VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It essentially allows users to create a secure connection with another device or location by “tunneling” their traffic through an encrypted tunnel.
This means that any data sent over the network will be protected from interception and monitoring by third parties, such as hackers or even your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
These tunnels can also extend beyond our computers, some VPN services allow us to encrypt traffic on our smartphones too, meaning that if someone were to try and intercept your data while at home or on public Wi-Fi they would not be able to read what you were browsing or sending.
But the question is are these VPNs safe for online banking? Do you need to worry about anything? In this article, we’ve explained everything you need to know.
VPNs are 100% Safe for Internet Banking
While most people only know VPNs for unblocking restricted content, some people may have confused about their security. However, it should be kept in mind that they are completely safe.
What makes VPNs safe is the fact that they are heavily secured. When you connect to a VPN, everything you do on the internet connects through it.
You might be wondering how this works, right? Well, when you connect to a VPN server, all of your data passes through is encrypted. This means that anyone intercepting your data will not be able to read it.
Even if your bank’s website is safe, you should always use a VPN when accessing them online. Most of the time, banks will also require you to change the URL to access their site (https://www.yoursite.com), and this can simply be done by connecting to a VPN server in a different location.
With a secure connection, you can go ahead and access your account with no problems. Since your IP is masked, no one will be able to track your device and steal your critical information such as bank account passwords and details, etc.
Why Should You Use VPNs?
As you see most people are purchasing VPN subscriptions, now you might be wondering why they are paying for it. Well, as mentioned earlier, VPNs mask your IP which helps provide an extra layer of security.
It is helpful in those scenarios when you are connected to a public internet such as Wi-Fi in a hotel or airport. Those are the most vulnerable types of connections because hackers can easily find your IP from such networks and target your online accounts.
In those situations, VPNs can easily save you from such attacks since your IP will be masked by the VPN provider’s IP address.
When it comes to the security of a particular site itself then there are additional features that a user can utilize to secure their information. For example, some websites have an SSL option.
This means that while you may be on a public connection and encrypting your communications, the website itself is encrypted with an SSL certificate which allows for even greater security.
Last Minute Thoughts
Using a VPN can help ensure your online accounts are safe from hackers. However, you should always practice the best security habits to ensure your data remains protected.
This includes using different passwords for each of your accounts, never reusing passwords, and changing them frequently. In addition, you should only use the secure HTTPS protocol when browsing a website and avoid opening any linked email attachments.
Having that said, VPNs are 100% safe for online banking and transactions. In addition to this, they will cover your IP whenever you are connected to a vulnerable internet.
