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Why Mac Owners Should Use VPNs?
Apple products used to be the holy grail against security threats, but threats such as malware, viruses and ransomware are no longer relegated to only its competition. A virtual private network (VPN) can help keep your Mac and the data it stores safe by cloaking your IP address and rerouting your internet use through different servers.
When you connect to the internet without a VPN, your traffic is not encrypted. This means that your ISP, government and anyone else can see what you’re doing online. A VPN encrypts your traffic, which makes it much more difficult for anyone to spy on your online activity.
In addition to increased security, a VPN also allows you to access geo-blocked content. For example, if you’re trying to watch a show that’s only available in the UK, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in the UK and access the content that way.
Are Macs Secure?
Apple is vocal about its commitment to user security and privacy on iOS and MacOS devices. And in reality, the company does offer a wide range of modern security features that are useful in keeping your data safe. However, a VPN can help add an extra layer of protection by keeping your browsing activity private from outside parties.
How Does a Mac VPN Work?
A Mac VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server. This makes it difficult for anyone to track or spy on your online activity. A VPN also hides your IP address, which prevents websites from tracking your location.
What is a VPN?
VPNs are virtual private networks that encrypt your data and mask your online activity from snooping third parties. When you do things like check your email, chat with colleagues and browse websites, a VPN can help keep you anonymous.
5 Reasons Why You Need a VPN
Using a VPN at home can keep your data safe from those who want to use your data for targeted advertising. On your mobile device, a VPN can protect your login details and other data you send when you connect to public Wi-Fi. And it can be especially useful for businesses that have proprietary information to protect. Here are some of the most common VPN uses:
1. Keep Your Data Private From Your ISP
Because of the relationship between you and your ISP, it can track what you do online (such as what sites you visit, the time you spend browsing, etc.). Depending on the Terms of Service and what you’ve agreed to, your ISP may even sell your personal data to advertisers. With that said, your stored data is kept confidential otherwise, according to most internet providers.
In the United States, ISPs are required to keep browsing history logs for 90 days. If the government requests your internet history, an ISP must comply. In fact, in cases of national security, the government doesn’t even need a warrant to access your internet data. Theoretically, with a warrant, local law enforcement can use your data to help convict you of a crime.
Even if you’re a law-abiding citizen, you might not want your ISP documenting every URL you visit. If you use a VPN, you can cover your tracks. At the very least, it can give you peace of mind.
2. Use Public Wi-Fi Safely With a VPN
Whether you’re at an airport waiting for a flight and checking your email, or at a local restaurant reading news on your phone, you may be tempted to use public Wi-Fi. It seems safe enough, right? The free internet connection is offered by the airport or business and they mean well.
The good news is that browsing online has become safer in recent years, thanks to most people adopting HTTPS over HTTP. That “S” is a security protocol that comes from a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate, and it helps protect internet data that’s shared to and from a site. That’s what makes it safer for you to pay for products and services online, for example.
However, most public Wi-Fi connections are open and not password protected, so you might put yourself at risk of your connection being intercepted by a hacker who is trolling the Wi-Fi network.
If you have a VPN service to log into first, you can anonymously connect to public Wi-Fi and essentially remain hidden on the network. A VPN will hide your identity on an open internet connection and encrypt active data, so even if a cybercriminal is on the same network, you’ll be safe.
3. Protect Your Personal Data From Businesses
Lots of retailers offer apps and free Wi-Fi to shoppers, and they make it really hard to not use them. For one, if you download a retailer’s app, you may get access to exclusive coupons and deals, so that’s tempting. Also, a lot of physical locations block cell phone service simply because of the metal in structures.
Businesses that offer these perks for free or incentives to use their apps and Wi-Fi are doing so to collect your data, which is extremely valuable to them. This is another good reason to use a VPN if you want to protect your personal data. Plus, you’ll still be able to safely access your apps and use free Wi-Fi while you’re shopping at malls or stores.
4. Protect Proprietary Info
Many companies adopted a remote or hybrid work policy recently, which is convenient for a lot of employees. However, there is a security concern about having remote workers log into company servers from home because you don’t know how secure an employee’s connection is. They could be working from home or a coffee shop. And if a connection is intercepted, there’s a concern that active data could go from an employee to a hacker, rather than the Wi-Fi the employee is trying to use.
Providing all employees with remote access and a VPN will help keep your company’s files and projects safe.
5. Access Blocked Content
A VPN does more than protect your data—it can unlock your access to media you can’t get to now. There are benefits here for a few different reasons.
Some citizens in countries with strict governments may not be able to visit websites with opposing views to their politicians. A VPN can make it appear as though you’re located in a different location, so you can access otherwise blocked websites or media. And your connection to the VPN can keep your actual location and IP cloaked, so you can’t be pinpointed.
Another benefit to using a VPN is that you can use it to find media you can’t get otherwise. For example, Netflix and Hulu offer different types of programming per location. If you’re in the United States, you might not be able to watch what’s available on Netflix in the United Kingdom. A VPN can make it appear as though you’re in another country, thereby unlocking that exclusive content.
These are just a few examples of how a VPN can help protect you or help you access blocked information. There are plenty of other reasons why everyone should use a VPN.
How do I Connect to a VPN?
The process for connecting to a VPN varies, depending on your device and operating system. Generally, you need to download the VPN’s app or software, enter your username and password and select a server. For more detailed instructions, check out the VPN’s website or contact customer service.
