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Virtual Private Networks (VPN) is synonymous with cybersecurity. In a world where the majority of transactions, business operations, and communication are carried out digitally, your passwords, email addresses, and other personal information are your valuable possessions. Lose them and you automatically lose control over your accounts and access to services you’ve signed up for.
An added layer of protection is better than carelessly venturing into the unfamiliar online territory. Using a VPN service blocks hackers from accessing your network and boosts your online experience with the following benefits:
– Secures your online shopping and banking experience
– Block your internet service provider and other third-party groups from monitoring your activities online
– Access geographically restricted services, websites, or content.
– Stay guarded in case you need to access a publicly accessible Wi-Fi network.
– Maintain full anonymity while browsing the internet.
VPNs have four main types, and these are Site-to-site VPN, remote access VPN, mobile VPN, and personal VPN.
Site-to-site VPN is ideal for a setup wherein several individuals and companies want to connect to a single network that is private. Think of it as a network-to-network connection. This type of VPN does not require to use of any additional software to work.
Remote access VPN is quite popular among businesses that have enabled work-from-home arrangements for their staff. Over 83% of U.S. orgs up their cybersecurity efforts for the new world of remote work. Since employees have to access the company’s private network from the comfort of their home, remote access VPN will require staff to install software on their device to enter the network.
Mobile VPN is designed for users with faulty internet connection. Similar to remote access, it requires setting up software for the users to access private networks.
A personal VPN entails installing VPN software into the user’s device to go online using a third-party server. It is the go-to VPN choice for users who want a better and seamless experience while they browse the good old internet community.
VPN Software Services worth checking out
Whether you are a business owner or just a regular customer, here are five VPN services that you should give a try!
Surfshark
Surfshark may be a little on the expensive side, but it makes up for that through its solid and convenient features.
Pros: It has a multihop, which means it connects the VPN to a server before subsequently ricocheting the user’s traffic to another VPN server. It also comes with privacy tools in the form of Smart DNS, an ad blocker and a search tool that maintains your privacy.
Cons: Needs to brush up on its customer service, particularly in terms of their representative’s overall knowledge and familiarity of the product. It is important that they provide accurate information to all types of user queries to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding. Also, their P2P or Virtual Private Network could improve in terms of its speed and coverage. It currently only supports torrenting in limited countries, including Japan, Canada, UK, Italy, and the US.
Pricing Plans:
– 1 Month ($12.95/month)
– 12 Months ($3.99/month, billed $47.88 every 12 months)
– 24 Months ($2.49/month, billed yearly after completion of the first 24 months. The charge is also subject to additional fees and taxes depending on the user’s location and jurisdiction.)
CyberGhost
CyberGhost enables lightning-fast streaming and a smooth-sailing browsing experience.
Pros: The software’s thorough privacy setup is embodied by its No-Logs policy, which keeps them from recording users’ IP addresses, bandwidth usage, browsing history, VPN server connections, or the websites that they visit. Users have the option of choosing CyberGhost’s Best Server Location, sifting through optimized servers, or picking a server that they prefer. It has a 24/7 customer support hotline that customers can reach via email or chat.
Cons: It only supports limited payment options. Ideally, a VPN software should provide its customers with multiple options for paying their service to ensure that their identity remains private and secured. At present, it only accepts payment via BitPay (for BitCoin), Credit Card, and PayPal.
Pricing Plans:
– 1 Month ($12.99/month) with a 14-day money-back guarantee
– 1 Year ($4.29/month) with a 45-day money-back guarantee
– 2 Years ($3.25/month) with a 45-day money-back guarantee
– 3 Years ($2.29/month) with a 45-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN
What sets ExpressVPN apart is its top-tier technology.
Pros: It hosts over 3000+ servers, has high-speed connection across all device types, and unlimited bandwidth for fast and buffer-free streaming. The features and services are carefully built to support limitless online browsing, and access to any social platform, music and video streaming service or website.
Cons: ExpressVPN is quite expensive for users who are on a budget. Albeit boasting cutting edge an innovative technology, its features are quite lackluster compare to that of other VPN software. tUt also has to brush up on its speed.
Pricing Plans:
– Risk-free VPN trial
– 1-month plan (worth $12.95 per month)
– 6-month plan ($9.99/month)
– 12-month plan ($6.67/month).
All plans are subject to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is more flexible and highly reliable in maintaining user anonymity.
Pros: It offers both free and premium subscription plans. Just like Surfshark, ProtonVPN has a multi-hop feature called Secure Core, and the users get to pick the exit location or country.
Users’ traffic is run through countries where online privacy is highly acknowledged and protected. Other impressive features include DNS leak protection, Forward Secrecy which limits the effectiveness of encryption keys on a single session only, and the option for users to create profiles depending on their purpose for using the VPN service.
Cons: It only has email as its main channel for customer support, may be not be user-friendly for first-time VPN users, has limited availability for P2P, and does not have that many server options in Asia.
Pricing Plans:
– Free
– Basic ( $4.41 per month)
– Plus ($8.83 per month)
– Visionary ($26.49 per month)
IPVanish
IPVanish has consistently earned positive reviews for its fast and consistent speed across countries and excellent services.
Pros: IPVanish boasts over 40,000 IP addresses, advanced security settings, more than 1400 servers, unlimited data cap, zero logs, and P2P-supported services.
Cons: The disadvantages to using IPVanish is it does not have browser extensions. The software has also been tied to multiple controversies involving user privacy. Furthermore, IPVanish could enhance their customer support services.
Pricing Plans:
– Monthly Plan ($10.99/month)
– Quarterly ($5.00/month)
– Yearly ($3.75/month)
The effectiveness of VPN has been tested and proven over the years, that businesses and end-users continue to maximize its benefits. A quick look at each of these impressive VPN services is a testament to the multiple effects of using the internet responsibly and safely.
By Katreena Sarmiento