Should You Keep Your VPN Turned On All the Time?

Should You Keep Your VPN Turned On All the Time? Short for VPN, Virtual Private Networks have gained popularity immensely over the last decade. As the internet becomes more vulnerable, users need better technology to protect themselves and their online privacy.

VPN has surfaced as the perfect answer for these requirements. Apart from protecting your digital privacy; VPNs also perform various other functions. They can enable you to access data otherwise not available in your region. They can also help you circumvent data throttling and enjoy the internet speeds you deserve.

Read more: VPN Guide – Everything a Beginner Needs to Know About VPN

Should You Keep Your VPN Turned On All the Time?

But there is a popular question among new as well as experienced VPN users about its length of use. They wonder if a VPN has to remain on all the time.

Let’s discuss some factors to get to the answer to this question.

Instances When You Should Keep Your VPN Connected

It is somewhat obvious that there is no need for a VPN when you’re not connected to the internet. Unlike antivirus software, a VPN does not protect the hard disk data on your device. It only protects communications and activities when you’re online.

Having that said, there are several situations where you should keep your VPN turned on. Here is a list.

When You Want to Access Blocked Websites

There are barely any countries in the world where some geo-restrictions do not apply. These are subject to the mandates issued by government agencies and the private decisions of companies. ISPs have to comply with these regulations, and they cannot let you access specific internet resources through your native IP address.

In such circumstances, you will need to turn your VPN on and connect with a remote server where the data is not blocked. Also, you need to ensure that you keep your VPN turned on all throughout your online activities.

Since your connection is being routed through the VPN service and bounced off a remote server; if you disconnect the VPN, then the connection will disrupt; showing your actual IP, and you will lose access to the blocked content.

Read more:  The Ultimate Privacy Guide

When You’re On A Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi’s are very famous all over the world. They are an essential reason why people visit public establishments like coffee shops. While everyone loves the free internet; you have to be aware of the risks you’re exposing yourself to.

In the recent past, cryptocurrency miners have been known to infiltrate public Wi-Fi and use the devices connected to it for mining purposes. This can deplete your computer’s processing speed significantly while you are connected.

Moreover, public Wi-Fi networks are happy hunting grounds for hackers and other cybercriminals. It is not uncommon for people’s devices to get infected with malware or ransomware which is then used to extort them. So, when you are using a public Wi-Fi; it is essential that you keep your VPN turned on and connected to the Wi-Fi through that. This will save you from all the dangers.

When Your Internet Throttles

Bandwidth throttling has become a common practice among ISPs around the globe. The basic idea behind this is that if you try to consume extra bandwidth (through torrents etc.), your speeds will be capped.

In such instances, you can turn on your VPN and circumvent the throttling altogether. Since a VPN encrypts your data, the ISP will not be able to see what data you’re accessing and won’t be able to throttle your speeds.

Read more:Best VPN with Unlimited Bandwidth

When You are Making Online Transactions

If you’re an online banking user or are into trading in online markets or even cryptocurrency; VPN is a must for you. It is very common for unsecured transactions to be intercepted and rerouted. If this happens to you, then all your transfer money is as good as gone.

Thus, whenever you are making any kind of monetary transaction, you need to keep your VPN turned on. The encryption offered by VPNs will protect you from online theft and also ensure that none can gain access to your accounts other than you.

When You Want to Get Some Discount

If you shop online, then you might know that products can be priced differently from region to region; even within the same country. You can save some money by using a VPN and finding out where the product you want is selling for a lower price. Then simply have the product delivered to your home. But to do this, you need to keep your VPN turned on while placing the order.

Read more: HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHILE SHOPPING ONLINE WITH VPN?

Conclusion -Should You Keep Your VPN Turned On All the Time?

Primarily, your VPN should be turned on whenever you’re using any remote server or proxy service. The same goes for when you’re accessing sensitive information or are transferring it. Since most top VPNs give unlimited bandwidth; there is no reason to turn off your VPN anyway!