.
Finding a trustworthy and safe VPN requires charging a minimum price per month for a premium service.
3. Speed
VPN providers have different internet speeds, depending on the server location and the maximum network speed available to your device and the server.
The final internet speed you will experience will always be the same as the slowest connection between your device’s capability, your ISP’s speed, and the VPN server’s speed.
When determining the speed of your internet connection when connected with a VPN, it’s also essential to know the server’s location.
Although latency issues do not directly affect the connection’s speed, they affect your experience and make the internet appear slower.
As a result, when looking for the best VPN service, you should choose providers with servers located close to your location and, ideally, in multiple locations worldwide.
4. Connectivity
Once you’re confident in the security of your connection, you can narrow down your selection based on the connectivity options offered by the VPN provider.
A stable connection to the VPN server is essential for an uninterrupted browsing experience, even more so if you want to download large files, such as video files.
Signal reliability and accessibility are two critical factors in this category.
Although signal reliability is commonly used when discussing communication issues with our ISP, when dealing with a VPN, this metric indicates the server’s stability, and a weak signal could mean that the server is under attack or was not properly maintained.
Accessibility is a relatively new consideration since it refers to the quantity and form of devices that can link to a VPN server.
With the emergence of Smartphone and tablets, you’ll want to ensure that your VPN provider has introduced all necessary protocols for secure browsing on these devices, as well as a user-friendly application for connecting to and staying connected to a VPN.
5. Number of Servers
There are several reasons why anyone looking for a VPN provider should prioritize the number of servers offered by the provider.
Having a good and secure server is a difficult task, and they often need maintenance or updates. This is why having more is still preferable.
Since most VPN providers are nothing more than a small network of proxy servers, they would not advertise their server and location count, as the general rule is that where it is not advertised, the number usually is one.
6. Number of Connections
A relatively new issue has arisen with VPN providers in the last couple of years, amplified by the popularity of smart devices.
A single person may use multiple devices for the same purpose depending on their location and time of day. Occasionally, a single user will use several devices concurrently, putting the VPN server under pressure.
All of your devices must use a VPN while attempting to hide your IP, as malicious entities may try to hack data they have obtained and still access your data on insecure devices.
Reputable VPN providers provide multiple applications for multiple platforms and provide access to various devices with the same VPN license.
All of your devices will be associated with the same license and will be secured when browsing simultaneously.
7. Privacy Policies
VPNs route all of the Internet traffic via the service provider’s servers. This ensures that the service provider has full access to your online activities. This is why you should still read a VPN’s privacy policy.
Logging levels differ, and many VPN providers log some amount of anonymous data, such as IP addresses visited, while not storing any data on their website. Even so, they are legally required to state the type of data stored by them explicitly.
Do yourself a favour and read it carefully before signing up for a service. So, always opt for services that do not need much of your personal information other than email addresses.
8. Pricing and Payment Method
Finally, the price of a VPN varies. Numerous providers sell discounted contracts to customers who sign up for long-term services.
However, ensure that the service is worth the cost before agreeing to a long-term contract.
Refund policies can be beneficial when testing out VPN services and you should verify that the provider has one in place before signing up.
Conclusion
Finding the best VPN service is a daunting task, but the reality is that once you determine your requirements, only a few remain, all of them typically offering premium service.
A reputable VPN provides a secure, fast, reliable, and professional service that enables you to browse the internet safely and freely, doing whatever you want.
