twitter on a phone screen
Twitter Ban: Virtual Private Networks
By Charles Ikem
on 10 Jun, 2021

Can’t connect to Twitter? No problem. There is VPN

We have assembled a list of resources from various organizations to help you stay connected.
If you find them useful, please share with your friends… #keepiton

WHAT IS A VPN?

A Virtual Private Network connects your device (phone or PC) to another computer (called a server) somewhere on the internet and allows you to create a secure connection using that computer’s internet connection. So, if that server is in a different country, it will appear as if you are coming from that country, and you can access things that may not be available in your own country.

Source: Infographic.tv
Source: Paradigm Initiative

HOW TO DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL VPN

If you want to get started with a VPN, follow the steps below to download and install one:

  • Choose a VPN provider.
  • Go to the official website of the VPN provider or search for the name of the VPN on Play Store or Apple Store.
  • Download the VPN app and install it.
  • Open the VPN app and follow the in-app setup guide.
  • With these steps, you only need to activate the app to be able to surf freely, securely and anonymously online. Below is a video on what a VPN is and how you can use it;
  • (Social Media plugins here)

LIST OF VPNs TO DOWNLOAD

All VPNs are not created equal and differ in terms of how fast they are, level of protection and cost of the subscription. Below is a list of some of the best VPNs (paid and free) you can use.

MYTHS ON USING VPN

It is very common for people to be wary of technology especially when it has to do with privacy and security. Below we debunk the myths and misconceptions surrounding the use of VPNs:

Myth 1: VPNs are illegal

There’s a huge misunderstanding about the legality of using a VPN. Although, there are a few shady people out there who probably use VPNs for illegal purposes, the use of a VPN by itself is not illegal. VPNs are used by businesses and individuals to allow them to transfer sensitive data securely. As long as you’re not using a VPN for criminal purposes, using it is perfectly legal and safe.

Myth 2: Free VPNs are just as good as Paid VPNs

There are two categories of VPN service – paid and free and people often go for the latter, questioning the value of paying for something which they can get for free. However, paid VPN services offer a number of advantages, including much bigger data allowances and faster speeds. Another key differentiating factor is security with free VPNs tending to have 128-bit encryption, often via the less secure PPTP protocol, with paid options offering 256-bit encryption and more secure protocols such as OpenVPN. As with many pieces of software, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and you get what you pay for.

Myth 3: VPNs slow down your Internet connection

When you connect to a VPN provider, it gives the impression that you’re elsewhere and may appear that your Internet connection slows down significantly, but that’s not entirely true.
Depending on the speed of your connection to the Internet, and the location of the server to which it’s connecting can make a difference. That is why when you choose a VPN provider, it’s essential you choose one with well-maintained servers in a variety of locations, this way you are guaranteed a better connection.

Myth 4: All VPNs are the same

The main VPN feature is its ability to hide your IP address and make your browsing private. It’s the key selling point, and that is why most VPNs appear to do the same. However, not all VPNs offer the same level of encryption or thousands of server locations. There is also a range of features that distinguish different VPN providers. Modern, up-to-date VPNs have ad and malware blocking features, ways to connect to two servers at the same time, whitelisting features, and so on.
Before picking your VPN provider, be sure to explore all their features.

Myth 5: VPN offers complete anonymity

The goal of a VPN is to offer online anonymity via the encrypted tunnel to a secure server. And the high level of 256-bit encryption that better VPNs offer can be very difficult to break. This leads to the myth that the VPN user is completely anonymous online.
However, it is not that simple. A VPN is not impenetrable, and encryption can be broken – it’s just a matter of how much in the way of computer resources need to be applied to the decryption process.

Resources
  • https://www.techradar.com/news/6-common-myths-of-vpn-debunked
  • https://www.business2community.com/cybersecurity/dont-believe-these-popular-vpn-myths-02223585, https://surfshark.com/blog/vpn-myths

Watch the video on VPN myths

Source: NordVPN

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