What is a VPN?
A VPN, or a virtual private network, can help protect you from identity theft and other kinds of cybercrime. As internet users become more and more aware of the dangers that lurk online – from hackers to government surveillance or even stalking – many are using a VPN to stay safe when they go online. What VPN does is that it establishes an encrypted connection between your Mac computer and a server operated by the service, then hides your IP address by moving all your traffic through this protected tunnel.
Are VPNs Legal?
Using a virtual private network is considered legal in most countries around the world, as long as the VPN doesn’t mask illegal activity – like trading on insider information or running an illegal business. Some countries have strict laws against piracy and copyright infringements, so you should be aware of that, too..
We have to admit that not all countries allow VPNs. States like North Korea, China, Iraq, Belarus, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and a few others prohibit the use of secure VPN connections, as virtual private networks might pass the national firewall and access content that is forbidden in the country.
Do you need a good VPN for Mac?
We have already mentioned how VPN for Windows can make a significant difference and be a viable solution for laptops and desktop computers. But Mac computers represent Apple – and they are known to have in-built antivirus software and excellent overall protection.
While Mac OS has a robust infrastructure, going into the “World WILD Web” can eliminate most of the advantages and make it just as vulnerable. So, having a VPN for Mac OS is absolutely necessary. Let’s see why.
Reasons Why You Need a VPN for Mac
1. Security reasons
Entering any data online leaves you exposed to malicious attacks. Whether you order a pizza, subscribe to a newsletter, or a paid online magazine, your information becomes available not only to the interested party but to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and could be a subject of attacks. Keeping your data safe on the Internet is crucial, especially if you regularly fill out forms and documents online.
Protecting your data is a top concern for any reliable VPN, whether it’s to keep business communications private or to conceal your online activity. You don’t have to be concerned about someone intercepting your data when using a VPN. Everything runs through an encrypted tunnel and to a secure server.
2. Avoid tracking
Hackers are not the only people who have an interest in your online data. Information is an expensive asset, and ISPs know that, which is why they can sell your database to third parties and generate additional income. Google also loves to sniff into your activities. Even governments could try to make use of your sensitive information, especially if you have a successful business and live in a corrupted state.
Since virtual private networks (VPNs) allow internet users to create secure, encrypted “tunnels” between their device and a VPN server, nobody can track them. While a VPN is active, no one can see your online activity – not even your ISP or government entities. This keeps you anonymous and protects your data.
3. Watch geo-blocked content
Geo-blocked content is one of the significant issues that people face when they live in countries with more censorship or remote countries that don’t have Netflix and Amazon Prime as popular services. On top of that, if you live in the US or the UK and Western Europe, traveling to more exotic places will automatically leave you with no options to watch your favorite TV series while staying at a hotel.
Whether staying during your summer holidays or when visiting countries for work, you can find the right VPN solutions for Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and other premium content providers (like Hulu and Disney+). With a VPN service enabled, watching the next episode of your TV saga won’t be a problem, and you’ll have plenty of options to fill your spare time abroad.
Still, you need to know that streaming services like Netflix will do their best to block any attempt to log in from a VPN, but if you choose the best VPN for Mac (there are some great options), you might be able to escape their anti-VPN security measures.
4. Download torrents
In many countries, downloading torrents is forbidden. This effectively ends all chances to watch your favorite movies or TV series for free. On top of that, torrents give you the possibility to watch a production before it is released in your country, and some films even don’t end up being accessible at all in the region where you live.
However, the best-rated VPNs can easily bypass national boundaries and allow you to access torrent sites. All you need to have is a VPN service that has servers with P2P sharing. This way, you can download your favorite blockbusters ahead of the official premiere in your country and enjoy watching them for free with family and friends!
5. Work in different places
Staying safe when
using public Wi-Fi is a challenging task. Especially if you work remotely, sometimes, connecting to public networks if you work from a cafeteria or a hotel might be very dangerous for your data safety, and in case you have your working computer with you, things can get really messy. Infecting a public network is an easy task for hackers, and most issues that you can encounter on the Internet will come from these public networks.
Having a strong, reliable virtual private network is a vital step in protecting your personal or work Mac. With good security protocols and encryption, you can be sure that your data can’t be compromised when attached to a public Wi-Fi network, and you can browse on your computer without thinking about malicious attacks.
6. Avoid bandwidth throttling
Internet Service Providers don’t have unlimited bandwidth, and it is in their best interest to provide as many people as possible with it. However, if you are watching too much Netflix or HBO Max at home, or if you spend time checking YouTube videos in 4K for hours, there is a good chance that your ISP decides to throttle your bandwidth (reduce your speed), thus leading to higher buffering time and more frustration.
A top VPN service might benefit you greatly since your ISP cannot detect your personal traffic, you won’t experience any limitations, and you can use almost any of your available speeds. However, you need to know that some VPNs can slow
down your Internet connection, so you should focus on seeking no-lag VPN providers – which often means VPNs with dedicated servers for streaming.
Pro tip: To get the best possible speed, you should connect to a server closer to your country.
7. Better deals online
Many airlines, hotel chains, and online retailers use cookies to tailor their prices according to the location of their customers. If you live in one of the developed countries (think of the US, UK, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand), you will most likely be targeted with higher price tags for the same products or services. Does it sound fair? Well, not really.
Accessing the same content with some of the best VPNs on the market will save you money from tickets, subscription charges, and location-based prices. And if you do your calculations, you may have a positive balance from your VPN provider.
Free or Paid VPNs
While free VPN for Mac sounds like a fantastic idea, it isn’t very practical. If we have to come up with an honest assessment of free VPNs, their only advantage is that you don’t pay. However, they come with a variety of negatives: like extremely slow speeds, encryption standards are not the same, and you are even targeted with ads.
While free VPN for Mac sounds like a fantastic idea, it isn’t very practical. If we have to come up with an honest assessment of free VPNs, their only advantage is that you don’t pay. However, they come with a variety of negatives: like extremely slow speeds, encryption standards are not the same, and you are even targeted with ads.