Should I Always Use a VPN? Yes! Here’s Why

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential everytime you go online. In this way, you can ensure the protection of your data and privacy. Without a VPN, every action you take online is susceptible to monitoring and exploitation. A VPN encrypts all of your data, concealing your personal information from third parties.

If you are wondering, “Should I always use a VPN? The answer is: Yes. Find out why in our guide below!

12 Reasons Why You Should Always Use a VPN

Here are 9 instances where it is essential to keep your VPN turned on consistently.

1. Connect to Public Wi-Fi

Everyone loves public Wi-Fi, but it can also expose you to security risks. Your personal information can fall into the wrong hands when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, airports, or hotels without protection.

By using a VPN like PureVPN, you create a safe passage that encrypts your data, protecting it from hackers on the same network. Whether it is important emails, login credentials, or private messages, your data is kept private from prying eyes.

2. Avoid Tracking and Ads

A VPN protects and hides your online traffic by encrypting it and routing it through secure servers. This stops advertisers, ISPs, and other companies from following your online activities, gathering personal information, and spamming you with advertisements. 

Your original IP address is covered by a VPN, making it difficult for anyone to trace your online identity. However, while a VPN can greatly reduce tracking and unwanted ads, it may not completely eliminate them as some advertisers and trackers can still use alternative techniques or methods. 

3. Conduct Financial Transactions

Mobile banking has changed how we manage our finances by putting convenience at our fingertips. However, the convenience is not without risk. That is where a VPN comes in, adding an extra layer of security to your online banking transactions.

With a VPN like PureVPN, you can be confident that your banking information and transactions are safe from prying eyes. It establishes a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN service, ensuring that your sensitive information remains safe.

Related Read: Is a VPN Safe for Online Banking?

4. Dodge ISP Throttling

Tired of frustratingly slow internet? Do not worry as you can give your online experience a much needed boost. When ISPs deliberately slow down specific traffic, a VPN is your secret weapon to get around bandwidth throttling.

A VPN like PureVPN allows you to bypass your ISP’s throttling efforts by rendering techniques like deep packet inspection unusable. They cannot see what you are doing online, making it difficult to identify the specific type of traffic to slow down.

5. Browse HTTP Websites

HTTPS, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, plays a crucial role in keeping you safe online by encrypting your data when you visit a website. However, it is worth noting that not all websites implement the secure HTTPS extension. 

Even if you visit a site that does, the encryption used in HTTPS, known as Transport Layer Security (TLS), is relatively easier to crack compared to the encryption used in a standard VPN. Take the necessary precautions by keeping your VPN active at all times.

Related Read: SSL vs TLS: What’s the difference?

6. Get Around Local Firewalls

In some places like your school, dorm, or workplace, there may be restrictions on the content you can access online. Using a VPN like PureVPN provides you with the ability to transcend these limitations and access the internet freely. 

By disguising your location and routing your online traffic through servers in other countries, a VPN gives you the power to navigate the internet without the constraints imposed by these environments. All it takes is a few clicks!

7. Circumvent Censorship

Unfortunately, the internet is not as unrestricted as we desire. In various parts of the world, governments employ censorship measures to limit access to news, entertainment, and even social media apps.

Fortunately, a VPN like PureVPN can assist you in circumventing censorship and concealing your digital footprints while doing so. It allows you to access blocked content and navigate the online realm more freely, while also ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure.

Related Read: How to Bypass Censorship with a VPN 

8. Protect Your Online Privacy

Privacy is a key factor driving the use of VPNs. When you go online, it is important to recognize that your every move is being monitored. While this realization may be unsettling, it is crucial to acknowledge the need for privacy protection.

A VPN addresses this concern by encrypting all of your internet traffic right from your device. This means that any attempts to invade your privacy become futile, as your data becomes unintelligible and useless to potential intruders.

