According to 2022 usage statistics, around 44% of UK internet users have used a VPN at some point on their devices.
At the same time, 41% of the population is UK and US use a VPN connection at least once a weekand 39% of all VPN users are between 16 and 22.
Despite this apparent shift of greater usage (especially among younger users), VPNs are still widely misunderstood and subject to some long-standing myths. . We’ve covered these in the article below, as we look at getting to the bottom of VPNs and the key benefits they offer to users.
# 1. VPNs are only needed if you are doing something illegal
This is number one on our list, as there is still the perception that VPNs only need to hide illegal or questionable activity online.
Of course, VPNs can can be used for purposes such as launching hacking attacks or downloading copyrighted material, but such cases are rare and there are a number of legal reasons why you might want to use this type of secure connection.
For example, a VPN can help secure your device when you access a public Wi-Fi connection. It accomplishes this by circulating your data and sending it through a virtual encrypted tunnel, which completely hides the nature of your content and your unique IP address.
This leaves your IP address virtually invisible to hackers and cyberthieves, who would have to work much harder to access and block your data.
They are too protect you against DDoS (denial of service) attacks while playing, while at the same time preventing individual internet service providers from accessing your entire online browsing history or login.
In some cases, they may even help reduce latency, depending on the scope of the VPN service provider and their network coverage in specific areas (but we’ll talk more about this later).
# 2. VPNs make you completely anonymous
As we already mentioned, VPNs hide your device’s IP address and make sure your exact location is still hidden from view.
However, this encourages some users to believe that they are completely anonymous online when using a VPN, which is a completely misleading and potentially misleading one. to be dangerous.
For example, the use of cookies means that your websites can keep a close eye on your whereabouts when you log in to the platform. Social media buttons and ‘check in’ features also track where you are in real time, creating a virtual track that can snag even the best VPN connections.
So while VPNs certainly hide your IP address and create some sort of pseudonym when they are online, they will not completely hide your location and cannot the other existing tracking tools have rejected various sites and browsers.
# 3. All VPNs are the same
At its core, most VPNs serve the same primary purpose, but there are a wealth of differences between individual service providers, the prices and the value for money they deliver.
you can access paid or free VPN onlinefor example, the first one will provide access to additional features and products depending on your investment level.
The best executives also promise flexible pricing, allowing you to avoid tight monthly subscriptions and get real value for money based on your actual usage.
It is also worth noting that VPN service providers offer different coverage (both domestically and internationally), with market leaders such as Surf Shark connecting users to up to servers 3,200 in 65 different countries.
Accessing a VPN with a dense network coverage can help reduce latency when using it wherever you are, which is an important consideration since VPNs often need to manage encrypted data further than through network connections. normal.
# 4. VPNs are too complex
When evaluating VPN service providers and connections, you can review low-level and complete details that differentiate one operator from another.
While the nuances and mechanics of VPN functionality can be complex and difficult to follow, however, using this type of connection is fairly straightforward.
In the current marketplace, all you need to do is specify a working VPN platform, before launching the appropriate app and clicking ‘Connect’. In just a few seconds, you can be quickly connected and able to browse the Internet for free and with added peace of mind.
Of course, some providers make this process even easier and faster, but the main thing to remember is that you do not have to understand all aspects of how VPNs work in order to use them properly. safely and effectively.
# 5. VPN increases latency and reduces your internet speed
We close with one of the most common and erroneous VPN proofs, which is that this type of connection increases online latency and significantly reduces your average internet speed.
As we have already said, it is yes true to say VPNs need to send data further out as part of the process, and the need to encrypt and decrypt data can theoretically increase latency and reduce your connection speed slightly.
However, much depends on the exact location of your VPN, and using a local and nearby service provider can mean that you do not notice a visible difference at all.
In addition, the best and most efficient VPNs can actively reduce latency and increase internet speeds in some cases, which is why it is so important that you choose the best product. meet your needs.