To visit your favorite websites without being spied on or blocked, you’ll need a VPN. Here’s how they work, and the best mobile VPN apps to trust.
These days, we self-censor what we write and say online not because intelligence agencies might be watching us – they very likely are. In 2013, Edward Snowden’s shocking revelations sent a chill down the spine of everyone who had ever written something sensitive on the internet, leading many to Google frantically for a list of leading VPN mobile apps.
Are you among them? Here, we’ll explore this privacy-saving technology so you can find a VPN smartphone app that’s best for your needs.
What do mobile VPN apps do?
Short for Virtual Private Network, VPN apps allow a mobile device to access a network that encrypts its data transmissions online. It also spoofs your IP address, rendering your device impervious to geoblocking, corporate firewalls, and the whims of government censors.
Why are VPN apps on the rise?
Governments around the world have made clear that the privacy of citizens is not a priority, and will not hesitate to spy on them in the name of “security.” Cybercrime is on the rise as well, with hackers setting up data traps in places as innocuous as coffee shops and airport lounges.
To keep their data safe, tech savvy folk have resorted to downloading the best mobile VPN apps for their iPhones and Android devices.
You can never know with 100% certainty whether any network is legit. A VPN protects you in these instances, as data travelling to and from your device will be encoded with up to 256-bit encryption.
This standard is effectively unbreakable, as its complexity would take illogical amounts of time for a hacker to crack.
People also download mobile VPN apps to retain access to their favorite web content wherever they go in the world. As you may be aware, governments like China erect digital barriers to prevent their citizens from accessing websites like Facebook and Twitter.
Additionally, media companies and corporations restrict access to content like videos and streams to avoid piracy issues.
Travelers who don’t want to lose access to services like Netflix while on the move make use of the best mobile VPN apps to skirt around firewalls and geoblocks. This way, they can enjoy their downtime without having to worry about paranoid bureaucrats or corporate executives ruining their fun.
What are the best mobile VPN apps out today?
So, you’re now convinced on the importance of VPNs. Next question: which mobile VPN is right for your needs?
There are countless VPN apps out there, but only a few deliver the goods. We’ll highlight the ones we trust.
Nord VPN – A well-known VPN service with excellent introductory deals. Known for its speed, it is best for streaming high-quality content. Plans start from US$3.23 per month.
HideMyAss – Also known as HMA, it has an extensive catalogue of over 100,000 IP addresses. Shown to have no IP leaks, it is a great choice for those serious about their privacy.
Express VPN – Uses 256 bit encryption. If you send/receive extremely sensitive data, it doesn’t get better than this. Has a slick, easy-to-navigate interface.
Which countries use VPNs the most?
Privacy issues, government-manned firewalls, and online criminal activity make mobile VPN use more common in certain countries. Which country’s citizens have been most proactive in using virtual private networks on their mobile devices?
China – This nation has the world’s most robust firewall. To access the internet beyond their borders, VPNs are a must. Ever since smartphones caught on in the early 2010s, use of mobile VPNs have exploded in China.
Russia – Privacy is a vital issue among mobile users in Russia, especially when you consider the current political climate. Economic inequality has also fuelled cybercrime, making the use of mobile VPNs crucial to those wanting to keep their data safe from hackers.
United States – Ever since the Snowden leaks, Americans have been concerned about domestic espionage. Many of them have since have flocked to VPNs to preserve their privacy. The death of net neutrality have also driven mobile VPN downloads, as customers are now worried about their favorite sites being blocked or throttled by their ISP.
The internet is turning into a fishbowl, threatening the anonymity which once made it great. Don’t let politicians and criminals wreck the place – download a mobile VPN app. Not only will it keep you safe online, but you’ll also retain access to the sites you know and love no matter what your ISP or the government does.
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This story’s trending topics: Internet privacy, Internet safety, mobile VPN app trends, best mobile VPN apps of 2018 / 2019, most popular VPN countries