9. Save Money While Shopping Online

Online shopping prices can fluctuate significantly based on your location and browsing habits, particularly noticeable with travel-related expenses like flights and accommodations. However, you can enhance your online shopping savings with a VPN. All it takes is changing your location and hiding your real one to unlock exclusive discounts.

10. Stop DDoS Attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks use your IP address to target you. When you use a VPN, your IP address is replaced with that of the VPN server, keeping your real one hidden from attackers. This is particularly useful for gamers and streamers, who frequently find themselves at the mercy of such disruptions.

11. Defeat Metadata Retention

A VPN can prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from seeing the contents of your internet traffic, such as the websites you visit or the data you transmit. Instead, your ISP will only see encrypted traffic going to the VPN server. This means that the ISP will not be able to retain detailed metadata about your online activities, such as browsing history.

12. Access Devices Remotely

A VPN lets you safely connect to other computers over the internet as if you were on the same private network, like being able to access your office computer from home. It keeps your connection private and helps you get around online blocks or restrictions. Learn more about remote access VPNs.

Why Should I Always Use a VPN?

A VPN provides the utmost online security, making it essential to keep your VPN activated at all times. This keeps you safe against data leaks, cyberattacks, and intrusive entities like ISPs or advertisers. It also protects your data when using public Wi-Fi networks.

In addition, a VPN masks your location routing your traffic through a remote server, meaning no one can tell what you do online and from where. Leading VPN providers like PureVPN offer valuable features like a kill switch and obfuscation, adding more layers of protection.

When Should You Turn Off Your VPN?

After going through all of the scenarios where you need to use a VPN, you might be asking yourself: When should I not use my VPN? There are a few situations in which you can do without a VPN. To begin with, if you are visiting local services or websites that do not require extra protection, you can turn off your VPN to improve connection speeds. 

Similarly, you can disable your VPN when accessing trusted and secure networks, such as your home Wi-Fi. However, bear in mind that for the majority of online activities, using a VPN provides safety and anonymity. 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Hide your online activities from prying eyes.	Older hardware can lead to a slowdown in device performance.
Surf the web with enhanced security.	Internet speed may be reduced, but selecting the “fastest server” option eliminates any noticeable impact.
Prevent your ISP from throttling your connection.	Some websites need you to be in a certain place, and using a VPN might not work with them.
Stay secure on public Wi-Fi.	You might get signed out of websites, like banks, if they can’t confirm your location.
Discover great bargains when shopping online.
Go around local firewalls.
Share and download files securely.

Keeping Your VPN Active 24/7: A How-To Guide

It’s simpler than you might think. Once you’ve installed a VPN, open the app, choose a server, and connect. If you’re unsure about the server, just click the Connect button on your PureVPN app’s main dashboard to automatically connect to the fastest server. Your VPN will stay active until you decide to turn it off manually.

Why Prioritizing Cybersecurity Is Essential

From password breaches to full-scale identity theft leading to financial losses, cyberattacks are an increasing threat. In a 2020 study by the Pew Research Center, 35% of Americans reported receiving notices about online personal information compromises.

As more potentially life-changing information is made available online, privacy should be given high consideration. Similar to your front door, a VPN serves as a barrier that protects you and your valuables only when it is closed. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Should you have a VPN on all the time?

While it is generally recommended to keep a VPN on at all times for enhanced privacy and security, there may be specific situations where it is not necessary. Assessing the circumstances will help determine whether using a VPN is required or not.

Is it okay to not use VPN?

It depends. Assessing your privacy needs, the sensitivity of the information you handle online, and the level of security required will help you make an informed decision on whether or not to use a VPN.

Final Word

It is highly recommended to keep your VPN active whenever you go online. Adding an additional layer of protection is always beneficial, and the setup process is incredibly straightforward. 

Whether you are connecting to the internet on public Wi-Fi, at home, or at work, a VPN like PureVPN is your go-to solution. It ensures the safety and security of your information around the clock, providing you with peace of mind.