How to set up a VPN
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Reported today in The Verge.
How to set up a VPN
Virtual private networks (VPNs) can offer an additional layer of security and privacy for your online activity. Whether you're working on a public Wi-Fi network and want to escape prying eyes, or you're worried about privacy in general, a VPN can offer a lot of benefits.
In a nutshell, a VPN establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a private server, hiding your traffic from being seen by others. Of course, the VPN itself can still see your traffic, which is why you should choose a VPN from a company you trust. (A good rule of thumb is to avoid free VPNs, because if they're not charging you a fee, they may be monetizing in some less desirable way.) In addition, law enforcement can get its hands on your information through the VPN company. However, for the most part, a VPN offers you a way to hide your online activity from others.
Note that getting a VPN is only one of the measures you can take to make your web browsing more secure. Others include enabling two-factor authentication and using a password manager.
In addition to their security benefits, VPNs can be handy when you're trying to access sensitive information, or if you're traveling in Europe and want to stream Netflix or Amazon Prime titles only allowed in the US. Some even claim they can allow you to jump firewalls in heavily regulated countries such as China.
At home, you can set up your VPN through your router, which takes a few more steps, but then any devices connected to your router won't need to be configured individually; this can also slow down all traffic that goes through. However, for this article, we're going to concentrate on VPN apps that you can load on your laptop or phone so you can use the internet safely while away