Fri, February 14, 2025

Most popular ways of using a VPN

Charu Thakur
Updated on February 6, 2025

The first use of the Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be traced back to 1996, when Microsoft developed a protocol that established a connection with the internet with greater security. Other attempts to implement a similar innovation in the 70’s and 80’s unfortunately failed due to the lack of technological progression. But after Microsoft made the breakthrough in the late 1990’s, VPNs began to receive widespread usage from the early 2000’s. 

Although VPNs were initially used to provide an additional layer of security and greater encryption, the uses of VPNs began to evolve quickly as the tech itself improved. Since its inception, the VPN has developed into a tool that allows people to access information from different parts of the world with almost instant connections providing links to servers in other countries. 

With the digital movement in full swing, VPNs have taken on a greater importance in people’s daily operations and have also developed new uses over time. Here are some of the most popular uses of VPNs such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Tunnelbear.

Using a VPN

Enhanced Security

In a time during the 1990’s when the technological landscape was altering drastically, additional security provided by newly founded VPN tech became one of the first layers of defence against cyber-attacks. By creating a digital connection between your computer and another server, any information being transferred between the two became encrypted, meaning no-one else could see or access that specific information. With IP addresses also hidden, individuals could roam around the internet safe in the knowledge that they were not being spied on or defrauded.

Accessing Foreign Content

One popular use that has taken on more significant meaning over the last decade is the ability to access content and information on servers in different countries. This application of a VPN has received greater acclaim due to the increase of information emerging online in a digital format. From the news, to breaking sports headlines, the emergence of online gaming and live streaming, there is now more content online than there ever has been before.

In the current era, online entertainment is dominating much of the digital space, with the rise of Esports promoting online play of traditional gaming titles such as Call of Duty and Counter-Strike. However, in recent years, physical forms of entertainment are finding their way into the digital world. For decades, land-based casinos would provide the sole option to play classic games such as blackjack, roulette, or poker. The same goes for bookmakers, especially in the United Kingdom where “bookies” would have a concrete presence on a high street.

But in an era where capabilities have been significantly improved due to technological and software advances, these two activities in particular have been morphed into online formats. And here is where the VPN comes in handy. Due to the greater outreach afforded to these options from the iGaming industry, online casinos and online sports books have the ability to reach audiences around the world. 

And in return, online casino and sports enthusiasts can activate a VPN to gain secure access to preferred platforms which might be found in other markets. These independent options are also accessible via a VPN giving casino fans old and new endless options in the online realm.

VPN

Reconnecting with Home

This ties in slightly with the section above, but the relevance gives this VPN use a different meaning. Whether you are away on holiday or have moved abroad for work or as a life decision, it is still possible to stay connected with digital home comforts. Whether it is the recent Christmas edition of Gavin and Stacey on BBC iPlayer, the Christmas Day Super Bowl action in the U.S on Netflix, or a favourite television series, these delights can be accessed from abroad with a VPN. 

The connection created to a home server keeps those home comforts close to you and means you can remain in the conversation with family and friends back at home. Even news channels such as the BBC also localise in countries outside the UK. But in general, a VPN will give you the most authentic version of what you are looking for.




Charu Thakur

Expertise


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