What is a VPN.
VPN stands for virtual private network. It is essentially a tool that creates an encrypted tunnel for your data connection adding an extra layer of security to your WiFi data connections.
There are a number of security benefits with using a VPN:
- secures your network limiting the capability for sites to track your activity and collect data and target you with ads.
- Secures your private data by encrypting your data over the network connection.
- Can reduce both data and bandwidth throttling.
- Can allow you to still access sites back in your home country even if they are geo-blocked in the country you are visiting.
VPN Options.
These days it is really advisable for most if not all mobile devices that connect to the network by WiFi to be protected by a VPN and to also have antivirus protection. The risk to mobile devices increases when traveling because it is likely that the device will be connected to many different WiFi networks, from the airports, both foreign and domestic, hotels and even restaurants or public shopping centers.
If you are likely to use important private data over a network, such as using your mobile banking application, using a VPN to help restrict theft of that data is important as inherently all public networks are insecure. Some examples of VPN providers are (there are many):
- Private Internet Access
- CyberGhost
- ProtonVPN
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- TotalVPN
- SurfShark
Some of these providers also provide further security like malware blocking. All of the above listed providers support Windows, Apple, Android, IOS and other operating systems. You can usually get a family size license that allows installation to a number of devices with the one license, allowing you to protect your whole family.
It is worth noting that VPN’s are simply another key important safety step online, but it is not a substitute for antivirus software. Antivirus software is your best protection against malware attacks for example….
Installing VPN on your mobile devices.
Most of the providers above offer subscription like services with monthly or an annual fee. You can review VPN providers on the internet by searching for VPN comparison sites that rate various providers. Once you have selected your preferred provider, it is usually a quick 2-3 step process to activate the VPN on your device:
- Select your preferred subscription option, monthly or yearly…
- Download the app from their site onto the devices you want to protect.
- Start the app and click to connect to the VPN.
VPN Phone Management
When you are traveling and connecting to more public WiFi networks, it is advisable to go into the VPN Apps setting on each device before the holiday, and look for the switch to set Auto-Connect on. This means that the VPN will reconnect automatically if you switch networks or restart the VPN App.
VPN FAQ’s:
When to get VPN on a mobile device?
As most VPN’s support multiple devices, if deciding to get a VPN, its worth covering all family devices including PC’s and Laptops, not just mobiles. Installing the VPN application on all of these, while at home on your existing network, makes this task easier, and also allows for timely investigation if there are problems.
Enable VPN Auto-Connect.
This could be enabled all of the time, but at the very least , Auto-Connect should be enabled while you are on holiday, just to have this protection as much as is possible.
Check the WiFi Name (SSID) carefully?
Always double check the exact Wi-Fi name (SSID) with an official or employee at the venue (before connecting) to make sure you are connecting to their network and not someone’s else’s with an intentionally very similar name!
