VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network,” and it refers to the capacity to create a secure network connection when using public networks. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and hide your online identity. It makes it more difficult for spies to track your online activity and steal information. Encryption occurs in real time.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN masks your IP address by passing it through a VPN host’s specially configured faraway server. This implies that if you use a VPN to browse the web, your data is now coming from the VPN server. This means that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other third parties cannot see the websites you visit or the data you send and receive over the internet. A VPN serves as a filter, encrypting all of your traffic.
Advantages of using a VPN
A VPN connection masks your online browsing activities and protects it from eavesdropping. Anyone with network access and a desire to read unencrypted data can do so. Hackers and cyber thieves are unable to decode this data when using a VPN. Here are some advantages of using a VPN.
Strong Encryption
To read the data, an encryption key is required. Without one, it would take a computer millions of years to decrypt the code in the event of a brute force attack. Even on public networks, your online activity can be disguised with the help of a VPN.
Hiding your browsing data
VPN servers function as your internet proxies. Your exact location cannot be detected since the demographic location data is obtained from a server in another nation. Furthermore, most VPN providers do not keep logs of your actions. Some providers who keep logs do not send this information on to other parties. This means that your browsing data is forever hidden.
Accessing blocked content
Not all websites are available to Nigerians. There are some US-only and UK-only websites for example. If you don’t reside in these countries, there’s no way you can access the websites. A VPN will enable access to them as you can browse with a server in any of the two countries. In other words, if you select US as your VPN location, you can access every US-only website. The same applies to every other country.
Online security
You may need to access essential files on your company’s network if you operate remotely. This type of information necessitates a secure connection for security reasons. A VPN connection is frequently necessary to gain network access. To limit the risk of data leakage, VPN services connect to private servers and use encryption methods.
Should you use a VPN?
When you connect to the internet, your ISP normally configures your connection. Your ISP could be MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9Mobile. It follows you using your IP address. Your network traffic is routed through the servers of your Internet service provider, which means they can see everything you do on the internet.
Your internet service provider may appear trustworthy, but it may disclose your online activities history with several third parties including advertisers, or the government. ISPs can also be targeted by cyber criminals: Your personal and confidential information may be compromised if they are hacked.
This is especially critical if you use public Wi-Fi networks frequently. You never know who is watching your internet traffic or what they might steal from you, such as passwords and other personal details.
How to use a VPN in Nigeria
A VPN encrypts your browsing activity, which can only be deciphered with the assistance of a key. Because only your computer and the VPN have access to this key, your ISP will not be able to determine what you’re doing online. Here are 3 simple steps on how you can use VPN in Nigeria:
- Start your VPN once you’re online. The VPN establishes a secure connection between you and the internet. This tunnel is invisible to your ISP and other third parties.
- Your device is now connected to the VPN’s local network, and your IP address can be changed to one provided by the VPN server.
- You can now freely browse the internet because the VPN secures all of your personal information.
How to use a VPN on your smartphone
VPN apps are available for both Android and iPhones. Fortunately, smartphone VPN apps are simple to use. Typically, the installation process just downloads one app from the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.
Although there are free VPN providers, when it comes to security, it is best to go with a premium one. If you just want to browse randomly then you can make use of a free VPN.
Because the default settings are already mostly designed for the average smartphone user, the setup is extremely user-friendly. Simply use your account to log in. The majority of programs will next walk you through the primary features of the VPN services.
Advanced configuration is available for users who require a higher level of data security. You can also choose another protocol for your encryption method depending on your VPN. Your app may also provide diagnostics and other features.
Picking the best VPN app is important as well. To assist you, check out this other article on the best free VPNs you can use in Nigeria. For those who need premium VPNs, it’s important to learn about the advanced settings before subscribing to pick the best VPN for your needs.
Bottom Line
If you’re one of those searching about how to use VPN in Nigeria, I’m sure this article has explained all you need to know. Using a VPN has a lot of characteristics and it’s very simple to use.