I use a VPN.
I don’t use a VPN every second of every day.
Over the years, I’ve found that using a VPN all the time can cause various issues to pop up. Because of that, I’ve become rather selective about when I make use of the VPN installed on my system.
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What are those instances? Well, first let me tell you when a VPN should be used, then we’ll discuss when it shouldn’t be used.
When should you use a VPN?
Some of these will be obvious, while others might make you go, “Hmmmmmm.”
1. Public Wi-Fi
Any time you are on a public Wi-Fi network, fire up that VPN. Because you cannot control who is on that network, you could find yourself at a coffee shop sending sensitive information while someone else is also connected to that network, waiting to intercept your data. Because of that and the general lack of security found on public wireless networks, you should always use a VPN.
2. When traveling in countries with restrictions
Some countries are fairly restrictive with what happens on their networks. Because of that, you could wind up in a situation where you are unable to access certain sites you need. When that happens, start your VPN, set it to connect to a server in your home country, and enjoy that content as you normally would.
Also: The best travel VPNs
3. To bypass a firewall
If you wind up in a situation where certain sites are blocked in certain geolocations, a VPN will help you get around that. Let’s say you’re in State X, which blocks Site A. With a VPN on, you can trick the network into thinking you’re from State Y, which doesn’t block Site A. VPNs are handy that way.
4. Prevent your ISP from tracking you
Did you know that your ISP can see every URL you visit? And unless your traffic is encrypted, they can read everything you send and receive. To avoid that, use a VPN, which not only masks your IP address but also encrypts your data.
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5. To avoid targeted ads
Do you get tired of “targeted” advertisements? Generally speaking, I’ve found those targeted ads to be way off the mark — so much so that they become rather annoying. To prevent targeted ads, use your VPN. When using a VPN, advertisers cannot track you, so they can’t build a profile to match you to ads.
6. To access HTTP-only sites
There are still sites around the globe that have not made the switch to HTTPS (Secure HTTP). If you have one or more of those sites in your daily rotation, you should consider using your VPN to access them because it adds a much-needed layer of security when viewing or using HTTP-only sites.
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When you shouldn’t use a VPN
And now, let’s talk about when you shouldn’t use a VPN.
1. When on your bank’s website
Some banks restrict access to their sites from foreign countries. If you’re using a VPN, it might appear that your network traffic originates in another country. If you try to access your bank account, it might get blocked. If you feel more comfortable using a VPN when visiting your bank’s website, make sure the VPN server you connect to is in the same country as your bank; otherwise, you might find it impossible to access that account.
Also: The best free VPNs
2. When you need speed
VPNs slow down your network traffic. Sometimes the slowdown isn’t as obvious, while other times it’s glaring. When you need speed on your side, it’s time for the VPN to be shut down. For example, you might have a large download to take care of (such as a Linux distribution ISO or video file). You can disable your VPN, download the file, and switch the VPN back on when the download is complete.
3. When accessing local content or devices
You might have to access content and/or devices within your own network (either work or home). The machines serving up that content might be restricted such that only devices within the LAN are given access. If you have your VPN enabled, those devices you’re trying to access could very well deny you. Should that happen, shut down that VPN.
Also: The best VPN routers
4. When using certain software
I’ve seen this happen quite often. I have my VPN on and fire up an application, only to find the application doesn’t function as expected. Once, I spent an hour troubleshooting why Spotify wasn’t working, only to discover it was because of my VPN. I disabled the VPN, and Spotify worked just fine. There are some VPNs that allow you to create exceptions for applications. If you’re using such a VPN, make sure to find out how to enable exceptions and add the apps that do not function properly when the VPN is enabled.
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Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
