Advantages and Disadvantages with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Benefits:
- Enhances Security – increasing online safety when using the internet. When using a VPN your IP address will be secured while disguising your actual location and your computer data will be encrypted against potential hackers.
- Anonymity – a VPN connection service allows you to access any website or application anonymously
- Remote Access- information can be accessed from any location which can increase employee productivity because they can work from anywhere.
- Safe Downloads- a legitimate business can save the integrity of their confidential data by using a secure VPN connection.
- Can Bypass geo-blocks- VPNs are designed to hide your real IP address so when bypassing geo-blocks the platform will believe that you are from the correct geographical region.
Downsides:
- Decrease Connection Speed- Accessing a website through a VPN provider allows you to hide your IP address and encrypt your data. Data has to travel more and added more complexity which evidently ends up slowing the connection down.
- Connections can be Dropped
- Can be Spotted on Some platforms- some platforms have anti-VPN software which stops users from using their personal network and switch to an alternate server
- VPN ‘Click-Bait’- pop-up ads that offer free VPN connections can potentially be fake VPN servers that can be personal data at risk.
- Costly- free VPNs are not secure and put your data at risk so purchasing a good VPN is ideal.
Virtual Personal Networks when used correctly offer more advantages than disadvantages.