Offerings from Netflix and Hulu differ by country. It's not uncommon for online streaming services to offer content in one region, but not another. Spoofing your location can also get around restrictions of another kind. China has also banned most VPNs, though some still manage to connect. For example, Russia has banned the use of VPNs, claiming a need to block terrorist activities. Just know that in some countries, you may be breaking local laws just by using a VPN. Journalists and political activists working against repressive regimes have long relied on VPNs to communicate safely with the outside world. (Opens in a new window) - $39.99 Per Year for 5-Devicesīeyond protecting your traffic, VPNs can also let you spoof your location and tunnel past local internet restrictions.
(Opens in a new window) - $99.95 for 1-Year Plan + 3-Months Free + 1-Year Backblaze Cloud Backup (Opens in a new window) - $56.94 for 2-Year Plan + 2-Months Free (Opens in a new window) - $47.89 Per Year ($3.99 Per Month) (Opens in a new window) - $56.76 for 2 Year Plan + 2 Months Free (Opens in a new window) - $78.96 for 2-Year Standard Plan When you're using a VPN, however, the IP address that others see is that of the VPN server you're connected with, not your own. With a direct, no-VPN connection to a website, your IP address not only identifies you to that site but also identifies your geographic location. This encrypted data travels to a server owned by the VPN company, where it's decrypted and sent on its way.Įncrypted web traffic isn't the only reason you need a VPN. When your VPN is active, all your network traffic-whether from browsers, apps, or iOS itself-gets encrypted before it leaves your phone. Using VPNs for Encryption and Location Spoofing Even your own ISP can aggregate and sell anonymized information. Facebook, Google, and other big-name companies have driven an industry built on hyper-specific ad targeting. Advertisers track your movements across the web and can build up detailed records of your preferences that they can transmute into cash with the dark alchemy of targeted advertising. The real day-to-day problem is companies who are out for your data. We've seen this attack in action-it's a staple of security researchers showing off their tricks. That said, there are well-documented attacks that can intercept cell transmissions, and phony cell towers may be a bigger problem than you think. There are also fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic networks your iPhone already trusts, enticing them to connect without your knowledge. Modern cellular communication is thoroughly encrypted and not easily tapped without police-level tools such as a Stingray-like device or data dumps from cell towers. However, a VPN, or virtual private network, goes beyond malware protection by making it harder for advertisers, ISPs, and snoops to monitor your online activities. Why Should You Get a VPN for Your iPhone?Īpple did a good job of protecting its mobile platform from the worst kinds of malware. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. ( See how we test everything we review (Opens in a new window).)