With each passing year, staying safe online is becoming a significant concern and challenge. The number of social engineering attacks, hacking attempts, phishing scams, and other cyberattacks is increasing exponentially and appears frightening at times.
Although Apple has a reputation for security, your Mac computer or laptop is not immune to cyberattacks. Also, cybercriminals are investing in sophisticated techniques and tools to breach the almost-impenetrable security wall put up by Apple. Therefore, you must use more robust tools to protect your personal and financial data. This is where password managers, 2FA, MFA, and anti-virus software come in handy. Another great online security solution is VPN.
VPNs can boost the security of Apple’s iCloud Relay, but that’s not the only thing they are good at. Here’s what you need to know.
What is VPN, and How to USE it on a Mac?
VPN is short for virtual private networks, and it uses encryption software to create a secure tunnel through which you can communicate with different websites. Moreover, VPNs disguise and hide IP addresses, so hackers and individuals with malicious intent do not discover your location.
The next question on your mind must be how to use a VPN on MacBook. For this, the first step is to select the best VPN app for Mac, such as ClearVPN, Atlas, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, TunnelBear, etc.
Second, ensure the VPN app is compatible with your Mac; if not, you need to update your macOS. Third, register with the VPN service by choosing a payment plan and then install the application on your device. Finally, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation and registration process.
Fourth, launch the VPN application and review all the settings and preferences to ensure they are adjusted to suit your specific requirements. Sometimes, essential settings might be turned off by default, and you must enable them manually. For instance, features like DNS leak protection or firewall-based kill switches.
Finally, choose the VPN server and then click Connect. Then, browse the web and stream movies or videos without a care in the world!
Why Install a VPN on your Mac?
There are several ways a VPN app on your Mac can improve your web browsing experience and keep you safe. Additionally, it will protect your Mac against hacking attempts. Some of the reasons are mentioned here.
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Access another Mac remotely
A VPN lets you access another Mac remotely if you work away from the office or home. You can log into the VPN and safely connect to your company’s network without exposing confidential data.
Although you can use remote access software for this purpose, a VPN service ensures you are connected securely to your office network.
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Enhanced privacy
Right now, the world is reeling under the pressures of doing everything it can to boost online privacy. First, however, you must be aware of the level at which you are being tracked. Everyone is tracking your information and monitoring your online activities, from businesses to marketers and hackers.
However, you may not feel comfortable being tracked. Sometimes, tracking and monitoring result in your data being sold to third parties. You may even see too many ads that hamper your web browsing experience.
Therefore, a VPN prevents your online activities from being tracked and monitored. In addition, it will prevent your information from being stored, such as the products you have bought or the websites you have visited.
Safeguarding your browsing details and history can save you from embarrassment, as your information will not be disclosed to a broader audience.
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Access geo-blocked content
VPNs ensure the world is truly your oyster (at least, virtually!).
Due to copyright issues and other restrictions, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming websites and apps show region-specific content. So US-based shows and movies might not be available if you are traveling to Europe or India. Also, UK or Europe-based series and movies won’t be available to you when you are in the USA.
The workaround?
Installing VPN is the solution to circumventing these restrictions and accessing geo-blocked content. A VPN will allow you to connect to the country server of your choice and make the application think you are accessing its content from an authorized region.
The same trick is applied to gaming and other websites and apps that forbid people from accessing their content outside specific regions or countries.
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Prevention of bandwidth throttling
Many ISPs throttle the bandwidth when they detect you are on a gaming website or streaming movies and series. Bandwidth throttling can impact streaming and gaming quality. It may reduce Internet speed and result in significant frustration.
But if VPN encrypts your traffic, your ISP won’t be able to identify your online activities; hence, bandwidth throttling will be avoided.
The Bottom Line
These are why you must use a VPN app on your Mac. Furthermore, you can also use VPN on your iOS devices to ensure privacy and security.
