VPN: Why adopt it? Advantages, disadvantages and applications

Security

We've all heard about VPNs at one time or another, often in connection with online privacy or computer security. But faced with the avalanche of offers and information, it's sometimes hard to really understand what a VPN is, why you might need one, and how to use it properly. Whether you're looking to secure your connection over public Wi-Fi, access geo-blocked content, or simply preserve your privacy, a VPN could be the perfect solution. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about VPNs, their pros and cons, how to share them via Spliiit to save even more, and the best options available.

‍Whatexactly is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that encrypts your data and masks your IP address when you're surfing the web. In short, a VPN acts as an extra layer of security between you and the rest of the online world.

Think of the Internet as a vast motorway network, where your data circulates in the open, visible to anyone interested in it. A VPN is like a private tunnel you can travel through. No one can see what's going on inside the tunnel: your destination, the sites you visit, the information you share are all protected. To do this, a VPN redirects your connection to a remote server and encrypts all data exchanged, guaranteeing your anonymity and security.

In practice, a VPN lets you change your virtual location: you can connect to a server in New York while you're in France. This has a number of advantages, which we'll look at below.

Why adopt a VPN? Benefits and use cases

‍Thebenefits of using a VPN‍

1️⃣Sécurisation data on the Internet

This is one of the best-known advantages of VPN: security. When you use a VPN, your data is encrypted, which means that even if someone manages to intercept it (on an unsecured Wi-Fi network in an airport or café, for example), they won't be able to read it. Encryption is one of the most effective techniques for protecting your online privacy, especially when it comes to sensitive data such as bank details or passwords.

Imagine using public Wi-Fi to access your bank account. Without a VPN, your information can be intercepted by anyone on the same network. With a VPN, even if someone intercepts your traffic, everything is encrypted, i.e. unreadable without the decryption key.

2️⃣ Anonymity and confidentiality

VPN masks your IP address, which is your identity card on the Internet. When you connect to a VPN, it's the VPN server's IP address that's visible, not yours. This makes your activities anonymous, as it becomes impossible for websites, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or even certain institutions to trace you directly.

The anonymity offered by a VPN is particularly useful for protecting your privacy from advertisers who track your online behavior to personalize the ads you receive. What's more, it's invaluable in a world where digital surveillance is becoming increasingly invasive.

3️⃣ Access to geo-blocked content

Who hasn't been frustrated to see that annoying message: "This content is not available in your country"? One of the major advantages of a VPN is that it allows you to bypass the geographical restrictions imposed by certain platforms. For example:

Are you on vacation and your favorite Netflix series is blocked in the country you're in? With a VPN, you can connect to a server in your home country and access your content as if you'd never left home.

BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK, but with a VPN you can access this service from any country.

Some countries censor platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and even Google. A VPN allows you to bypass this censorship by making you appear as if you were in another country, free to access these services.

4️⃣ Avoid censorship and government surveillance

In some countries, Internet access is heavily censored. Governments restrict access to certain websites, such as Facebook, Twitter and news sites. With a VPN, it's possible to bypass these restrictions and access information without suffering censorship. VPNs are widely used by journalists, activists, or even expatriates who want to stay connected to uncensored content.

5️⃣ Protection against cyber attacks

On the Internet, hackers frequently attempt to break into networks to steal sensitive information. This is particularly true for people who work from home or manage confidential information. A VPN can protect you against these cyberattacks by making your network invisible and encrypting the data exchanged.

6️⃣ Bypassing bandwidth restrictions

Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) limit users' bandwidth when they are using large amounts of data, such as streaming or downloading. By using a VPN, your ISP can't see what you're doing, and it becomes harder to limit your connection speed. This translates into a smoother experience, especially when watching high-definition videos or playing online games.

‍Thedisadvantages of a VPN

While VPNs offer many advantages, they are not without their limitations. Here are a few disadvantages to be aware of before choosing to use one.

1️⃣ Reduced connection speed

Redirecting your connection through a VPN server necessarily involves some loss of speed. Data encryption and the geographical distance of the VPN server can lead to a noticeable drop in performance. However, quality VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN or CyberGhost have powerful infrastructures that minimize this loss, offering speeds very close to those of your usual connection.

2️⃣ Subscription cost

The best VPNs are generally not free. For optimum security, you'll need to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee. Free versions do exist, but they are often limited in terms of speed, bandwidth and number of available servers. Worse still, some free VPNs can represent a danger, as they may sell your data to compensate for the lack of subscription revenue.

3️⃣ Possible incompatibility with some websites

Some websites and online services (such as banking services) detect the use of a VPN and restrict access to prevent fraud. You may therefore encounter difficulties when trying to connect with a VPN. Many VPNs, such as Surfshark or CyberGhost, have servers optimized to bypass these restrictions, but nothing is 100% guaranteed.

4️⃣ Relative safety

A VPN is not a magic solution for protecting all your online behavior. While it greatly enhances your privacy, it doesn't protect you against phishing, malware or weak passwords. For optimum security, a VPN should be combined with other security practices, such as using antivirus software and being cautious of suspicious e-mails.

VPN use cases

1. Streaming without limits : Access foreign catalogs

One of the most popular use cases for VPNs concerns access to geo-blocked streaming services. Streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, have different content catalogs for different countries. For example, Netflix's U.S. catalog often contains titles that are not available in other regions.

