The internet is an indispensable part of modern life, but with its convenience comes security risks from outside actors who want to track your every online move.
You may have heard that a virtual private network is one way to protect against these risks, but many internet users don’t fully understand the consequences of not using one. According to a recent CNET survey, less than half of Americans report using a VPN.
But spending time online without a VPN leaves your digital life vulnerable to myriad forms of digital prying. “It’s no different than driving a car without a seatbelt on,” especially if you’re using a lot of public Wi-Fi networks, says Fred Kwong, vice president and chief information security officer at DeVry University.
“[A] VPN is just a great way to help you have better cyber hygiene,” Kwong says.
Here’s what you need to know about the risks of not using a VPN, and why you might want to start.
Getty Image/ Zooey Liao/ CNET
Your internet provider might be snooping on your activity
Believe it or not, the company that provides your internet service might be collecting a good bit of data on you.
“This is honestly a big issue right now,” says Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN.
Your ISP might be tracking your location, the dates and times that you’re connected to the internet and even which websites you’re visiting. VPNs funnel your activity through an encrypted tunnel so no one, even your ISP, can see what you’re doing while you’re online. Briedis says some ISPs also hand that information over to governments or sell it to third parties.
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