Image source: Pixabay
While you might be familiar with VPNs, the first thing that might pop into your head is protecting your computer. However, you can use them on your phone as well – and it is recommended to do so. Whether you use your phone for business or mostly for entertainment, read this article to find out why you should invest in protecting your activity with a VPN.
Why You Need a VPN on Your Phone
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and it is software that helps you to hide your IP address by encrypting your data through a different server. VPNs are used to protect both data and identities online, allowing internet users to have a safe experience. A VPN could be especially useful for you if you tend to connect to public (and unsecured) Wi-Fi networks on the same device you use for work, online banking, or otherwise a device that has any data you would not want to get leaked – which, for most of us, means all of our phones. In addition, you can enjoy the perk of being able to access your favourite content from platforms like Netflix or YouTube even when you are travelling abroad. Even better, you have the option to watch otherwise ‘locked’ content that is normally only available in other countries, from the comfort of your home. Using an antivirus and practising smart online browsing is a big part of staying safe on the internet, but a VPN will ensure that your data is encrypted and nearly impossible to access from the outside, even when connected to a Wi-Fi with questionable security.
How to Install a VPN on Your Android
A VPN app is not harder to install than any other. Firstly, you need to choose which company you wish to use; there are many providers out there, from free VPN services to premium ones. Make sure that the company you choose offers mobile VPN as well, and has an Android application. For example, you can download Surfshak VPN for Android devices here. If you want to get a better deal, you can look into brands that offer services that work on several devices, so you can protect your computer at the same time as well. Some also offer family deals. In terms of price, paid VPNs are generally better because they lack the underlying worry that the free ones do – the fact that they might put you at risk, since they may compromise your privacy by selling your data to make money. Even if that rather extreme scenario is not the case, free VPNs will make their money through ads or by limiting your features, while a subscription-based account will always make sure that you can enjoy the benefits of a VPN with no interruption. This does not mean that all of them are inherently bad – just make sure you do your research before using a free VPN.
Once you have considered all the factors and have chosen your provider, you can install their mobile application following the guidelines you receive when creating your account.