Staying safe and anonymous online is becoming increasingly important, especially now we have a greater awareness of just how vulnerable our personal mobile and computer devices may be.
One solution to this problem is to use a virtual private network (VPN). And in this guide, we’ll take a look at how to choose the best device for you. We’ll cover VPNs and gambling, and how to check sports betting odds in countries where gambling may be banned.
We’ll also check out how to use VPNs to watch TV shows and movies you may not be able to watch in your country. And lastly, we’ll discuss VPNs that allow you to stay anonymous online.
But first, let’s look at what a VPN is.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for virtual private network. This is a system that enables you to create an encrypted tunnel for your data when browsing the internet. Using a VPN is particularly useful when working on a public network – it prevents others from accessing what you’re up to.
The fact that your data is encrypted means that your online identity is disguised and hidden. This makes it difficult for third parties to keep details of what you’re doing, which they may use to sell for profit.
There are other benefits to using a VPN, too. One of them relates to internet restrictions imposed by certain countries, which we’ll explore further below. You can evade these restrictions by using a VPN.
VPNs and betting
Gambling isn’t legal everywhere across the globe. Many different countries impose their own rules and regulations. And given its recent rise to prominence, online gambling is still something of a grey area in many nations around the globe, such as China.
One way to get around these restrictions is to use a VPN. With some software providers, you have the ability to choose the country where you’d like to tell the world you’re based. So if you know online gambling is legal in the US, then you can switch your perceived location to that country.
With the technology quickly outstripping legislation in many nations, more and more people are turning to VPNs to play their favorite casino games or make bets on their beloved sports teams.
To find the best VPNs for betting, it’s recommended that you spend some time researching. When conducting that research, look for what other users have said, particularly if they’ve used the service for gambling purposes.
VPNs for streaming TV shows and movies
You may have heard that your favorite TV show is coming to Netflix. In a rush of excitement, you log in, only for your search to end in vain – it’s only available to UK customers.
This has happened to many people over the years, and these people lament what they see as preferential treatment of others.
But there is a way to access that content and get around the virtual wall. And the answer lies with VPNs.
With the ability to change the country that the internet perceives you to be located in, you can set yourself to be in the UK, for example. Netflix then reads your data as being found there, and will show you what’s available to UK-based customers.
It’s a very cunning method and one that you can employ today by getting a VPN. To find the best one for this purpose, it’s recommended to search for VPNs that specialize in streaming live content.
Always be sure to read impartial reviews on websites such as Trustpilot to see how other people have found the experience.
How to choose the best VPN
We’ve touched upon some specific types of uses for VPNs. Now let’s take a look at some things to consider when choosing the best one for you:
- Be wary of free VPNs – many people in the industry warn that free VPNs aren’t really free. Instead, they gather users’ data and sell it. Free VPNs may also be slower and loaded with ads.
- Research security experiences – with VPNs growing in popularity, a lot of new companies have entered the market. The quality isn’t always consistent and one of the areas to scrutinize is how secure they are. Look out for VPNs with a good track record of cybersecurity.
- Check the VPN’s privacy policy – you can get a better idea of the risks of using a VPN by looking at its privacy policy. This will tell you if they’ll sell your data, for example.