Why you should use a VPN service

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Published 14 December 2023
With a VPN service, you can choose which country your web traffic passes through and protect your own location.

VPN stands for ‘virtual private network’ – a service that protects your internet connection and online privacy. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your data, protects your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allows you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely. It’s a good idea to use VPN protection on both your computer and your phone.

Using VPN apps makes your digital life safer, easier, and more convenient.

By changing your IP address, hiding your physical location, and encrypting your connection, you can increase your online privacy. A VPN protects you from cyber threats like man-in-the-middle attacks, packet sniffing, and dangerous Wi-Fi networks.

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Open internet

With a VPN, you can avoid online censorship and restrictions and experience a free and open internet.

Secure file sharing

Share files securely at home or at work – a VPN encrypts your connection so no prying eyes can see what data you’re transferring.

Why do you need a VPN?

No one likes to be monitored or tracked – even if they have nothing to hide. That’s why it’s important that you raise the bar on your privacy. In these cases, you need a VPN.

A VPN works by creating a secure encrypted connection between your device and a remote server so your data can travel in secret.

When using public Wi-Fi networks

VPNs are used to secure your connection to public Wi-Fi, so you can browse with complete privacy. Hackers use many methods to steal your information when you connect to public hotspots, but with a VPN, your online traffic is invisible to them.

When you’re traveling

If you want to access content from your home country while traveling around the world, a VPN can help. Install NordVPN on your device and never miss a friend’s social media posts.

When you browse

Government agencies, marketers and internet service providers would all love to track and collect your browsing history, messages and other personal data. Best way to hide them? Use a VPN to keep your data to yourself.



When you play games

Do you like to play games online? Avoid DDoS attacks and bandwidth restrictions with NordVPN. Use our Meshnet feature to have secure virtual LAN parties with your friends.

When shopping

Avoid targeted pricing, fake websites, and bait-and-switch attacks with a VPN. Shop safely knowing that your card details are safe from hackers, even on public networks.

When you stream

Watch your favorite shows without slowing down. NordVPN can save your movie night by preventing your ISP from throttling your connection.

 

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Facts - what does a VPN do?

A VPN redirects your traffic through a remote server while encrypting it. Usually, when you try to access a website, your internet service provider receives your request and directs you to your destination. But when you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is redirected through a remote server first before being sent to your destination.

First of all, a VPN hides your data from surveillance - encryption is essential when you want to protect your internet traffic and minimize your online footprint. It also prevents your ISP from selling your entire browsing history to the highest bidder.

Your IP address (and therefore your virtual location) is also hidden and you get a new one belonging to the VPN server you are connected to. This ensures extra security and significantly increases your online privacy - no one knows what city or country you're browsing from.

These are standard VPN features, but NordVPN aims higher than that. We want to protect not only your data but also your devices. That's why we developed the Threat Protection feature to protect your devices from common internet risks: malware in downloaded files, web trackers, annoying ads, and dangerous links. You don't need to be connected to a VPN server to use it - all you have to do is activate the feature and it will protect your device 24/7.

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