Streaming online content has become a popular way to enjoy your free time, especially if you’re in the mood for some entertainment. Many users stream their favorite movies and TV shows through third party sources that allow them to enjoy popular content for free. While watching movies for free sounds tempting, it can also be a big threat to your data and device security.
After all, these free services need to make their money somehow. It might seem like all they’re doing is running harmless ads but that’s definitely not the case, as there is a lot more to this story. Here’s how you can prevent security risks when streaming online content from free sources on the internet!
What Is VPN?
The best and often the only way to keep your device protected when streaming online content is to use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network or VPN for short is a smart encryption tool used to hide users’ information from hackers and third parties. The way a VPN works is simple. A VPN service offers a variety of distant and secured servers in different locations.
Once you choose a server at a specific location, it automatically changes your virtual address to the location of your server. All the traffic that travels to and from your device is then routed to this encrypted server. That way, all your personal data, traffic, and online activities cannot be traced to your real address or identity.
While routing the traffic to the VPN server, all your information travels in an encrypted tunnel that hackers cannot breach through. That way your online activities stay hidden even if you’re using a public WiFi network. This is especially helpful when streaming online content for free.
How to Use VPN?
The first step to securing your device is to find a reliable VPN service. There are many VPN services out there, including both the free and the paid versions. However, it is recommended to opt for the paid versions as those are more reliable. Free VPNs often record user’s information for their own profit-making purposes. Once you have chosen the preferred VPN option, install the app and activate it. Then all you need to do is find the server you want to connect to and click connect. The program will do the rest. Make sure to activate VPN before you start streaming content or surfing the web using unreliable and open public networks.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using a virtual private network other than securing your device when streaming online content. For example, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is usually unavailable in your country. If you want to learn more about cybersecurity measures and procedures, look into the NIST cybersecurity framework. This framework can be used as your guideline to achieving best cybersecurity protection. Don’t forget to activate your VPN the next time you sit down to watch your favorite movie or TV show!
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