What happens if I don't use a VPN? What are the risks?
You definitely need a VPN; it’s one of the simplest and most efficient ways to protect yourself online. But what is a VPN and how does it work?
A VPN is an essential tool for online privacy protection. It encrypts your data and redirects it through a secure VPN server. You can browse online and act as you normally would, but outside observers (e.g. an internet service provider) won't be able to see what you're doing or track your location. A VPN will also protect you on unsafe public Wi-Fi hotspots that can be intercepted by hackers.
With data privacy increasingly threatened by government authorities, tech giants, and hackers, this is the perfect time to start using a VPN on your home network.
What happens if you don't use a VPN? First and foremost, you’re risking your privacy and security. You can be hacked, your online activities monitored, and certain services denied. A VPN enhances your digital security and provides you with an encrypted shield.
How a VPN protects privacy
VPNs encrypt your entire connection. Encryption protects you against snoopers, third-party advertisers, and cybercriminals.
When your VPN is on, your browsing data is encrypted, sent to a secure VPN server, and decrypted, before being passed on to its original destination. The same process occurs when information is sent back to you. Even if a hacker intercepted your data along the way, all they'd see would be a jumble of indecipherable code.
Since even your ISP won't be able to monitor you, you don’t need to worry about your browsing habits being logged and sold off to advertisers. It’s a simple and effective way to maintain your privacy.
Maintain personal privacy
Everyone has a right to privacy, both in the real world and online. But there’s no shortage of people and corporations who’d like to get a look at your browsing activity. In fact, many ISPs are legally allowed to sell your data to corporations, advertisers, research bodies, and government agencies.
A VPN gives you back control of your internet privacy. When you switch it on, even your ISP won’t be able to track you. If you're already asking yourself “should I get a VPN?” The answer is probably yes. Especially if you’re tired of intrusive snoopers, the selling of your data, and constant online ads.
VPNs can make digital sharing more secure
When you share files with someone, you don’t want a stranger spying on the transfer. Premium services offer effective P2P file sharing. With powerful encryption protocols, your uploads and downloads will be safe from prying eyes.
Do I need a VPN on my phone?
Phones are just as tempting to hackers as computers and are sometimes more likely to be the target of Wi-Fi snooping. And if you use the Wi-Fi auto-connect function on your cellphone, you should be particularly careful when you’re outside your home.
Public Wi-Fi is a hunting ground for hackers, as it often has no security and leaves user information vulnerable. If you lose your mobile coverage, your mobile devices may auto-connect to the nearest public Wi-Fi, putting you at risk...this could be at the coffee shop, airport, hotel or any other public location.
Your IP address and virtual location
Without a VPN, your IP address is exposed. Your IP address and the IP addresses of all the devices connected to your home Wi-Fi can be stolen by cyber criminals to track your location, right down to the street level, if they want to.
VPN changes your IP by routing your traffic via a remote server. So nobody can see your virtual location and you have your online privacy protected. For example, you can browse in the UK with a French IP, and everyone will think you're browsing from France.
Do I need a VPN for my business?
Criminals often steal valuable data by targeting the devices of employees within a corporation. Whether you’re running a business or working for a larger company, a VPN can be invaluable.
The threats are only getting worse. As remote working spreads, cyber criminals are taking advantage of unsecured home routers and devices. If you’re one of the many people using one device for both leisure and work activities, a VPN is a great way to add that extra layer of security.
What is a Dedicated IP?
A Dedicated IP address is one that only you and your company can use through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). All individuals assigned to this IP address are granted safe entry into the network and secure access to company data — from anywhere in the world.
When channeled through a Dedicated (Static) IP, all of your online traffic will always remain private and unseen. Implementing a Dedicated IP is a simple and effective way to maintain a robust security system, ensuring that all users on your network are trusted ones. You can utilize Dedicated IPs to control permissions, prevent unauthorized network access, and make sure your team can smoothly access business data regardless of their location.
Dedicated IP (Fixed IP)🔐 |
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Shared IP (Dynamic IP) 🔁 |
| A dedicated IP is an IP address only used by one person or organization via a dedicated server and a private gateway. | 
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Most of the time, when you connect to a VPN with a shared IP address - or Dynamic IP - it is used by other unknown users. A Shared IP will change according to the server, and it’ll commonly move locations to maintain security. Such an IP will not be unique to your organization. |
| With a dedicated server, we assign a dedicated IP address that only you can use. |
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This means the data traffic of other VPN users is being sent through the same VPN server. |
| This IP address will be different from your actual local IP address, so you’ll be protected with your online services. |
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Also known as Dynamic IPs, a shared IP is assigned only temporarily and often changes. |
| All your data traffic will be sent through the dedicated server without losing any control of your digital privacy. No one else can use your company’s dedicated IP. |
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This isn’t the case with a fixed IP. |
Your networked devices
Not having a VPN connection on your home router lets a hacker see all of the devices connected to your local network and the traffic coming from those devices. Cyber criminals can spy on that traffic, blackmail you, steal your files, and cause much avoidable mayhem. So your home network has a higher chance of being attacked by criminals.
How can a VPN help protect against identity theft?
While a VPN connection can't guarantee 100% protection against identity theft, some of its functions can help to reduce its possibility. Identity thieves usually use personal data to impersonate their targets. For example, they can intercept your web traffic, check what you do online, and snatch your data, which can later be used for identity theft. So a VPN could be partial protection against such theft.
We offer a fully managed VPN solution, that includes the following functionality:
- AES-256 Military grade encryption.
- Dedicated IP address for an additional monthly cost.
- Easy on-boarding with an emailed link to each user.
- MFA enforced on all users.
- SSO is optional - Google, Azure AD, Okta, OneLogin.
- Works on: Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- Activity reports to show who is actually using the product.
- Threatblocker for suspicious activity.
- Auto-Connect.
- Kill-Switch to make sure you're only online when connected to the VPN.
With a Dedicated IP address, you receive the following features:
- Site-to-Site inter-connectivity.
- Smart remote access (cloud LAN).
- Network segmentation: Define what software is required to be installed for the computer to be able to access the network (we combine that with EDR). Also define that a certain OS patch is required to enter the network (example: MacOS 12.5 and higher).
- Custom DNS.
- DNS Filtering by category.
- DPI (Deep Packet Inspection).
