When preparing for your getaway, your primary concern might revolve around remembering essentials. While protecting yourself from the sun or frost is crucial, it’s equally important to safeguard against a less apparent threat: cybercriminals who are eager to spoil your trip.
A reliable solution to keep you and your loved ones safe from hackers and scammers is a virtual private network (VPN). If you’re unfamiliar with this technology, no need to worry. According to a recent survey, nearly one-third (29%) of individuals had no prior knowledge of a VPN. In simple terms, a VPN acts as a privacy tool, allowing secure online access from any location—whether you’re waiting at an airport, relaxing at a local coffee shop, or unwinding by the pool at a resort.
What Security Technologies Should a VPN Have?
Your provider must have the following security technologies:
- A robust encryption is crucial for your VPN service. It ensures that your sensitive information cannot be read by cybercriminals, even in the event of a data breach.
- Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) is another trusted method VPN providers use to prevent unauthorized access to your data. MFA requires multiple forms of identity verification, such as passwords, fingerprints, or codes sent to your device.
- A kill switch is a valuable feature that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection unexpectedly fails, preventing IP address and data leaks.
- A VPN provider should have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not keep any record of your online activities. This ensures that your internet traffic remains private and secure while connected to the VPN.
Why do You Need to Travel with a VPN?
While VPN security is not in doubt for most users, Internet speed is a very controversial issue. Family protection does not justify slow internet. If you test Internet speed with VPN, you may notice some deviations. A good VPN provider strives to provide sufficient internet speed. However, encryption and traffic redirection can slow down the Internet. If we are talking about a quality VPN provider like VeePN, then the speed changes can be within 5%. Sometimes it is even possible to improve speed. It’s so insignificant that you won’t notice any changes.
#1 Secure access to public Wi-Fi
In our constantly connected digital era, having access to Wi-Fi almost everywhere we go proves to be beneficial. This includes our daily visit spots such as the local mall or favorite coffee shop, as well as frequent travel destinations. More than half (56%) of Americans have utilized public wifi in hotels, while over one-third (35%) have connected to public wifi in airports.
Using public wifi for checking emails, messaging friends, or posting on social media can be risky as it exposes login credentials and other private data to potential threats. Only 35% of respondents use a VPN while accessing public wifi. This lack of precaution can put individuals at risk, allowing cybercriminals to hijack accounts, impersonate users, and attempt scams on their contacts. With a VPN, you can securely log into your email, messaging, and social media accounts, enabling safe communication with friends and family while away.
#2 Protection against fake Wi-Fi networks
During your summer travels, are you planning to stay in a hotel, resort, or vacation rental? It’s important to be aware of the security risks associated with hotel wifi. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned that criminals can easily target hotel guests and gather personal data, such as names, addresses, and credit card numbers, by exploiting the vulnerabilities of hotel wifi.
These criminals can even deceive you with “evil twin attacks” by creating a fake Wi-Fi network that mimics the hotel’s legitimate one, allowing them to monitor all your online activities. To ensure added security, it’s recommended to use a VPN when connecting to hotel wifi. By following this precaution, you can rest easy knowing that your online activities are protected while you sleep soundly in your hotel bed.
#3 Secure access to your bank account
Vacation costs can accumulate, and you might be wondering if you spent too much on last night’s dinner or if you have enough funds in your bank account to rent that luxurious pontoon boat. However, accessing your banking app or logging in via an unsecured network can expose you to potential hacking threats.
59% of individuals who have never used a VPN believe it would be advantageous for banking while on the move. With a VPN, you can securely log into your bank account, check your balance, pay bills, and transfer funds, even when using public or hotel wifi. By implementing a VPN, you can prevent thieves from stealing your bank login information and money.
#4 Anonymous Browsing
Using a VPN while traveling offers numerous advantages, including the capability to anonymously browse the internet and shield yourself from tracking. With a VPN, your true IP address remains hidden, and your online activities become associated with the IP address of the VPN server. All you need is a VPN download free to ensure anonymity. This impedes websites, advertisers, and other entities from tracking your browsing behavior or location.
By maintaining anonymity, you gain more control over your privacy and minimize the occurrence of targeted advertisements and personalized tracking during your travels.
Conclusion
You have reason to be concerned about cybersecurity risks, especially while traveling. In tourist and simply crowded places there are many scammers who seek to steal our data and money. VPN is reliable protection against most types of scams and vulnerabilities.