What is a VPN? And why you should use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

What is a VPN? And why you should use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s safe to use public Wi-Fi, you are not alone. In fact, according to the Norton Cybersecurity Insights Report, 6 in 10 consumers believe using public Wi-Fi is riskier than using a public restroom. And it is. Surfing the Web or transacting on an unsecured Wi-Fi network means you’re placing your private information and anonymity at risk. That’s why a virtual private network, better known as a VPN, is a must for anyone worried about online security and privacy.

What is a VPN?

A VPN gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public Internet connection. VPNs mask your Internet protocol (IP) address so your online actions are virtually untraceable. Most important, VPN services establish secure and encrypted connections, guaranteed to provide greater privacy than even a secured Wi-Fi hotspot.

Why you need a VPN

Think about all the times you’ve been on the go, reading emails while in line at the coffee shop, or checking your bank account while waiting at the doctor’s office. Unless you were logged into a private Wi-Fi network that required a password, any data transmitted during your online session was likely vulnerable to eavesdropping by strangers using the same network. The encryption and anonymity that a VPN provides protects your online activities: sending emails, shopping online, or paying bills. VPNs also help keep your Web browsing anonymous.

How does a VPN work?

VPNs work by encrypting the internet data that’s exchanged between your device and the VPN server and routing your internet traffic through a network of remote servers managed by the VPN service provider. This prevents third parties from snooping on the data you send and receive and conceals your online activity behind a virtual IP address, helping you to keep your identity, location, and browsing activity hidden.

Beyond security

VPNs essentially create a data tunnel between your local network and an exit node in another location, which could be thousands of miles away, making it seem as if you’re in another place. This benefit makes VPNs valuable for people who wish to get access to content from specific websites in other countries. It will also allow you to continue enjoying your favorite apps and websites from anywhere in the world, as if you were at home. With Norton VPN, you can protect your passwords, secure your personal data, and help keep your online activity private.

Learn more about the benefits of a VPN on uk.Norton.com.

Norton Benefit Solutions offers a digital wellness benefit that helps empower employees with protection for their identity, devices, and online privacy.