Benefits Of Using A VPN On Your iPhone Or iPad

We all value our privacy. But in a connected world that doesn’t mean shutting the curtains at night, because, as we browse the world wide web every bit of data we send out could potentially be intercepted and used by unscrupulous third parties. When we use our connected technology – be it our Mac, iPad or iPhone – we’ve grown conscious of security (for example, watching out for those spam emails with dodgy attachments) and welcome anti-virus software to protect us.

But, increasingly, people are aware of protecting their online identity, wishing to maintain their anonymity when browsing the world wide web. That’s where a VPN comes in. There are a number of great Virtual Private Networks for iPhone users that not only protect our privacy but open up opportunities such as being able to access websites that would ordinarily be geo-blocked. VPNs also help to improve security when accessing public Wi-Fi, something more and more people are doing as availability increases.

What do I need a VPN for?
There are many reasons for using a Virtual Private Network on your iPhone or iPad. We’ve already reviewed some of the min a previous article. But to sum it up, a VPN is another line of defense between you and those wanting to exploit sensitive data. If you value privacy and online security, a VPN is probably a good idea.

iPhone Wi-Fi Safety
Indeed, there are a number of advantages to iPhone users in addition to helping secure your privacy. As public Wi-Fi availability increases, you’re susceptible to your data being accessible by the network’s owner. This includes Wi-Fi from seemingly reliable sources such as major restaurant or hotel chains.

iPhone and Geo-Specific Content
VPNs can also take geo-locks out of the equation by spoofing your location and hiding your individually identifiable IP address. This is one way international iPhone users have been able to access US Netflix, for example, although this is against the service’s terms and conditions.

Going Around Network Restrictions
VPNs also aid your online security by adding another layer of encryption while, where institutional blocks are in place, such as at a workplace or school, enabling you to bypass these locks and access the wider web.
Of course, there are various VPNs out there. Some are free but it’s recommended to use one of the better subscription services that offer customizable functionality, better encryption and faster, more reliable connections. Sites like Best Online Reviews offer unbiased and objective reviews of VPNs and anti-virus software, including services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN and many others. Try to use a number of sources to make your decision.

How To Use A VPN
Once you’ve decided upon a certain VPN service, you can download and install the provider’s software via the App Store. Open it and configure it as per the specific VPN you’ve chosen, as each one has its own set of options. Turn on VPN via your Settings app and, when you’ve connected, you’ll see a VPN icon in your status bar.

Conclusion
It’s clear there are advantages to using a VPN if you value your online privacy or want to access websites you would otherwise be unable to because of institutional or geo-locks. VPNs are also more secure when connecting via publicly available wi-fi. Consider your options, think about the reasons for wanting a VPN, and choose the right service based on reliable reviews.