If you are a fan of secure and private browsing, you, for sure, already know about a magic tool called a virtual private network (VPN). Such tools are essential for people constantly travelling or using public Wi-Fi networks, which usually lack encryption and are prone to hacks. Because VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, it prevents others from snooping on your online activities.
However, not all VPNs are created equal. If you want to optimise the security and speed of your VPN connection, read the article below, as we’ll cover some of the most important ones.
Choose the right VPN provider
The first and most important step you have to take is to choose the right VPN provider. Even though there are plenty of providers on the market, not all of them are trustworthy and worth your time. Here’s what to look for when choosing such services:
Has a no-logging policy
A no-logging policy means that the VPN provider does not store any information about your online activities, so there is no data to hand over to authorities or hackers in case of a data breach or legal request.
Uses strong encryption
Strong encryption means your internet traffic is unreadable to anyone who intercepts it, including hackers, government agencies, and your ISP.
Has a large server network
A large server network ensures you can connect to a server close to your physical location, improving your internet speed.
Connect to a server close to your physical location
The distance between your physical location and the VPN server you’re connecting to can significantly impact your internet speed. Generally, the closer the server is to your location, the faster your VPN connection will be.
For example, if you’re in the US and you connect to a server in the UK, your internet speed may be slower than if you connect to a server in the US. This is because your internet traffic has to travel a longer distance to reach the UK server, which can result in latency and slower speeds.
Use split tunneling
Split tunneling is a feature that allows you to route some of your internet traffic through your VPN connection while allowing other traffic to bypass the VPN. This can be useful if you only want to encrypt certain types of traffic, such as gaming, while leaving other traffic, such as video streaming, unencrypted.
Using split tunneling can help optimise your VPN connection speed, as it reduces how much internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN. This can be especially useful if you’re using a VPN on a device with limited processing power or memory, such as a smartphone or a tablet.
However, using split tunneling can also reduce your overall security, as any traffic that is not secured through the VPN will not be encrypted and can be intercepted by hackers or other third parties. Use split tunneling with caution and only if you understand the potential risks.
Avoid free VPNs
Finally, avoid using free VPNs if possible. While some reputable free VPNs are on the market, most are sketchy and may compromise your privacy and security.
Free VPNs often make money by selling your data to third parties, injecting ads into your browsing sessions, or using your device as a proxy for other users. Additionally, free VPNs usually have slower speeds and limited server networks, which can result in a poor VPN experience.
If you want to optimise your VPN connection, it’s worth investing in a reputable paid VPN provider. While you may have to pay a monthly or yearly fee, the benefits of a high-quality VPN, including improved security and faster speeds, are worth the cost. For example, pick up a provider offering additional features like meshnet for file sharing. This way, you’ll get more for the same price!
Conclusion
A VPN is essential for anyone who wants to browse the internet securely and privately. By choosing the right VPN provider, using the proper protocol, connecting to a server close to your physical location, using split tunneling, and avoiding free VPNs, you can optimise the security and speed of your VPN connection.
Always prioritise security over speed, and use caution when adjusting your VPN settings or using split tunneling. With the right approach, a VPN can provide a fast and secure internet experience that protects your privacy and keeps your data from prying eyes.
Comments