The main purpose of a VPN is to hide your online activity. VPNs are often used to guard against hackers and snoops on public networks, but they’re also useful for hiding your IP address, browsing activity, and personal data on any Wi-Fi network — even at home.
The more digital our lives become, the more likely our privacy is at risk. From your ISP (internet service provider) to companies collecting data to monetize or sell to hackers looking to steal your personal details for malicious purposes, someone might be watching or tracking your online activity anytime you browse the web. A VPN helps you browse safely and securely by encrypting your connection and hiding your location.
Do I need a VPN at home?
A VPN is less necessary at home than in public because your home network includes security protections like a username and password to sign in. But many people still use a VPN at home to prevent some forms of online tracking or stream certain types of content.
On an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, hackers can easily intercept anything you send and receive. While most of your internet traffic is pretty uninteresting, it could include sensitive info like your bank account details, credit card numbers, or login credentials. Attackers cast wide nets, which is why the free internet at the public library or the airport poses a higher risk.
By comparison, home networks are much safer. It’s much less likely that someone can walk in and join your network. Plus, if you take all the steps to protect your home Wi-Fi router properly — including changing the default username and password — using a VPN at home for protection against cybercriminals is probably not one of your top priorities.
But, even at home a VPN can help protect you from other types of privacy threats. Your online activity can be tracked any time you visit a website or open an online application. Companies collect information about you so they can improve their products or show you targeted advertising based on your online activity. A VPN, especially paired with additional anti-tracking tools, can strengthen your anonymity and help hide you from trackers.
Using a VPN for your home network not only adds an extra layer of protection, but it also makes it harder for anyone to see what you’re doing, since they won’t be able to find your IP address.
