DIGITAL MEDIA GHOST
  • Publication
  • #GhostsWriteIt Spotlight
    • Writer Spotlight Submission
  • Services
    • Digital Strategy
      • Content Marketing
      • Law Firm Marketing
      • Social Media Management
    • Ghostwriting
    • Public Relations
      • Social Sabotage & Online Privacy
        • Social Media Policy Template
  • About
  • Publication
  • #GhostsWriteIt Spotlight
    • Writer Spotlight Submission
  • Services
    • Digital Strategy
      • Content Marketing
      • Law Firm Marketing
      • Social Media Management
    • Ghostwriting
    • Public Relations
      • Social Sabotage & Online Privacy
        • Social Media Policy Template
  • About
Search

Nothing Is Private Online, But VPNs Help

11/29/2015

0 Comments

 
by Mary C Long 

Every time you access the Internet, you put your privacy at risk. Yes, Big Brother is watching. There is nothing that will make you completely anonymous, but VPNs are one way to reduce the risk. You’re not using one though, are you? Let’s explore why you should consider it: 

□ ALSO READ: 20+ VPNs Rated On Privacy and Security Side-By-Side

Prying Eyes

Your online behavior is being watched by everyone from your neighbors, to inquisitive advertisers, to our own government in today’s connected world. And then there’s the onset of Big Data to worry about too.

So what can you do?

Short of leaving online completely (and not many people can do that), a VPN can offer some peace of mind.

So, What is a VPN?

A VPN, Virtual Private Network, creates an encrypted connection over a public, less secure network, i.e., the Internet. And it provides a level of security for connected systems that would not be there otherwise, particularly when it is either cost prohibitive or not feasible (such as for a travelling company representative) to use a private network.  

As Hostwinds demonstrates the benefits of using one are numerous:

  • Secure an encrypted connection – your Internet connection is encrypted preventing unwanted eyes from monitoring what you do.
  • No third-party tracking – third parties are prevented from tracking your online activities.
  • Identity protection – a good VPN helps to protect you from identity theft and keeps your information secure.
  • Global access – you can gain access to web apps that are geographically limited. 

Why would I use a VPN?

Well, it’s not a magical device. A VPN service allows you to change your IP address and prevents others from eavesdropping on you (most times). But how you make use of the VPN depends on what kind of Internet user you are (and you can get a more in-depth view of user scenarios/solutions here):

  • Worker/student – Uses a VPN provided by their company or school to give them access to their network when they’re off-site. These folks will generally use their VPN when using public WI-Fi at places such as a coffee shop or the airport.
  • Traveler – Finds herself all over the world and has lost patience with the vagaries of local networks. The VPN allows her to access Internet radio, favorite TV programming, or web apps that have been restricted to a particular country.
  • Privacy Freak — This person makes regular use of their VPN to ensure that all of their communications are secure. They have a visceral fear of unsecured connections. (As well they should!)
  • Downloader – This guy frequents BitTorrent and knows a VPN is the only way to be secure.
Think of a VPN as an encrypted tunnel between your off-site computer and a secure network. Tunnels are dark, creepy and dangerous when not well-lit though.

VPN Fails

Not all VPN services give you the level of anonymity that you might require. Torrent Freak shares a list that will keep you awake at night worrying, but being aware of your VPN’s logging practices is a good place to start. You should know:

  • What logs, if any, does the company keep that allows them to match an IP-address and time stamp to a user.
  • What tools are used to prevent abuse of their service.
  • The response to a takedown notice or court order that requires the identification of a user.
  • Which file sharing services are permitted.
  • Where the servers are located and who has access to them. 

And regardless of what your VPN offers, don’t be stupid. No VPN is going to protect you if you insist on behaving illegally. Not forever at least.

So, are you using a VPN? Why…. or more importantly, Why not? Are you comfortable with the idea of prying eyes? And are you doing anything at all to preserve your privacy? 

This post originally appeared on Commpro 

IMAGE CREDIT: SAFWAT SAYED
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Become a Ghostwriter!
    Picture
    Contribute to DMG
    Picture
    BECOME A GUEST CONTRIBUTOR
    Picture
    PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS BY GUEST POSTING
    Picture
    ARE YOU A GHOSTWRITER? WE WANT TO KNOW!
    Picture
    DO YOU HAVE A GHOSTWRITING BUSINESS?

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Agency Spotlight
    Business
    Digital Marketing
    Ghost In A Flash
    Ghostwriting
    Media Relations
    Privacy Concerns
    Social Sabotage
    Technology
    Writer Spotlight
    Writing

    Advertising Disclaimer

    Archives

    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

Find your domain and create your site at Weebly.com!
Digital Media Strategy
Content Marketing
Law Firm Marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Social Media Marketing
eBooks
Writing
Becoming a Ghostwriter
Blogging
Content Marketing
Ghostwriting Services
Guest Post Guidelines
Media Relations
Online Crisis Management
Personal Brand
Public Relations
Reputation Management
About
Our Team
Our Results
Testimonials
Contact Us
Locations:
New Orleans, LA
Nashville, TN

DMG University
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Cookie Policy
Digital Media Ghost  @2020
  • Publication
  • #GhostsWriteIt Spotlight
    • Writer Spotlight Submission
  • Services
    • Digital Strategy
      • Content Marketing
      • Law Firm Marketing
      • Social Media Management
    • Ghostwriting
    • Public Relations
      • Social Sabotage & Online Privacy
        • Social Media Policy Template
  • About