Using a VPN Might Not Keep You Safe, After All
The hidden dangers of free VPNs: Are you at risk? Do you use a VPN to keep your data secure when browsing the web? Or does your business use one as part of its access management plan? Even if you’re not sure, the answer to that second question might be “yes”: Many businesses pivoted to VPNs during COVID as a quick and relatively safe way for people to access server resources from home. If you’re using a VPN, whether for personal or professional reasons, the thinking goes that you’re a whole lot safer and more secure because of it. But it turns out not all VPNs are created equal, and some of them might be doing the opposite of keeping you safe. Here’s what you need to know about using VPNs, including what to watch out for if you do. What Is a VPN? The acronym VPN stands for “virtual private network.” It’s a way of connecting your computer to an online resource by way of another connection point. Virtual private networks act as a middleman for internet or network traffic: instead of a c...