Why Your Smartphone Needs a VPN

We stay connected to the internet via smartphones all the time, whether we’re traveling, working, or relaxing on our couch. We share memes with friends, pay bills, order groceries, and more. All the while, data is being sent and received between various locations, i.e., our devices.

While staying connected to the internet may seem harmless, some potential risks are involved. Any bad actor could have set up a public WiFi that you can connect to, without knowing it was meant as a trap to get access to your smartphone. And the worst thing is you may never know about it.

Here, I recommend you use a VPN because it will always keep your device safe. Read on to find out why it is important to have a VPN installed and activated on your smartphone:

Secure Data on The Go

Most of the times when we’re outside, we look for public WiFi. Apparently, it is the cheapest and widely available option as most cafes, restaurants, and public parks may offer one. But at the same time, public WiFi can be your biggest enemy because they’re one of the major medium hackers use to barge into your devices.

I won’t recommend using public WiFi for doing sensitive tasks like sending or receiving work files without connecting to a VPN first. It’s because as soon as you connect to a VPN, your device’s IP address changes. A VPN disguises your device’s original IP address and assigns it a new one. This way, a VPN fools the bad actors eyeing to retrieve important information from your device.

Also, it’s best if you use your ISP-backed hotspot zones. Most ISPs, for instance, Xfinity provides around 20 million hotspot zones around the country. They’re reliable, safe, and provide relatively faster speed than public WiFi. Also, they’re free of cost and can be accessed by anyone who is subscribed to Xfinity internet plans.

Note that, not all, but some companies like to keep track of users’ internet history. It is because they steal data and want to know what you’re interested in. And then bombard you with ads. But if you’re connected to a VPN, no one will be able to see what you’re doing on a website.

Getting Better of the Geographical Restrictions

While a VPN keeps us safe from grave dangers lurking on the internet, this is a fun factor about a VPN. You may find some blocked websites every time you try to access them. There can be multiple reasons for the unavailability such as government restrictions.

However, using a VPN can ease things as whatever VPN server you connect to becomes your current location. For example, people living outside the United States only can access a website. But you, living in the United States want to explore this site. So, you turn on the VPN and select a server outside the United States. As soon as you do it, the VPN assigns a new IP address to your device, one that can access that website. And just like that, a VPN lets you explore any website or app that is either unavailable or blocked where you live.

Enhanced Security for Remote Workers

Remote workers usually work from a laptop but it’s no surprise if they send/receive or open files on their smartphones. Office gadgets like laptops usually have strong security protocols and firmware. This is why they rarely need a VPN, but even on them, a VPN can be added as an extra security layer.

But if you’re a remote worker with a habit of using a personal smartphone for work, make sure to connect to a VPN first. When your device is connected to a VPN server, a safe pathway is created for data transmission. The data you send or receive goes through this safe server, and hence, keeps the bad actors away. Resultantly, a VPN enhances your device’s security and keeps your data safe from falling into the hands of hackers.

Winding Up

Using VPNs in smartphones helps to conceal the IP address when connected to the internet. What’s even better is a premium VPN which offers a variety of servers along with enhanced security. It’s wise not to compromise on anything when it comes to your smartphone’s security.