Using a VPN like NordVPN, CyberGhost, or ExpressVPN, you can easily connect to a server located in the country of your choice and access the corresponding catalog. This is an ideal solution for people who want to discover films and series not available in their region.

What's more, some sporting events are geographically restricted. With a VPN, you can access matches, tournaments or live events as if you were in the country where the event is taking place.

‍2. Securing your data on public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks (in airports, cafés or hotels, for example) are often not very secure. They are favorite targets for hackers looking to intercept connections to obtain sensitive information, such as logins or passwords. Using a VPN (such as ProtonVPN or Mozilla VPN) ensures that all your data is encrypted and protected from possible intrusion attempts.

Suppose you're on the move and need to use airport Wi-Fi to check your bank account. By connecting unprotected, you run the risk of being hacked. With a VPN, all your traffic is encrypted, making your banking information inaccessible to other network users.

3. Circumventing censorship in restrictive countries

In some parts of the world, governments block access to services such as Facebook, Google, YouTube and even messaging platforms. This makes access to information difficult, if not impossible. A VPN makes it possible to bypass these restrictions by connecting to a server located in a country where these services are authorized.

VPNs like CyberGhost and NordVPN are particularly well known for their ability to bypass censorship in countries like China, Russia and Iran, giving users total freedom of access to information.

For example, in China, the Great Firewall blocks access to many Western sites, including Google, WhatsApp, or Instagram. By using a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and access these services freely, without surveillance.‍

4. Protection against targeted advertising and trackers

Websites and online services often collect information about you for targeted advertising purposes. You visit a shoe website, and the next day, you see ads for those shoes on your social networks? This is the magic (or nightmare) of online tracking. A VPN can protect you by masking your IP address and allowing you to browse anonymously.

Some VPNs, such as ProtonVPN and PureVPN, integrate additional features that block not only your IP address, but also ads and trackers. This is an ideal solution for people who are tired of being constantly tracked on the web.

5. Secure teleworking

With teleworking on the rise, VPNs have become an essential tool for many companies. They enable employees to connect securely to the company's internal network, even from home. This guarantees data confidentiality and protects the company from potential attacks.

VPNs like NordVPN Teams are designed specifically to meet the needs of businesses. They enable employers to ensure that their employees connect securely, even when working from public places or unsecured environments.

6. Download torrents safely

Some users use a VPN to download torrents. In some countries, downloading torrents can be frowned upon or even illegal, especially if it involves copyrighted content. A VPN masks your IP address, allowing you to download content without risking copyright infringement notices from your ISP.

VPNs like ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost are well known for their efficiency when it comes to downloading torrents. They offer servers optimized for this type of activity, guaranteeing good download speeds while protecting your anonymity.

Comparison of popular VPNs

With so much on offer, choosing the right VPN can be complicated. On Spliiit we have a wide catalog of VPNs:

Here is a comparison of the main VPNs on the market, taking into account their specific characteristics:

1️⃣ NordVPN

It's one of the most popular VPNs, and for good reason. NordVPN offers fast speed, strong encryption, and unique features like Double VPN that add an extra layer of security. With a vast network of servers, it's an ideal solution for streaming, security, and privacy.

2️⃣ CyberGhost

Known for its ease of use, CyberGhost is perfect for beginners wishing to access geo-blocked content, and for those looking for an out-of-the-box solution. CyberGhost offers specific servers for streaming and torrent downloads.

3️⃣ ProtonVPN

Created by the founders of ProtonMail, ProtonVPN focuses on security and privacy. It offers a limited free version, but it's fully functional and never sells your data. It's a great option for those who want a simple, yet reliable VPN.

4️⃣ PureVPN

With impressive global coverage, PureVPN is a robust solution that also offers additional features such as ad blocking and malware protection. PureVPN is an excellent option for users who want a complete VPN at an affordable price.

5️⃣ HMA! (HideMyAss!)

HMA! is one of the best-known VPNs for those seeking extensive server coverage. HideMyAss! offers servers in almost every country in the world, perfect for bypassing geographical restrictions. It's also very user-friendly, but less secure than some alternatives for sensitive uses.

‍6️⃣Mozilla VPN

Developed by the Mozilla Foundation, Mozilla VPN is relatively new to the market. It's designed to be simple to use, without complicated features, while offering good confidentiality. It's an ideal option for those who love Mozilla and want to support a player that values privacy.

‍Conclusion: Why and when to adopt a VPN?

Whether you're concerned about your privacy, want to access international content, or simply want to secure your connection, a VPN is an essential tool. Although using a VPN has certain drawbacks, such as a slight reduction in speed or a monthly cost, the benefits in terms of security, freedom and anonymity make it a tool of choice in our digital world.

Before choosing a VPN, think about your specific needs: do you want access to geo-blocked content? Do you want to prioritize speed or security? Depending on your answers, you're bound to find the VPN that's right for you among popular services like NordVPN, CyberGhost, ProtonVPN, or PureVPN.

With Spliiit, you can make this solution even more affordable. By sharing your subscription with other users, you save considerably, while enjoying the best VPNs on the market: an option you won't regret!

In short, a VPN is much more than just a gadget for privacy junkies. It's an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to take control of their online security, access the Internet without limits, and protect their data from prying eyes.