VPN tecnology, problems and benefits when travel

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VPNs: Yes or No?

Traveling means new experiences, but it also brings challenges when it comes to maintaining our privacy and digital security. One of the most recommended tools for protecting your data on public networks is a VPN (Virtual Private Network), but not everything is perfect:

Whoever controls the VPN can, in fact, see your traffic. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, risks, and the safest alternative for protecting your data while traveling.

What is a VPN and Why Use One While Traveling?

A VPN creates a cryptographic “tunnel” between your device and the internet, changing your IP address and location, and making it harder for third parties to intercept your data. This is especially useful when traveling, as we often rely on public Wi-Fi in hotels, airports, and cafes—environments known to be unsafe for transmitting sensitive information.

Main Benefits of Using a VPN While Traveling

  • Protection on Public Wi-Fi: The main advantage is security. With a VPN, your data is encrypted, making it much harder for hackers to operate on open networks.

  • Privacy: A VPN hides your real IP address, making it more difficult for websites, advertisers, or even local internet providers to track your online activity.

  • Access to Blocked Content: You can access services and websites from your home country, bypassing regional restrictions and censorship.

  • Avoid Price Discrimination: Travel and hotel sites often show different prices based on your location. With a VPN, you can simulate being in another country and look for better deals.

  • Security in Financial Transactions: When shopping online or accessing your bank, VPN encryption protects your data from being read or manipulated by third parties.

Problems and Risks of Using a VPN While Traveling

Despite the advantages, VPN use isn’t foolproof and comes with important risks:

  • Trust in the VPN Provider: When you use a VPN, all your traffic passes through the provider’s servers. This means that, in theory, whoever controls the VPN can monitor, read, or even sell your browsing data. It’s essential to choose a trustworthy VPN provider with clear privacy policies.

  • False Sense of Security: A VPN only protects the traffic between your device and the VPN server. It doesn’t prevent malware already on your device from capturing sensitive data. If your device is compromised, a VPN alone isn’t enough to guarantee security.

  • Technical Limitations: VPNs can be blocked in certain countries or may be slow and consume a lot of data.

  • Exposure Risk with Free or Unreliable VPNs: Free or little-known services may log and sell your data, compromising your privacy.

The Hidden Side: Who Controls the VPN Can See Your Traffic

A critical and often overlooked point is that, when using a VPN, you’re shifting your trust from your local internet provider to the VPN provider. If the service isn’t transparent or secure, your data could be just as exposed as on a public network.

“While your ISP can’t see your internet traffic, your VPN provider can. If the VPN provider is compromised, so are you.”

The Safest Alternative: VPN Connected to Your Home

If you want maximum security and privacy, the best alternative is to set up a VPN on your home router, where you have full control. This way, when you connect remotely, all your traffic passes directly through your home network, with no commercial intermediaries. This approach means:

  • You have complete control over who can access your traffic (just you).

  • You reduce the risk of exposure to third parties.

  • You maintain access to all your services as if you were physically at home.

This solution requires a bit more technical knowledge, but it’s the best option for those who take digital security seriously while traveling.

Conclusion

Using a VPN while traveling is a recommended practice to protect your privacy and data on public networks, access blocked content, and avoid price discrimination. However, it’s crucial to choose a trustworthy provider and remember that whoever controls the VPN can see your traffic. For maximum security, consider setting up a VPN directly connected to your home network. That way, you maintain full control over your data and can browse with peace of mind, wherever you go.

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