Myths about VPN

Virtual Private Networks are the best way to maintain privacy when using the internet, and their popularity has been growing at a rapid pace all over the world. But there are still many misconceptions about VPNs that could be keeping people away from actually trying them. Since so much of our daily lives happen on the internet these days, keeping some privacy and protecting your data is crucial. VPNs are still the best way to ensure online security and privacy, even if some people are determined to spread misinformation about this tool. 

In this article, we will discuss and disprove the most popular myths regarding VPNs.

VPNs slow down your internet connection

One of the myths we hear most often is that when you browse using a VPN, your internet connection slows down. Here’s the truth: using a VPN might slow down the data flow but when you are using a good VPN, you should not be able to tell that your internet speed has dropped. The slow data flow will only become noticeable when you are using a VPN with an overloaded server. This usually happens with free VPNs, which we will discuss in more detail down below. On the other hand, when you use a solid VPN, their servers should cover all of their customers while maintaining the speed. So to conclude, with a good VPN, you won’t notice any change in your internet connection, so choose wisely. 

Free VPNs are just as good as paid ones

These days there are many options for a free VPN, but unfortunately, they just aren’t nearly as effective as paid options. You might be tempted to save the money and just get a free VPN, but keep in mind - these companies are likely using you and your data to make money. These companies will sell your data to third parties, drown you in ads while providing no security online. These companies are banking on uneducated customers who will believe their false claims.

While that is unfortunate, if you want to keep your online presence anonymous and your data safe, you are better off paying for a VPN. You don’t have to break the bank since there are great affordable options for VPNs these days. The paid services also offer way more features, way more servers, and can accommodate your needs better. So the next time you see a tempting ad for a free VPN, just know that you will be paying in one way or another, even if they don’t charge you for their services. It’s better to pay a small fee and know for a fact that you are protected online. 

VPNs are for criminals or hackers who have something to hide

We all like to think that we have nothing to hide, and hence we don’t need a VPN but that is not something to be proud of. As a society we have become desensitized to privacy breaches, oftentimes forgetting that privacy is our right and there is nothing wrong with wanting online privacy. You don’t have to be a criminal and you don’t have to have something to hide in order to demand online privacy. Unfortunately, when browsing online a lot of times our data is being kept and used without our consent, sold to third parties or used by companies to better target clients with various ads. VPNs prevent just that - unlawful collection of data, nonconsensual collection of data that can later be used against you. 

Having a VPN is not about having something to hide or doing something illegal, it’s about preserving your personal data and making sure it stays personal. It’s crucial to choose a VPN that actually does the job and does not keep logs on their customers. BlufVPN is a great example of a company that has a 100% transparent no-log policy. 

VPNs are overly complicated for daily use

Using VPN sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is. While you may not be familiar with these terms, all you really need to know is that there is nothing hard about downloading and connecting to a virtual private network. You can choose a VPN, download it and then choose from various servers which one you want to connect with, and that is it. Don’t let the unfamiliar world confuse or scare you, this is a simple tool that was designed for everyday use. It does not take a lot of time to set up, nor does it take special skills. If you have shied away from VPNs because you thought they are for tech-savvy only, feel free to go ahead and download one right now. 

VPNs are illegal

This myth is a bit more complicated to discuss or disprove. While VPNs really are illegal in some countries they are completely legal in others. It will depend on how liberal the government is and how seriously they take the issue of personal privacy. This myth is also a part of our perception of online privacy, thinking that we owe it to ISPs or even the government full access to our online browsing history which is not true. It will depend on the country you are located in, whether or not it is illegal to use a VPN. Before you download VPN make sure that it is legal to avoid unnecessary trouble. 

Conclusion

While VPNs have been around for a while, for most people they are still relatively new. It is understandable that this tool can often be confusing if you’ve never heard of it before, but as soon as you learn the basics of VPNs, it becomes evident that virtual private networks are easy to use and provide the necessary protection from various online threats. As highlighted in the text above, not all VPNs are the same and not all of them are worth the money. Make sure to look at their policies and features in great detail, to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth back.