Advantages and Disadvantages of VPN – What to Look Out For

Virtual Private Networks offer a broad range of options that improve everyday online activities whether they are work or leisure related.

It increases the security, management, and functionality of the private network. It offers access to resources that are unavailable on the public network. 

VPN is also used by remote workers. It lets the users send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computer machines were directly connected to the private network. 

Virtual Private networks create an encrypted tunnel between the web and your device so that your internet activity is hidden from ISPs, hackers, and others.

There are so many advantages as well as disadvantages of using a VPN which are listed below.

Advantages of a VPN

The benefits of using a Virtual private network can use in the workplace as well. Remote workers can use VPNs to have secure connections to their Workplace’s laptop or computer without any privacy issues. Here are some of the key benefits of a VPN for both personal and professional use:

1. Provide Safety Through Anonymity

A virtual private network provides safety through anonymity. It will simply hide your network information and appears as if it is coming from a different location. This disguise for network data helps to maintain the users of VPN safe. 

Anonymity is one of the best advantages of using a VPN because it keeps the user’s location and other data secure from unwanted parties.

2. Save Money on Region-Based eCommerce

When shopping online, websites like airlines and hotels track customers’ network information to raise prices. Even though, some eCommerce vendors will even impose different prices for services based on the area.

Using a virtual private network to hide the location lets you see natural offers instead of those mentioned above. So you can easily save money by using VPN software.

3. Secure Connection for Remote Work

Today’s businesses need to consider internet safety more than ever. If companies have remote workers then the customer information and sensitive company are at great risk of theft.

For example, an employee connects to a work laptop remotely on public wifi without using a VPN. Probably, anyone on that public network could get access to the internet company network, because the worker did nothing to hide their information.

Disadvantages of using a VPN

Everything has its advantages as well disadvantages. So it is important to understand the drawbacks of a VPN before deciding to use a VPN.

Here is what you need to know about Virtual Private Networks:

1. Slow Connection Speeds

No matter what VPNs say about their quick speed, all Virtual Private Networks slow down your internet speed to some extent.

It slows down your internet speed because the data has to go through an encrypted tunnel rather than connecting directly to your router.

2. Complicated Set-Up

It is very easy to connect to the internet but setting up a VPN is complicated. If you are failing to set up the VPN accurately can result in information leaks.

These informational leaks are especially riskier than browsing the web without a VPN.

Because it shows that you are trying to use a virtual private network to hide information. So that’s why you should know about this risk before using a VPN.

3. Dropped Connections

Dropping connection is also a drawback. Because dropped connection over VPN means that your actual network information is now shown to anyone.

And your ISP can see what websites you are visiting. If any website you visit breaks an ISP’s term of service then they could close your connection right then and there.

Conclusion

It is right to say that VPNs can enhance everyday online activity. I would specifically like to highlight the utility when conducting remote work and strongly recommend using it while using public Wi-Fi. 

In this article, we have discussed the advantages of using a VPN as well as its drawbacks of it. You must have completely known about anything that you are going to use for safety.