Why you should consider using a VPN on your Mac
If you are using public Wi-Fi hotspots in places such as libraries, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, or conference centers, you are putting yourself and your data at risk. Most public hotspots are unsecured, which means that anyone can connect to the network and intercept any data being sent or received. This includes passwords, email messages, and even financial information.
Even if a public hotspot is legitimate, it may not be well-protected against hackers. Hackers can also use public hotspots to launch attacks against other devices on the same network. Using a public hotspot can also expose your device to viruses and other malware. To protect your data, it’s important to use a VPN when connecting to a public hotspot.
VPN stands for “virtual private network.” It is a type of technology that allows users to create a secure connection over a public network. VPNs can be used to access region-locked content, hide your IP address, and protect your data from hackers. If you use a Mac, you might be wondering if you need a VPN. Even though computers running macOS are less susceptible to cyber attacks than Windows machines, they can still be vulnerable.
VPNs for Mac can provide an extra layer of security and privacy when connecting to the internet. They can also help you bypass restrictive censorship and location-based restrictions. When you use a VPN, all of your traffic is encrypted and tunneled through a remote server. This means that your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online, and it also means that third-party trackers can’t track your behavior. Even if you are on a Mac, you should still route your internet traffic through a VPN — especially when you are in public areas.
Pros and Cons of using a VPN
When it comes to using a VPN, there are several factors to consider. While a VPN does provide a user with an encrypted tunnel for their internet activities, it can slow down your connection and is an added expense. Here are some pros and cons you may want to think about before adding a VPN to your system.
Pros
- Added security and privacy
- Provide access to blocked websites and content
- Protects your identity from online censorship
- Can bypass government censorship filters
Cons
- A slower than normal internet connection speed
- Less secure than methods such as a proxy server
- Can be difficult to set up
- Can be expensive
Which VPN should you use?
If you run a search for “VPN Provider” on Google, you will get more than 85 million results. There aren’t quite that many providers, but there are dozens to choose from. Wading through the menagerie of companies available is cumbersome, to say the least, and what makes it more complicated is knowing whether or not to trust a review site’s opinion of service.
Many VPN providers offer affiliate programs as a part of their larger marketing plans. There is nothing wrong with this, but it does make it harder for users to figure out if a reviewer is recommending a certain VPN service based on their actual use of the system or based on the amount of revenue they are generating from that particular affiliate link.
We recommend doing a bit of research on the VPN service to see who is the best fit. When we complete reviews of VPNs here on Mac Sources, we do not include any affiliate links in our articles. We only include links back to the VPN service for informational purposes only and we do not receive any monetary benefits from the review itself. We complete real-world tests and look at the following factors.
- Who the company is: who owns them, what makes them unique
- Where are they located
- Pricing
- How their service works in real-world terms
- Testing: speed, IP leak, DNS leak, WebRIC leak
Some of the most recent VPN services we’ve reviewed include:
Conclusion
In 2022, using a VPN on your Mac is more important than ever for online security. A VPN is a great way to keep your data safe and secure. It can also help you access blocked websites and content, and keep your online activity private. The technology creates a secure network connection for you while you are using the internet and can even be used to connect remote offices, branch offices, and employees working from home to their company’s network. Using a VPN is a smart choice for security. By using a VPN, you can browse the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your data is safe from prying eyes.