Do You Really Need a VPN? (Spoilers: It Depends)
•SnapSend Team
You've seen the YouTube ads. "Get a VPN to stop hackers!" But is it true?
What a VPN Encrypts
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between you and the VPN server.
- Protected: Your ISP cannot see what websites you visit.
- Protected: The public Wi-Fi owner cannot sniff your traffic.
- Protected: The website sees the VPN's IP address, not your home IP.
What a VPN Does NOT Protect
- Malware: If you download a virus, a VPN won't stop it.
- Phishing: If you give your password to a fake site, the VPN encrypts that delivery, but you still gave it away.
- Logged in tracking: If you are logged into Google/Facebook, they know it's you, regardless of your IP.
When to Use It
- Travel: Essential on hotel/airport Wi-Fi.
- Bypassing Censorship: Accessing blocked content.
- Privacy from ISP: If you don't want your internet provider selling your browsing history.
A VPN is a privacy tool, not a security cure-all.