Over the years, I’ve found that constantly using a VPN can lead to various problems. That’s why I’ve become quite selective about when to use the VPN installed on my system.
What are these cases? Let me first tell you when you should use the VPN, then we’ll discuss when not to use it.
When should you use a VPN? Some of these questions are obvious to most of you, while others might raise an eyebrow.
- Public Wi-Fi
Whenever you’re on a public Wi-Fi network, you should activate the VPN.
Since you can’t control who else is on that network, you might find yourself in a coffee shop sending sensitive information while someone else is connected to the same network, just waiting to intercept your data.
For this reason, and because public wireless networks lack cybersecurity, you should always use a VPN.
- When traveling to countries with certain restrictions
Some countries impose significant restrictions on internet use. So, you might find yourself in a situation where you can’t access certain sites you need.
In this case, turn on the VPN and configure it to connect to a server in your home country.
And enjoy the content as you normally would.
- To bypass a firewall
If you find yourself in a situation where certain websites are blocked in specific geographic areas, the VPN will help you bypass this issue.
Let’s say you’re in country X, which blocks website A.
With the VPN, you can trick the network into thinking you’re from country Y, which doesn’t block website A. VPNs are very useful in this regard. - To prevent your ISP from tracking you
Did you know that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see every URL you visit?
If your traffic isn’t encrypted, they can read everything you send and receive.
And if your traffic isn’t encrypted, your ISP can read everything you send or receive.
To avoid this, use a VPN, which not only hides your IP address but also encrypts your data.
To avoid targeted advertising
Are you tired of “targeted” ads? Generally speaking, I find these targeted ads so irrelevant that they’re annoying.
To avoid targeted ads, use a VPN.
When you use a VPN, advertisers can’t track you, and therefore can’t build a profile to match you with specific ads.
To access sites that use HTTP only
There are still some websites around the world that haven’t yet switched to HTTPS (Secure HTTP).
If you use one or more of these sites in your daily routine, you should consider using a VPN to access them.
Why? Because it adds an essential layer of security when browsing or using sites that use the HTTP protocol.
When not to use a VPN
Now, let’s talk about when you shouldn’t use a VPN.
- When visiting your bank’s website
Some banks restrict access to their sites from foreign countries. If you use a VPN, your network traffic may appear to be coming from a different country.
And if you try to access your bank account, it might get blocked.
If you feel more comfortable using a VPN to visit your bank’s website, make sure the VPN server you’re connecting to is in the same country as your bank. Otherwise, you might not be able to access your account.
- When you need speed
VPNs slow down your network traffic. Sometimes the slowdown isn’t noticeable, but at other times, it’s quite apparent.
If you need speed, turn off the VPN.
For example, you may have a large download to complete (like a Linux ISO distribution or a video file). Turn off the VPN, download the file, and then turn the VPN back on once the download is complete.
- When accessing local content or devices
You may need to access content and/or devices within your own network (at work or home).
The machines serving this content can be configured so that only devices on the local network can access it.
If your VPN is enabled, the devices you’re trying to access may refuse to grant access. In this case, turn off the VPN.
- When using certain software
I’ve seen this happen quite often. After enabling my VPN and launching a program, I discovered it wasn’t working as expected.
Once, I spent an hour figuring out why Spotify wasn’t working. I found out it was due to my VPN. I turned off the VPN, and Spotify worked fine.
Some VPNs allow you to create exceptions for programs. If you use such a VPN, make sure you know how to enable exceptions and add programs that don’t work properly when the VPN is on.