4 common misconceptions people still have about VPNs

Even though VPN services have become quite popular nowadays, there is still plenty of misinformation running around. Many people think that using VPNs is bad, or illegal, or that you don’t need one if you don’t have anything to hide. It is important that you do your research before deeming VPNs as “something only criminals would use” or before you go on installing the first VPN app that you can find online. Below are 4 of the most common misconceptions about using a VPN and why they are not true.

VPNs are complicated to use

Many people believe that setting up a VPN involves having a master’s degree in Computer Science. Sure, if you want to set up a VPN connection from scratch, you may encounter some issues, but using a ready-made service that you can find online requires minimum knowledge. Basically, the VPN installation process is fairly simple and involves downloading it, paying for the subscription and running it on your device. Pretty easy!

Only hackers use a VPN

If you believe that you don’t have to use a VPN, because you have nothing to hide, then you are completely wrong. VPN services are not for people who conduct illegal or sketchy business online, but for those who care about their privacy and want to keep their data safe and secure. It helps you keep your connection private and protect yourself from the bad-intentioned people that may want access to your private information, such as address, credit card numbers or other private files. Others use VPNs simply because they want to book cheaper flights or watch content that is not available in their region, which, again, is not illegal.

Paid VPNs are equally as good as free ones

The obsession with “free” services make people think that they are just as good as paid ones, but this can not be further from the truth. Free VPN providers still have to make money, to keep their servers up and running, and some of them do so by keeping logs and selling your information to third parties, for advertisement. Paid VPN providers offer much more high-quality services and will keep your data secure. But even so, keep in mind to read their terms and conditions, fine print included, before installing any service, be it free or paid.

I can do anything if I use a VPN

While VPNs do hide your IP address, it does not mean you can browse around the Internet and doing a bunch of illegal stuff, such as pirating, accessing illegal content or simply forget what is morally right or wrong. To put it simply, anything that is illegal without a VPN, is illegal with a VPN also, so you may want to think twice if you believe that by using a VPN you are protected from the law. VPN services are developed to protect yourself from ill-intentioned people, not to turn yourself into one. Other people think that, if they use a VPN, they are protected from malware, but only a good antivirus can do so.