We often hear about it in sponsored videos or the tips of the “French days”, VPNs are popular. These private networks offer many useful features for those who want to use the Internet safely and without border restrictions.
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But concretely, what is a VPN? Let us come back to the fundamentals of these private networks: their usefulness, their strengths and their cost to explain the reason for these servers remote devices intended to protect Internet users …
Who are these private networks for?
To all those who wish to increase the safety of their activities via internet ! Many individuals opt for a VPN to protect their personal information or to bypass geographic censorship. But professionals can also benefit from this technology which guaranteesintegrity of their corporate network as well as the protection of all sensitive data relating to the development of their activity.
Can a VPN improve the security of your computer?
Yes ! Finally … to be more precise, the VPN makes it possible to obtain an encrypted connection which offers a high level of confidentiality. Internet use then becomes untraceable, which reduces the risk of cybercriminality as well as the theft of personal data (health information, bank details, etc.). By opting for a private network, your computer connects to a remote server which makes your online activities as well as your browsing history completely anonymous. This is a great way to guard against cyber attacks that do not abate.
Moreover, in its activity report for the year 2020, the cybermalveillance.gouv.fr site published a few figures: no less than 105,000 people requested assistance on the platform following suspicions of phishing, hacking, false technical support or even ransomware !
Is it possible to watch series that have not been released in France?
This is one of the other advantages of the VPN: the abolition of borders to navigate on sites inaccessible from France. And of course, this also concerns streaming services that allow you to discover new contents audio-visual that one does not find in the French catalogs. Netflix, Disney +, HBO … So many services that are becoming accessible. In this case, all you have to do is choose the virtual location of the desired country when you connect with the VPN.
Is it paying? If so, is it expensive?
There are free VPNs, but for these entry-level offers, the level of security or functionality remains moderate. However, purchasing a paid VPN is not overly expensive when you consider all the peace of mind and privacy that comes with using it. The speed loading and the number of available servers are also strengths of paid VPNs!
For less than 10 € per month, you can be sure of a reliable and secure connection that will avoid many unpleasant surprises.
Is it complicated to install?
You would think that, given its technical features, setting up the VPN would be complex, but no. Step 1 consists of subscribing to the offer that suits you: prices, options, number of simultaneous connections. Then simply install or download the software so that you can use it on your computer, tablet or smartphone and follow the configuration steps step by step.
For the launch, you will have to select the connection country according to your needs and that’s it! From then on, all your activities will go through the VPN connection and will therefore be 100% anonymous.
Article produced in partnership with the ExpressVPN teams
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