Shopping has never been easier than it is today, thanks to the internet. From the comfort of your own home, you can purchase just about anything and everything. While it makes life a lot easier, it also brings with it one downfall. You have to enter your credit/debit card information or PayPal details and risk that hackers do not get access to that information. Thankfully, there is an easy way to secure online payments by using a VPN.
How your information is at risk
Your payment information is at risk every time you make a purchase online. All well-known shopping websites offer secure payment portals, but they can still be hacked.
It means when you enter your credit or debit card details, if the site has been hacked, your details can be infiltrated. Once in the hands of hackers, they can access your finances.
The same applies to payment portals such as PayPal. Hackers can get hold of your username and password and gain access to all debit/credit cards linked to your account.
While personal information may be at risk at home when using your network, it is even more so if you pay online using public WiFi hotspots.
How a VPN secures online payments
By using a VPN, aka Virtual Private Network, you gain additional security by way of a change of IP address and an encrypted tunnel.
After downloading a small app to the device you use to connect to the internet, the app is launched and remains in the background.
Mask your IP address for anonymity
You use the app to choose a server, one in either your own country or thousands of miles away from your actual location. By doing so, you mask your IP address, which gives away details about your location and takes one on from the server. No one knows your actual location, so you remain anonymous online.
Encrypt your personal information
Once connected to a server, a virtual encrypted tunnel is placed between your device and the internet.
VPN providers offer several security features, including military-grade encryption, which is the most secure out there. The best providers also offer DNS and IP leak protection and a Kill Switch.
Leak protection stops data leaking out of the encrypted tunnel onto the internet. The Kill Switch ensures that if the connection to the server is lost, the internet connection ceases. This way, no unencrypted information is sent out.
Military-grade encryption means that any information you send over the internet, including credit/debit card information, is unreadable. The data is only decrypted once it reaches its final destination. If anyone infiltrates it, it cannot be read. The same applies to usernames and passwords.
Additional security features of a VPN
Some VPN providers offer additional security features built-in. These features help you to remain safe and secure online, whether browsing or undertaking online payments.
Features such as these typically stop malicious websites from installing malware on your device that could be used to steal information.
Providers may offer botnet control to stop DDoS attacks and even double VPN for double the security.
When combined with military-grade encryption, you can browse the internet and shop with peace of mind. Your personal details remain safe.
Leave a Reply