5 Innovative Uses of a VPN

VPNs have become a necessity in today’s times for any Internet user. With so many malicious programs doing rounds on the unsecured web, your online safety is in your own hands. While most people understand that VPNs enable them to make a secure connection with an Internet server and be online risk-free, there are also a number of other uses of VPNs. For example, you can use your VPN service provider to change your IP address and take advantage of discounts on e-commerce sites that are not available in your region. Similarly, you can use your VPN to change your IP address and access streaming content that is not available in your region through normal channels.  There are many other uses that you can put your VPN to and we are going to look at all of them here. Are you ready to get more out of your VPN than just secure connectivity to the Internet? Then read on!

5 Innovative Uses of a VPN

Save Money on Hotel and Flight Bookings

When you search for a hotel or flight online, the travel website gets to see your IP. They can detect your location from your IP. You know that the prices are displayed in your local currency. What you don’t know is that the prices vary according to your location as well.

For example, if you’re in the US and are booking a flight to Mexico, you will be shown a higher price than what’s shown to someone in Mexico. You can call someone in Mexico and ask them to book your tickets or take the easy way – get a VPN.

With a VPN, you can change your IP and the travel website will see that you’re located somewhere else. This way, you can save a lot of money on travel.

Use Public Wifi Securely

Free Wi-Fi is one of the perks of visiting a coffee shop (apart from the yummy donuts and coffee). The thing about public Wi-Fi’s is that they aren’t secure. In fact, the Wi-Fi might not belong to the coffee shop in the first place. It might be a honeypot laid out by hackers.

When you’re connected to such a network and send some data across it, hackers can view your activity. Your username and password can be spied on by others.

You can avoid such situations by simply using a VPN. A VPN creates a secure and encrypted tunnel between your device and the server with which you are connecting. This means that an unauthorized attempt to track your activity would not be successful. If you are someone who uses public the Wi-Fi at cafés or airports, VPNs are a must for you.

Secure Data Downloading and Uploading

Since VPNs create a secure connection between you and the server, they make sure that all your data is encrypted and out of reach of anyone. If you work from home and your information is sensitive enough to attract the attention of any would-be hacker, a VPN can keep you safe.

Another important reason for using VPNs when engaging in Peer-to-Peer connections or data transfer is that they ensure your normal internet speed is not hampered. This means that all file transfer is done at the same speed as that of a regular internet connection. Sharing your files becomes safe and nobody will be able to access your sensitive documents.

Take Advantage of Regional Discounts

E-commerce sites have long been known to be selective about which regions they offer their discounts in. If you are a frequent shopper through online channels, you might want to get a great discount that is otherwise not available in your region.

For example, let’s say you want to buy a designer handbag. You find that the same product has two different pricing at two different places. The Amazon website from Amsterdam has the same bag priced significantly lower than the Amazon site of the US. Should you just pay the higher price or can you do something about it? VPN is the answer! If you use your VPN to change your IP address, you can buy the bag at the original price quoted on the Amsterdam version of Amazon and have it shipped to you in the US. Now isn’t that a nifty way to save some bucks?

Access All Websites from Anywhere in the World

Ask any expat or frequent flyer what is their most favorite thing about their VPN. They will probably tell you that it is the ability to unlock geo-restricted content and watch movies or TV series made in their home country. Even in the US, there are certain channels that are not available everywhere. If you find yourself missing out on that good entertainment just because you are in the wrong geolocation, just use a VPN to fix the problem!

If you want to watch the Netflix of your home country, you can do it by connecting to a VPN. For example, if you’re from Brazil, living in another country, you can select a Brazil VPN server and watch your favorite movies and shows.

5 Innovative Uses of a VPN – Parting Words

Now you know some of the many ways you can use your VPN to benefit you directly. In addition to the fact that it protects you from virtually all online threats, a VPN is a very handy tool to have for anyone who enjoys limitless access to the internet. So, why wait? Get yourself a good VPN today and enjoy the many benefits they have to offer!