What this is
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps create a more private connection between your device and the internet. It is commonly used on public Wi-Fi or when accessing sensitive accounts away from home.
When people use VPNs
- Using public Wi-Fi at airports, cafés, or hotels
- Traveling and accessing personal or work accounts
- Working remotely outside a trusted network
- Wanting to reduce certain types of tracking
Common VPN tools
- NordVPN — widely used and easy to set up
- Proton VPN — privacy-focused with a strong reputation
- Mullvad VPN — minimal personal information required
- ExpressVPN — known for reliability and speed
Different VPNs have different policies and features. No VPN provides complete anonymity.
What VPNs do — and don’t — do
- Do: protect traffic on public networks
- Do: reduce exposure to some tracking
- Don’t: make you invisible online
- Don’t: replace strong passwords or MFA