The internet is filled with discussions over the use and benefits of a VPN (a virtual private network). What most people want to know is that using a VPN is effective for added privacy on banking applications though?
How can a VPN protect you?
A virtual private network or a VPN is the best tool that enables you to surf the internet safely and securely. It masks your IP address which prevents everyone on the internet to track your location. Moreover, all the sensitive data that leaves your sensitive data is always encrypted while you are connected to the web. This indicates that no one, not even your ISP (internet service provider) can see what you are doing online.
Your data first goes through a VPN server where the IP address of your computer or whatever device you are using changes, this hides your actual location from the websites you visit. This way the information from your end when reaches its destination cannot be tracked back to your actual location. This results in the receiver of your information never being able to know where the data actually came from. This means that VPN is indeed safe for online banking.
This is when you should use a VPN for online banking
Here you will find multiple reasons why the use of VPN is effective when it comes to online banking.
· If you make online transactions that hold sensitive data
Be it your own salary which you earned by working hard all month, or your employee’s salary that you want to send him, the top-notch security to ensure that the data is not compromised is necessary. If such transactions are made without using the VPN then crucial information like bank details, and credit card information can be easily accessed by hackers.
If you make your transactions using a VPN then all the traffic will be encrypted which will keep all your transactions safe from prying eyes. Moreover, if you go for a trusted VPN service, it will not be keeping the logs of your data as well. You can go for the VPN free trial to see if it works fine for you, as many VPNs offer free trials. Having a mental peace of all your transactions safe from hackers and snoopers is something you want to make sure of these days.
· If you use public Wi-Fi access
If you connect with public Wi-Fi often at airports while traveling or either at the local coffee shops, it can be risky. The reason is that hackers can easily access what you are doing which can include sensitive information like your credit card credentials and other important bank details. Moreover, hackers can also plant free Wi-Fi at such places tricking you into believing that these are authentic to later steal your information.
If you have a practice of using public Wi-Fi, always ensure to use a VPN so it helps to keep your data and all your interaction with the internet private. This includes your data that holds all your banking details. Make it a habit to use a trusted VPN service whenever you use banking apps in places with public Wi-Fi. Also, you can check the IP address lookup tool to see if the VPN you have is actually changing your IP address or not.
· Using your mobile apps to access online banking
Yes, mobile phones are a tough target to crack than computers but still, they can be accessed by hackers. If you are habitual in using banking apps on your phone to make quick transactions then downloading a VPN has to be your top priority. It helps in keeping your activity hidden and prevents prying eyes to see your sensitive information.
Is there something I should avoid when using a VPN for online banking?
Yes, there is something that you should avoid while using a VPN for online banking. If you keep switching up your servers every time you connect to the VPN your bank will surely notice it. This will make it like an unusual activity. This is why you should choose only one server and ensure to connect with it always. It will show them that you are not constantly traveling the world. Moreover, if your bank blocks you to make transactions because of this, you can always call to let them it is you.
Changing your location by connecting with different VPNs also helps in bypassing the geo-restricted content. For instance, you can get the best VPN for Disney Plus Roku, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus and unblock them in countries where they do not provide their services.
How can a VPN protect you with online banking?
A VPN indeed helps a lot with privacy, yet it does not guarantee that you will not be hacked. You can ensure some additional steps to increase your online security. One of the leading aspects to keep in mind ensuring that your password is strong. For instance, if you use your banking application password the exactly same as your social media channels then the chances of getting hacked can increase.
VPN does help with privacy and online banking; you just have to ensure that the password you create is strong. If someone cracks your password because it could be easily guessed then that will be on you only. This is why you should always include characters and numbers quite mixed so it gets even harder to be guessed by the hackers.
It is not recommended to use a free VPN for online banking
It is not recommended to ever use a free VPN for your banking applications. If a free VPN service company does not charge its users at all, then how do you think it gets paid? They keep the log of your data and sell it to other third parties so they can see your pattern. Some free VPNs are not even capable of providing top-notch security and this is why trusting them with your private bank details is a good idea at all.
Final Verdict
So, is VPN effective for added privacy on banking applications? Absolutely! Keeping your data extra encrypted using a VPN will give a mental peace that no one on the internet is able to steal your sensitive data. There are many VPN services that you can use to do online banking. Ensure to get the best offer as there are some pretty good discounted offers available in the market.
