Friday, January 2, 2009

Why Have a VPN Account?

There are many reasons why you need to have a VPN account. Many computer users have their systems compromised mainly due to ignorance. They are simply not aware of the threats that are lurking in the cyber world, and these threats are just waiting to be unleashed. Here are some reasons why you would need to have a VPN account.

- Security for Hotspot Wireless Access Users

Wireless internet access have numerous vulnerabilities that may lure mischief makers to do harm to your system. Because hotspots are available to the general public, they are also popular locations for those looking to target unsuspecting network users. For instance, someone can just connect to the network and start sniffing out sensitive information such as user names, passwords, credit card information and so on. Having a VPN account will help prevent a sniffer from accessing sensitive information.

- Home Internet Users - Cable and DSL providers are well known for not filtering their network from exploits.

Many Internet home users on cable and DSL leave their systems unprotected. A virus can easily infect a vulnerable system without the knowledge of the computer user. With a VPN connection, intruders cannot pinpoint the exact IP (IP will be a US IP address) and therefore, exploits cannot take place successfully.

- International Internet Users - Governments would like to prevent users from enjoying the Internet, with a USA IP there are no controls.

Some Governments restrict access from certain countries because they suspect the traffic to be malicious. Unfortunately, they also block off all the other innocent surfers, who are just trying to enjoy the Internet. With a VPN connection, your IP address will appear as a US IP address. So you can continue to enjoy unlimited access on the Internet without having to worry about Government blockages.

- Easy online ordering when you travel - Many order forms on the Internet will automatically block certain countries from even ordering.

That has another side benefit - Because you are not blocked, that means you can place online orders freely. You don't have to worry about websites blocking you based on IP address.

- Bypass ISP Blocking for VOIP Applications like Skype.

Instant chat applications like Skype sometimes block users based on ISP. Again, when they do that, all members using the same ISP is affected. So if you happen to be on an ISP that is blocked, you are out of luck. However, when you are on a VPN network, you can actually bypass the blocking and have full usage of your chat applications.

- Full anonymity by hiding your real IP.

Some websites do not respect your privacy. They place cookies on your Internet browser to track your surfing activities without your permission. While most websites do that with good intentions, there are some websites that do that with ill intentions. The problem is, you can never tell. So the right thing to do, is to take precautions by connecting through a VPN. That way, you remain anonymous by hiding your real IP address.

- Unlike a proxy, you get secured connection for all programs you are using, (e.g ICQ, Email, FTP, News and anything that uses a Internet Connection)

Even if you connect to the Internet through a proxy, your connection is still not secure. Your data transmission can still be intercepted. When you use a VPN, you are assured that you are surfing using a secured connection.

When you have a VPN account, you enjoy all the above benefits. Be reminded to choose a service provider that providers reliable VPN services (at least 99% uptime) and high speed connections. This will ensure that your surfing experience remains secure, enjoyable and uninterrupted.

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