Protect Your Data When You Travel
Coming to Norway? A VPN helps to stop your laptop, tablet or smartphone getting hacked when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
Most of us know a thing or two about basic security for our laptops, tablets and smartphones. We wouldn't dream of connecting to an open, unknown Wi-Fi network in our home towns, but somehow that care seems to vanish when we go on vacation.
Whether it's a misplaced trust in hotels, restaurants and shops, or a desperate need to access email or social media on the move, many people connect to any open Wi-Fi network. By doing so, hackers and scammers can gain access to your computer or mobile device and pick up your passwords and other private information. This is the case with many open networks such as those in coffee shops and hotels, and not just Wi-Fi networks deliberately set up for the purpose.
How a VPN protects you when travelling
The best way to protect yourself from such attacks (short of not using the internet at all!) is to install and use a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN is your own secure connection to the internet that will allow you to browse, email, and go about your normal activity in privacy. A VPN not only protects you, but also allows you to appear as if you are surfing from somewhere else. For example, you can use a VPN in Norway to connect to the internet in the United States. This is useful for added security and to access restricted content that may only be available to residents of the USA.
Access Netflix and other streaming services
An added benefit of using a VPN is the ability to make it seem you are physically located somewhere else. Online services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube and so on will often block access if you are outside your home country, even if you are a paying customer. By using a service such as PureVPN, Netflix and other region-restricted content becomes available to you.
Although not a problem in Norway, some countries block some search or social media services. For example, you won't be able to access Google or Facebook while travelling in China. Many residents of Iran use a VPN to get around the rules restricting access to Facebook.
How to get a VPN
Just like cars, computers and smartphones: Not all VPNs are created equal. We strongly recommend PureVPN.
I use it on my desktop computer, laptop computer and smartphone. When I'm at home I use it for added security and to access services from the UK, and when I'm travelling I use it to access banking and other services back in Norway without any added hassle.
Unlike other providers, PureVPN manages their own network of servers, which numbers over 500 in more than 140 countries. PureVPN is fast, reliable and is great value for money.