Surf freely and safely? With these 5 tips you choose the best VPN provider

Hackers, viruses, information leaks. Virtual robbers are lurking everywhere. And anyone can fall victim to it. In 2018 alone, 8.5% of all Dutch internet users aged twelve and older had to deal with cyber crime. That is 1.2 million Dutch people! That alone is a good reason to focus on a VPN service. This considerably increases your safety on the net. And VPN offers more benefits. 

More privacy, more freedom, more security. Those are the main arguments for choosing one VPN connection (Virtual Private Network). Because your internet traffic is redirected via a special VPN server, your data is encrypted. You remain anonymous and you are better protected against the 'curiosity' and possible maliciousness of third parties. Your IP address cannot be retrieved. This anonymity has major advantages and provides more freedom. But the most important thing is that you are better protected. Security protocols differ per VPN, so you can adjust the security level to your personal situation, both business and private.

VPN as a weapon against rapid increase in digital risks

Are we talking to each other about more risks than necessary? Not at all. As we spend more time on the internet, en masse shopping online and using the web for financial transactions, the risks are increasing rapidly. The 2018 balance sheet that Statistics Netherlands drew up in its investigation Digital Security and Crime, is downright worrying. Cyber criminals made 1.2 million victims in that year. This mainly concerns property crimes. Young people between 12 and 25 years old are the most vulnerable; People over 65 turn out to be more wary. Business damage is not included in the investigation, but it is also significant year after year.

Both in the business and private environment you can take many measures yourself to reduce risks. Government campaigns constantly insist on this. Many repeated tips are: using strong passwords, enabling 2FA for additional authentication, reluctance to share personal data, stay sharp on what you open and regularly update good security software. Then are you there? If only that were true. Cyber criminals are becoming increasingly smarter and you will have to arm yourself better and better. That is why an increasing number of internet users are opting for VPN. Do you spend a lot of time on unsecured public WiFi networks? Then VPN is even an absolute must.

5 tips for a critical VPN selection

Because VPN contributes to safe and anonymous internet use under all circumstances, regardless of the network you use. An encryption key keeps your door locked for hackers, nobody is watching. Thanks to those advantages, the popularity of VPN is increasing rapidly and with it the number of providers. What should you pay attention to?

1. With free VPN there is often a snag

Sounds attractive, free VPN. But beware: the sun rises for nothing. Many free providers use your data for advertising purposes or infect your devices with malware. Prefer to choose a paid service.

2. Consider the speed of your connection

A detour automatically means: loss of speed. That often amounts to 10% to 40%, but can even go up to 90%. Choose a stable and fast solution. You will find this primarily at Dutch servers.

3. Check whether your VPN provider is 'watching'

VPN providers are required to keep logs in different countries (particularly in the US). You think you are anonymous, but then there is one party that is watching and may have to share data with security services. Therefore, take the time to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of use. Pay special attention to the privacy conditions!

4. Choose compatibility

Do you use multiple operating systems for your different devices? Then choose a VPN application that is compatible with all systems, so that you only need one subscription.

5. Costs and payment method

Make a proper assessment based on the price-quality ratio and the desired balance in safety and privacy. Choose a provider that uses a common and transparent payment method. Pay particular attention to whether a trial subscription is possible.

No blockages, worldwide shopping and streaming

VPN increases your security and anonymity on the net, but also gives you more freedom. That has everything to do with it Change IP address. Because you surf via a detour, not your IP address is visible, but that of the VPN server. Most VPN services also have the option to use IP addresses in different countries.

This offers the advantage that you can gain access to information that would otherwise be blocked based on the country-specific IP address. You cancel the 'geo blocking', which gives you the freedom to literally shop online worldwide and purchase media services. A common example is that you can watch Netflix VS from the Netherlands with an American IP address. But the other way around is also possible: from abroad to watch Dutch channels that are available via the internet. Safe, anonymous and unlimited.