With increasing cybersecurity and data protection risks and a global rise in home working, VPNs are now widely adopted for personal and professional use. Recent projections show the market reaching a valuation of $77.1 billion by 2026, representing significant growth from $32.2 billion in 2020.
The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated the market’s growth as individuals do more online and businesses demand secure multi-site connectivity. Companies in various industries are increasingly reliant on collaborative technologies such as cloud storage and video conferencing, making VPNs an essential part of their IT toolkits.
Below, we explore how this increasingly popular technology works and what it offers users.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for a virtual private network. VPN software encrypts data and hides IP address information to protect user identity when using the internet, making your actions effectively untraceable even on a public connection. You may think that a VPN slows down your browsing speed. However, if you connect to the nearest VPN server – for example, the UK one – you definitely won’t notice any difference.
Why use a VPN?
Using a VPN is a must for anyone concerned about security and privacy online. Here are some of the key reasons why you may choose to use one yourself:
- Public Wi-Fi security: Public Wi-Fi is convenient but also makes your device and data accessible to others. Whether in a café, shop, or transport hub, connecting via a VPN protects data from prying eyes.
- Data privacy: Your data is still vulnerable when using your home Wi-Fi. A VPN stops internet service providers, apps, and services like Facebook from collecting and selling it to advertisers.
- Unlocking content: Television and film streaming services such as Netflix often offer different content in different regions. Using a VPN to mask your IP address can unlock content that otherwise wouldn’t be available locally.
- Remote working: Many businesses encourage or enforce the use of VPNs to keep sensitive documents and information private no matter where an employee is accessing them from.
Many people also find VPNs a more convenient and flexible security option than other more difficult solutions to install or use across multiple devices.
Installing and using a VPN
VPN software is available for almost all devices, internet browsers, and operating systems. For example, you can download a VPN for Android, Windows, and Mac, with functionality largely the same between the different versions.
VPNs used to be a more niche consideration, but various factors increase their popularity among several user groups. A recent study on VPN usage found that people primarily use them to avoid identity theft,secure personal data, and mitigate risks when using public Wi-Fi.
Smaller numbers use VPNs because of job requirements or a desire or need to bypass an organisation’s network restrictions.
As internet adoption and remote working continue to grow worldwide, the surge in popularity of VPNs is only likely to continue. Are you using this technology to hide your activity and information online?
Source: https://todayuknews.com/news/vpn-market-set-to-boom-over-the-next-5-years/
