VPN for Remote Workers: How to Stay Safe and Connected
Traveling is an exhilarating experience that broadens our horizons and introduces us to new cultures and landscapes.
However, in today's digital age, staying connected while on the move comes with its own set of risks. Have you ever found yourself using a sketchy airport Wi-Fi connection or accessing your bank account from a café in a foreign country?
If yes, then you know the uneasy feeling of wondering if your personal information is truly secure. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) steps in as your digital guardian angel.
A global VPN service will help protect your personal data, files, and passwords from prying eyes when traveling, so you don’t need to worry when using public Wi-Fi networks abroad.
These unsecured internet hotspots are one of the easiest ways for hackers to get their hands on your data. If you must connect to these networks, it’s best to protect yourself and your data so they don’t fall in the wrong hands.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is used to protect your internet connection by creating a virtual tunnel through which data travels securely to and from your device. It controls a remote server that encrypts data as it travels so that, even if someone intercepts the connection, they can only see gibberish and won’t be able to decrypt the data.
All internet traffic goes through this remote server before it’s sent to a public internet service provider (ISP). The VPN encrypts data as it leaves your device and is only decrypted when it arrives at the remote server controlled by the VPN service.
As data travels back to your device, it follows the same path—it’s encrypted by the remote server and decrypted only as your device receives it. A VPN also masks your IP address, allowing you to choose your preferred location so you can access restricted, region-specific content when traveling.
Why Do I Need a VPN When Traveling?
A VPN should be your travel companion if you’re a digital nomad or if you plan to connect to the internet while traveling.
With the almost-connected lifestyle that most people have, it’s prudent to never leave home—or your country—without one. Below are the main reasons why.
Protecting Personal Information
This is arguably the top reason for using a VPN while traveling because you have to rely on public internet hotspots in hotels, cafés, and restaurants, which are mostly not secure.
Unfortunately, a Global Web Index survey shows that the top reason people use a VPN is to access better entertainment content. Depending on your online activities, connecting to public networks may put sensitive data like your personal information, credit card numbers, and passwords at risk.
They are also a haven for hackers and cyber criminals because they are easily compromised and there are higher chances of unsuspecting tourists connecting to them.
Using a VPN is a must when traveling if you want to protect your sensitive data from being exposed to public view. By encrypting your data, hackers can’t view it even if they’re able to hack into a public Wi-Fi network.
Accessing Restricted Content
When traveling, you will often encounter geo-restrictions. Geo-restrictions are put in place in some countries or regions to limit what can be accessed through the internet depending on where you are. They are also used to block certain websites that show or promote activities that may be illegal in some regions.
Unfortunately, geo-restriction is also employed by media streaming sites to localize their content. For example, you may not be able to watch your favorite UK series while you’re in the US, and vice versa.
A VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions by masking your IP address, consequently hiding your current location and making it appear as if you’re in a different place. You can choose a preferred server location so you can access your desired content.
Accessing Specific Content in Your Home Country
What you can view or access online varies per country; even Google results aren’t the same depending on what country you do your search from.
It’s the same scenario when it comes to streaming sites like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, so you might not be able to watch that series you got hooked on when you were in Singapore when you travel back to the UK.
An ideal VPN provides a host of countries to choose from, so you can get access to a variety of content from different regions, regardless of your current location.
Preventing Frozen Bank Accounts
Depending on your reason for traveling, you may need to access your online bank account while in a foreign country.
In such situations, your bank may ask for some extra verification steps to ensure that your account hasn’t been compromised. Some banks, however, block accounts instantly as a security measure when they detect unauthorized access from a new country or unfamiliar location.
Using a VPN can avoid this from happening and also secure your transactions in the process. If it can be avoided, it’s best to do your online banking transactions in your home country, but if you must do so while traveling, ensure that you are protected by a VPN.
Booking Cheaper Flights
Some of you may not know this, but the price of flight tickets change depending on where you’re booking from. Using a VPN will allow you to choose which country to connect to and check how ticket prices vary. Before booking a flight, check different locations to get the best deal.
Minimize Risk to Increase Enjoyment
Traveling should be an adventure, not a cybersecurity risk. By using a VPN, you can protect your personal information, access restricted content, and browse the internet freely and securely.
Whether you're a business traveler, a digital nomad, or a vacationer, a VPN is an essential travel companion that will keep you safe and connected on the go. Before you pack your bags, make sure you have a reliable VPN ready to accompany you on your journey.
