Our contemporary world is characterized by unparalleled connectivity and unrestricted availability of information, granting us access to an almost limitless wealth of knowledge. However, this interconnectedness does not come without a cost, and one of the consequences is the compromise of our privacy.
Fortunately, several measures can be taken to alleviate this concern, ranging from using encrypted messaging applications that ensure the confidentiality of our communications to implementing virtual private networks (VPNs) that safeguard our internet traffic from intrusive surveillance.
Curious about VPNs? How do they function, and why are they beneficial? If you have one installed on your desktop, should you also have one for your beloved Android or Apple tablet or phone? But before we delve into that, let’s start with a brief overview of what a VPN is and how it works.
What is a VPN and Is It Different for Mobile?
Like any VPN, an iOS or Android device VPN prevents unauthorized access to your data by routing it through its server before transmitting it over the internet. This procedure effectively eradicates a vulnerable aspect of the information exchange. When utilizing a publicly accessible network, proficient attackers can effortlessly retrieve information regarding your online activities.
Typically, VPNs are used on desktops and laptops. However, the same principle applies when using a VPN on a mobile device like a tablet or smartphone. Whether you connect via Wi-Fi or a cellular network, the VPN will ensure the secure routing of your information through its own servers.
More Secure Wi-FI Browsing
One of the most compelling reasons to utilize a VPN on your Android device is the prevalence of public Wi-Fi networks when accessing the internet on mobile devices. By connecting to these networks, you become part of a more extensive network of devices, which exposes your online traffic to potential interception by malicious individuals.
Given that Android devices are commonly used for sensitive activities like banking, online gaming, and shopping, it is advisable from tech experts to employ a VPN to protect your browsing activities from prying eyes while on the move.
Intermediary servers play a crucial role in relaying data between your phone and the websites you access. Employing a VPN provides an added layer of security, preventing these servers from monitoring your online activities or ascertaining your true identity – ultimately staying one step ahead of cyber thieves and financial ruin.
Mobile Access to Censored Content
Streaming sites like Netflix restrict access to certain content based on the user’s location. Nevertheless, a VPN enables users to circumvent this limitation by connecting through a server in the required country.
Similarly, regional streaming platforms like Hulu or the UK’s BBC iPlayer follow the same pattern. Although these services are only accessible within a particular country, you can employ a VPN to virtually position yourself in that location and gain entry to all the exclusive content they provide.
It is worth mentioning that some of these platforms, such as iPlayer and NBC’s Peacock, are completely free, allowing you to enjoy content without any payment that would otherwise require a subscription to a paid service.
Can Mobile VPNS Alter Geo-Location?
Smartphones have built-in GPS capability to track your precise or approximate location. However, it is crucial to understand that a VPN can only encrypt your web traffic using an IP address and does not encompass the protection of GPS functionality. If you give an app the authority to access your location, the GPS coordinates will precede your IP address, rendering a VPN ineffective.
Nonetheless, there are techniques to spoof or simulate your GPS data while utilizing a VPN, providing you with the benefits of both worlds.
By utilizing GPS on your phone without engaging in any form of spoofing or falsification of coordinates, your genuine location information is unveiled. Both Android and iOS platforms provide the means to regulate location tracking on smartphones, enabling you to either accept or decline location requests from every installed app. Consequently, unrestricted access to your location data is no longer perpetual.
Conclusion
The significance of VPNs cannot be overstated when securing your data, regardless of where you access it. Commencing with a robust VPN solution at home is an excellent starting point. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, mainly if you frequently use a mobile device outside the confines of your home network. An Android VPN presents a practical solution for accessing content restricted to certain regions while traveling abroad or for enjoying content unavailable in your local area.