We are currently going through tough times due to this new COVID-19 pandemic, so it's no wonder that almost everyone is online these days. However, it comes without saying that staying online for so long comes with risks, and not only related to your eyes. One thing you should be aware of is that while browsing the internet or downloading files, your location is exposed at all times. You may say "Oh that's not for me, I have antivirus so I am well protected". But that affirmation is far from the truth, since antivirus doesn't prevent others from seeing your location and taking advantage of it. So let's see some ways in which your online privacy can be affected:
- Downloading torrent files
Almost everyone who is connected to the Internet has downloaded a Torrent file at least once. However, in USA and a number of other countries, doing such thing is prosecuted under the law. You may be surprised to find some high fines arriving to your address, or even being faced with penal charges if you currently have the files in your computer for others to leech. FBI and other agencies will detect your exact location based on IP Address, and there is no other way to hide it others than using a quality VPN.
- Clicking different links
There may be an ad that distracted you and you were enticed to click on it. Or maybe there was a link from a friend that curious to check out. However, not all links are trustworthy, and some will take advantage of your IP address in order to send you more ads in the future.
- Malicious websites
Although modern browsers protect you from most malicious websites today, there are still couple ones that manage to pass through. And when you do encounter such malicious (exploit) websites, they will take advantage of your IP to scare you that they are sending police to your address for different illegal activities that you did not commit. Some websites are so sneaky that they will download such illegal content themselves without you knowing it.
How to protect yourself!
The threat is there and there are not many ways to protect yourself. You can try to use a proxy for browsing, but that will greatly slow your speed. Besides not all proxies are trustworthy, and none of them will protect the anonymity of your downloads and uploads. Your best option relies in using a quality VPN. A VPN is like a virtual shield that doesn't let anyone know your exact address, regardless whether you download files, upload files, or visit different websites.
I strongly recommend you to use VPNCity, a reliable VPN provider that comes with a money-back warranty, excellent browsing speeds, and over 12 locations around the world.
Use this link to benefit from 1-month FREE of VPNCity, so you can decide for yourself if its worth it or not. If you want to continue using it after this period, you will only have to pay around 3 euros per month. However, given all the risks that it covers for you, it's an excellent price. So, why not give it a try?
Let me know in the comment box below if you tried VPNCity and how it worked for you!
