Why You Really Need A VPN For Your Windows Security?
Vulnerability of computers to attacks has always existed, but it has become much more of an issue in recent years. Cybercrime and surveillance by corporations and internet service providers (ISPs) threaten our privacy online. With nearly 40 per cent of the world's computers supporting Windows, it is by far the world's most popular operating system. So, it's also the most frequently hit by all kinds of attacks. Here we will discuss some of the challenges and how a VPN can help users avoid those challenges.
Introduction to a VPN
It's important to understand the basics before we start discussing what a VPN for Windows is capable of. A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a program that allows secure and private access to public and private networks through internet. It can help users to protect their digital identity and browsing activity online over Wi-Fi hotspots, or over the Internet in general.
People have always used VPNs to obtain more privacy when browsing the internet, but their use has increased even further in recent years due to the increasing threat posed by cyber criminals. A VPN is one of the most efficient ways of protecting ISPs from hacking and violation of privacy, and any other item that may attempt to access sensitive information from a user without permission.
The working of a VPN; explained
A VPN is like a firewall for people with malicious intentions standing between users and hackers. To understand how a VPN for Windows functions, it's important to comprehend how the web works. In simple terms, whenever a user initiates a request for access to a website through their browser's address bar, a packet of data is sent to their local Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The servers of the ISP then send the data to the website to which it was intended. The ISP and the website you're trying to visit know your exact location during this process and can track everything you're doing online. Instead of going to the ISP with a VPN, the request users send goes through a secure server operated by the company and then to the website for which it was intended. As a result, the user's actual position is shielded from others.
Prevalent threats for Windows users
The normal internet pathway without a VPN is full of places that make a user vulnerable to a range of threats. The IP address is public on an unprotected connection, and so is all browsing. Whatever a user does on the internet, they will continue to be monitored. Hackers can take that a step further and try different tactics to plant viruses or trick users to give away their sensitive data.
Some of the cybersecurity threats we face these days include:
ISPs
The Internet service providers and cyber-criminals are by far the greatest threat to Windows security. Government agencies also have access to the history of app surfing and they, too, go through ISPs. Hackers on the other hand, by stealing from them or directly targeting the user's computer, may take advantage of the various places our data is stored as social media sites.
Phishing
This is one of the most common ways hackers can steal information directly from users without them realizing it. The way it works is by giving the user a false form, questionnaire, or email. The open it up or fill it out without knowing it could be a pit to make you fall into. The information that they enter is gathered by the hacker or email attachment that a user may open, send a virus to their computer that will live their undetected and you will only realize its existence when the damage is done.
Malware
A malware is a virus which is sent by a third party to infect and disable a computer or network device. There are various types of malware with each its own unique feature. Some common examples include ransomware that locks access to data inside a computer unless a sum is paid to the hacker for its release, a spyware that secretly allows the sender to keep track of all the activities of the device they are infecting and adware among numerous others.
DDoS
Such attacks are targeted at individuals or businesses who may suffer losses if they go offline. E-commerce stores are prime examples. A Denial of Service (DoS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) sends massive amounts of junk traffic to a website or personal computer server causing a crash and go offline for a while. There is considerable damage to it by the time a computer recovers.
Why use a VPN for Windows Security
While a VPN looks like it just does a simple job, there are many features that come with it for added security. Even the simple task of masking the IP address and anonymizing data traffic is enough to get rid of many risks, such as hacking or theft of personal information. It is one of the best ways to fully protect yourself from any threats online.
Masking IP addresses
The majority of threats that infect a Windows computer begin from outside. Using IP addresses and data traffic, hackers or other organizations test where a user is and then send malware or other virus forms to attack their systems. Any third party can say what your IP address is, and what you are doing online with a VPN.
Encryption
VPNs offer additional security through end-to-end encryption. The companies selling top of the line packages come with 256-bit encryption which is the same as the one used by different departments of government. This encryption is crucial to close any gaps left when data is in transit, since this is where it is most insecure.
Conclusion
A VPN for Windows is among the most robust encryption services you can get at the most affordable price. Given all the elements that attempt to sneak in and steal information from your computer, it is important to always have a VPN installed along with an antivirus. Working well is always easier than being negligent and regretting it afterwards.
Author Bio:
Scott is a cyber-security professional. He's been writing in the internet privacy niche for a while now and has churned variety of informational pieces to educate his audience. Connect with him on Twitter.
