Even if you don’t realize it, you probably need a virtual private network (VPN) connection today. The purpose of a VPN is to provide you privacy and security as you communicate over the big, bad internet. A VPN protects your data when you’re using wireless services in a restaurant, your favorite book store, while waiting for your oil change at the local repair shop, participating in on-lin gambling, or the many other locations we roam with our mobile devices today. Both private users and businesses have valuable data and privacy to protect, and having a high quality VPN can save you the headache and heartache of a hacking event that can destroy a business or a family’s finances and safety overnight. 

Purpose of a VPN

The amazing convenience of having huge amounts of data at your fingertips no matter where you are also carries vulnerability to criminals who want to steal your credit and banking information, snooping governments that eavesdrop on citizens, and others who might want to spy on you–for a range of nefarious reasons. Even IT service providers with IT skills are being hacked today!

A VPN basically creates a private “tunnel” through the internet where your data is also encrypted (encoded in unreadable form). Then, even if a hacker finds your “tunnel,” they can’t read your information such as passwords, social security numbers, or banking account numbers. Clever hackers today are able to enter unsecure networks, often through common software applications and websites, and obtain your financial information with ease once they’re in your network or you’re in theirs. 

Consumer VPNs

A consumer VPN is for individual users who compute in coffee shops or hotels and connect to web applications such as email, social networks, shopping sites, and online banking. Consumer VPN services like TorGuard help ensure that those communications are protected. 

Corporate or Enterprise VPNs

In the business world, companies that have branches spread across the country choose to connect each local area network (LAN) using the public internet, but protect their company’s data with VPNs between offices, encrypting the data as it travels the internet. 

A Guide for Selecting the Best VPN Service for You

There are many companies that offer VPN services, but not all are created equal. Some 

VPNs have limits on the amount of data that can be sent or received, and some won’t connect with all servers, limiting the connections you can make using your private network. Therefore, here are some tips for selecting a VPN that’s right for you:

#1 Guaranteed Privacy

Since you’re seeking protection of your data, a good VPN service will offer a guarantee of 100% privacy. 

#2 Unlimited Speed

Obviously, you’ll want to choose a service like TorGuard that can provide speed of access to the data you need and use daily. 

#3 Allows 5+ Connections Simultaneously

You’ll want to keep apps, email, and your favorite movie all running at the same time. 

#4 Supported Client Software

You’ll want to make sure the VPN service you select is compatible and available for the technology you use, be it Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, or Windows.  

# Access to at Least 500 Geographically Diverse Servers Worldwide

You’ll definitely want access to at least 500 servers across the world for easily accessing the information you need, when you need it. 

#6 BitTorrent

BitTorrent is the fastest torrent client and sync and share software for Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. 

#7 Blocks Ads

Because pop up ads can create a spamming nightmare, you’ll definitely want a service like TorGuard that provides ad blocking features.