VPNs are recommended when using public Wi-Fi, but they can also secure connections at home. Although users are much more protected when surfing the web on a private WiFi network, no one is completely safe.
Do I Need To Use A VPN At Home?
A VPN ensures all information is encrypted and protected, making it impossible for anyone to spy or snoop. When connecting to a public, unprotected WiFi network, it’s smart to use a VPN before doing anything. Are you thinking, “Why would I need a VPN at home if my network is safe and protected?” While VPNs are primarily known for securing public networks, they have their benefits for at-home use too.
It’s very uncommon for a home network to be unsafe- unless of course a hacker breaks in and replaces the router. But safety isn’t the only thing on people’s minds; many users are also concerned with their privacy. VPNs make it more difficult to link an individual to their search history, a big reason almost everyone uses one today. While half of VPN use is for personal protection, 50% is dedicated to something else entirely: video streaming.
Streaming video content is not available everywhere in the world. For example, a show available in North America probably won’t be accessible to people in Asia, and vice versa. A VPN allows users access to anything in the world by altering their IP address. Americans studying abroad in Australia are able to watch their favorite TV shows from home thanks to a VPN.
The only downfall (and it’s a big one) to using a VPN at home is the slowed-down Internet speeds. For those of us with little patience, a VPN may not be worth it. The bottom line is this: will you use it? While it may be smart to make your network more secure, if you’re not going to use it, then there really is no point.
