Professionals have been relying on VPNs to provide their computers with improved security when working away from their typical network connection, but until recently VPN technology was restricted to traditional computers. However, with the rise of mobile computing, a greater number of people are working remotely than ever before, and they’re not always doing so with a laptop. With this shift in mind, VPN technology is now widely available for mobile devices – but to ensure proper security, users have to make the right connection.
Choosing A VPN Provider
Choosing the right provider has always been key to maximizing your VPN’s efficiency since these connections have to do a lot of heavy lifting. Not only do they need to provide a secure internet connection, but VPNs are often used to access a remote desktop – and when coupled with a wireless internet connection, the link can be particularly slow. When using a VPN on a mobile device, however, your VPN choices will largely be limited by your operating system, though you’ll also want to consider what your goals are in using a VPN.
Who Offers The Best Protection?
In addition to professional applications, a growing number of people now use VPN software to conceal other kinds of data, get around firewalls, or access geographically restricted content, such as streaming shows. But how do you know which VPN is right for you? There are several factors you should take into consideration.
For those choosing a VPN for Android, NordVPN is one of the best programs and if you already use the Nord program on your desktop, you’ll find it easy to transition to mobile. Perhaps the most impressive thing about it, though, is that NordVPN for Android can get around China’s national firewall. It’s also one of the most comprehensive VPNs overall. Other programs like CyberGhost may be more intuitive to new VPN users and it’s great for those seeking to bypass geo-limitations on media, but Nord is more likely to win out among professionals.
Simple Set Up
If you’re planning to use VPN on a mobile device, you’re going to want an option that’s easy to set up, so make sure that you set up your account online and test your connection when you aren’t trying to meet a deadline. It’s almost always easier to set up VPN accounts on a desktop rather than to fill out account information on your phone. You’ll also want to spend some time exploring your chosen VPN’s settings to determine how it can best meet your needs. Nord, for example, has a Quick Connect option that calls up your default settings, while ExpressVPN will automatically choose a server for you upon sign-in.
Assessing Your Safety
It’s great that mobile users now have the option of using VPNs to connect to the internet, it’s always important to be critical of the offerings and to do your research. There are products on the market that promise VPN protections but are ultimately scams, while others may slow your device to a crawl. A more competitive market also means that there are more free VPNs available for mobile, but these will clutter your phone with ads, introducing a new risk; the fact is, this is technology that you’ll want to pay for if you actually hope to receive security protections.
When choosing a mobile VPN, it’s also wise to look for products from known tech brands. For Android users, Google’s new Project Fi offerings may be a sure bet, but the bottom line is that using a VPN is about trust. Whether you’re accessing work files remotely or just trying to surf the web without feeling like Big Brother is watching your every move, your VPN should boost your confidence in the experience. If you’re having any doubts, better to bail out and wait until you have a secure connection to resume your internet use because in today’s world of hackers and data breaches, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
