In short, YES! It is highly recommended to download and use a VPN service like Surfshark for your Android device.
Continue scrolling to learn in detail what VPN is and why it is absolutely essential to use it for your Android device.
What is VPN, and How Does It Work?
VPN stands for a virtual private network. It conceals Internet data traveling to and fro from your Android device (or iOS). Whether you are using a tablet, computer, or smartphone, the VPN software lives on your device, and you need to download and install it.
The software must be turned on to scramble your data to make it unreadable to cyber criminals and third parties.
VPNs are essential because Internet connections aren’t secure and are eavesdropped on by cybercriminals. Regardless of using a wired or wireless connection, you might be unwittingly exposing your data to third parties.
VPNs utilize proven methods to ensure data is anonymous on the Internet and your IP address is disguised so nobody can find your location. Those methods are:
- Remote servers – Remote servers are the destination for the encrypted data tunnel. So your data will get shipped out to VPN servers in other countries, so your identity is anonymized. Finally, when the data exists and reaches its final destination, all the location data will be from the remote server. Typically, VPNs act as the protective middleman and disguise your data, so there’s no interference.
- Encryption – Encryption helps scramble data so that only the destination can comprehend it. Tunneling protocols are used to create encryption tunnels within the cellular network or Wi-Fi. These offer protection by concealing and isolating data from the rest of the users on the network.
Read Also:
Why Must You Consider Using a VPN?
-
Internet Traffic is Guarded Against Cyber Attackers
Whether you are using a secured or unsecured network, unencrypted data will be visible to anyone using the same network. But, thanks to VPNs, you can prevent cybercriminals and hackers from eavesdropping.
Third parties must have an encryption key to make sense of the scrambled data. With hackers blocked out, you can be assured that your online activities are hidden, even on a public network.
-
Location is Hidden
Since VPN providers use several remote servers, your location will remain anonymous. The location demographic data will come from a server in another country, and cybercriminals cannot find out your actual location.
-
Geo-Blocked Content can be Unblocked
Some websites and services offer content accessible from specific parts of the world. So you can only access such content when you’re in that specific country or region. However, using a VPN allows users to overcome this obstacle.
With location spoofing, VPN allows server-switching, which helps users change their location to access geo-blocked content. For example, you might be in the Dominican Republic and want to watch UK-specific shows on Netflix. You can use a VPN service to change your location. You can opt for EarthWeb’s review of Dominican Republic VPN services in this aspect.
-
Avoid Corporate Data Breaches
Are you working remotely? You may need to access important information by connecting to your company’s internal network. For the safety of the organization, these files must have a secure connection. If your connection isn’t secure, your company might not allow you to access the data on the internal network.
You can use encryption methods and connect to private servers by installing a VPN to prevent data leaks.
-
Prevent Business And Your ISP From Tracking Your Online Activity
Businesses are known to utilize demographic data to enhance their services and marketing. Although it is not necessarily malicious, you may not want your data exposed. Some businesses and services gather personal information and sell the data to third parties. These parties may not protect your data.
Also, your ISP might be tracking your activity. For example, if they find you are using a lot of data for gaming or streaming movies, you may experience data throttling. ISPs do this to reduce the pressure on their servers. So you may find the Internet speed slowed down.
A VPN hides your online activities so that nobody can track them, and you can have an excellent experience on the web.
-
Stay Safe When Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
Android smartphones are used to access public Wi-Fi networks. You may quickly connect to the Wi-Fi at your local shop or restaurant to complete Internet-related tasks.
However, when you do this, you expose your data to cybercriminals and hackers on the same network. You can protect yourself and your data by using a VPN.
-
Keep Your Financial Data Safe
Nowadays, banking applications have become more popular than ever. These apps allow users to quickly conduct banking activities without visiting the bank. Everything can be done with a single click, from paying your bills to opening a new bank account.
Even though these apps may have their encryptions, it is best to use a VPN to guarantee that third parties cannot steal your financial data.
-
Safeguard Video and Voice Chat Data
Your data is at risk if you are calling or chatting with your loved ones over Skype or WhatsApp. Wi-Fi calling has unwanted listeners, and they can leak your data. Use a VPN to prevent your calls from being recorded.
Read Also:
- It’s Ashleigh Barty vs. Karolina Pliskova in Wimbledon Final
- Will Smith on ‘King Richard’ and His Secret Career Fear
So Do You Really Need a VPN for Your Android Device?
It is highly recommended you use a VPN for your Android device. Although it mostly depends on your use case, using a VPN can enhance the overall security of your data and prevent cybercriminals from hacking your data.
Besides increasing Internet security and privacy, VPNs help users access geo-blocked content and overcome censorship issues.
When selecting a VPN provider, ensure to go through their privacy policies and plans. If they align with your requirements, download and install the chosen VPN app.
Then, register and follow the instructions. It would be best if you always kept the VPN service enabled, especially when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. Then, you can enjoy shopping online, finishing last-minute work projects, or watching Netflix shows from a different country.
