Today, access to information has become freer than ever before. Big institutions, the government, advertising firms, and hackers across the world, and especially in the Northern hemisphere, are finding it easier to set up surveillance on you, to gather your private information. If you want to use your internet daily, you need to conceal your identity.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top reasons why you should always conceal your information on the internet using a trustworthy VPN.
Avoid Being Monitored by Secret Government Agencies
In 2005, Edward Snowden, an American whistleblower working for the CIA, leaked highly classified documents from the NSA (National Security Agency) and the Five Eyes Alliance. The information revealed how many systems undertook controversial surveillance on people across the globe, especially by the NSA and Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
The Five Eyes intelligence alliance was formed by Canada, the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia after World War 2. They still undertake surveillance on people today, looking for terrorist activities. Edward called them supranational intelligence organizations which don’t care about the laws in their countries.
So, when you are living in Canada, remember that it’s a member of the Five Eyes alliance. It is, therefore, rigorous on surveillance, especially on your online activity. You should always hide your location while using the internet, and if possible, browse using an incognito window.
Download Torrents and Online Content Anonymously
For online users who love sharing content on the internet using torrent files, you should be very cautious. Using P2P connections, which are used by torrent applications, your IP address is visible to everyone in the peer group. Remember, downloading copyrighted material can at times be considered as a federal offense.
Since it’s difficult to distinguish between legal and illegal material when downloading using torrents, you may find yourself sued for something you didn’t know. Using your IP address, legal firms and entertainment industries can track you down and give you copyright infringement notices. Canada, for instance, has strict laws which stand against torrenting files. Anyone who is caught will not only be fined heavily, but they may also be punished by imprisonment.
Keep Your Connections Private
Nowadays, many websites, advertising agencies, search engines, and social media platforms are monitoring your daily activities on the internet. The websites use cookies to follow up on what you are searching, the websites which you visit, products that you are buying, and many other activities.
These websites then outsource this information to other organizations claiming to help them sell different items which are more appealing to you. If needed, they’ll also give the government access to all your information. But using a VPN, you can prohibit these websites from monitoring your web traffic, data, and third-party activities.
Gain Access to Geo-Restricted Websites
Recently, many websites across the globe have been geo-restricted due to disagreements in the laws and regulations in different countries. However, that does not mean that you shouldn’t enjoy the same content as other people in the world. There are many movies, news, and other streaming websites which are geo-restricted from Canada.
This is why many people are using VPN applications today to gain access to channels such as Hulu, HBO, American Netflix, MTV music, and CBS sport, etc. By using VPNs, you can bypass any restrictions on your area. Simply choose an allowed US-based IP address and browse the websites at any time. You can also use VPNs to bypass blackouts on your favorite games. You don’t want to miss watching a live match since the website is blocked from your area.
Make Secure Payments and Purchases on the Internet
People who handle online transactions and sensitive data need to conceal their IP addresses from hackers. Whether you are looking to keep your bank accounts safe or make purchases using your clients’ details, there is always someone on the lookout to steal this information from you. If they successfully access these details, they can use it to manipulate you at any time.
By accessing your IP address, they can easily hack into your system and observe your online activity, as well as find sensitive data. They’ll then use your credit cards to purchase other merchandise on the internet without your consent or transfer money from your bank account. However, using a VPN, all your transactions will be safe and secured from hackers. You should find a VPN application that does not store your web history.
Secure Your Data When Using a Public Wi-Fi
For those who regularly use public Wi-Fi, your documents, transactions, and data are among the top targets by hackers. Public Wi-Fi includes free internet at your local cafe, on public transport, or in your school and other institutions. Any person within the same network can easily hack into any computer that is in that network.
Most hackers usually prey on people who are on public networks. Some will even create fake Wi-Fi networks to lure people into their traps. Once connected, you’ll have given the hacker a secure path into your device. That way, you’ll be guaranteed to lose data. If you tend to use public Wi-Fi for your online activities, it’s good to invest in a secure VPN to keep you safe.
Ensure Your Bank Security When Using Banking Apps
Most of the time, mobile devices are the ones used to give away your current IP addresses. This is because many people assume they don’t need a VPN while using their mobile internet. Even though mobile devices are more difficult to crack than computers, there are still many professional hackers working on learning how to hack the devices. Therefore, if you usually use your mobile device to make transactions on the go, ensure to keep yourself safe from snooping hackers.
Conclusion
Despite your freedom of access to information, there are many threats to your data. Government institutions, hackers, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, and many other people don’t respect your rights of privacy.
However, there is a simple, affordable solution to keeping yourself safe at all times. Using a secure VPN, you can hide your online activity and keep your online transactions safe. Always keep your VPN active and use an incognito browser window when necessary.