Last Updated on February 26, 2024
Cybersecurity and data privacy are in the news almost every day. Each year sees the development of new tactics to stay ahead of the growing cybercrime rates. Surprisingly, only one-quarter of those who use the internet encrypt their traffic by using a VPN.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) come in several forms. Platforms for download on computers and apps for mobile devices are common. For enhanced browser security, VPN extensions are another available option.
A VPN browser extension is beneficial to those who are primarily concerned with their web traffic being encrypted. Many extensions are quick and less cumbersome on the device. Having the possibility to switch locations or adjust other settings directly from the browser is convenient.
If your encryption needs are limited to your web browser and you want the functionality of a powerful VPN, a high-quality VPN browser extension might be the right choice for you.
Four Reasons A VPN Browser Extension Is the Right Choice for You
Some may take convincing to join the 25% of people already using a VPN. A full-scale VPN or a VPN app may not be best in your situation. However, a VPN browser extension can step in and provide the protection you need.
Here are four reasons a VPN browser extension could be right for you.
Privatize Your IP Address
The amount of information that can be gleaned from your IP address is astonishing. Your internet service provider (ISP) can use it to track your every move online. Hackers can find it via a public display or by infiltrating a server you are connected to.
While your IP address does not immediately identify you to anyone other than your ISP, it can be troublesome if combined with other resources like a credit card transaction that has your billing address on it.
A VPN is useful for hiding your IP address. All your outbound traffic heads through an encrypted pathway and ends up at the servers of the VPN provider. As your web traffic leaves the VPN toward the destination, it is assigned a different IP address.
Your IP address is also responsible for allowing geo-blocks and other access restrictions. Having an address in the appropriate country could provide you the ability to view or download content you previously were blocked from. Many VPN extensions allow you to choose the country or region you would like it to appear you are in.
Protect Browsing When HTTPS Is Not Available
Using a URL that features HTTPS is an internet safety best practice. These sites feature SSL encryption that protects you to an extent from prying eyes.
Many sites are still operating without the protection of the SSL. A VPN extension (https://nordvpn.com/download/chrome-extension/ ) can step in to provide the encryption and security that is missing on unprotected websites.
The VPN protects your web browsing as everything sent to the VPN servers and back is encrypted. This prevents hackers from seeing your traffic even while you are on unprotected sites and networks.
Sidestep Ads and Malware
Some providers offer VPN extensions for Chrome and Firefox that can protect you from malware and most cyber-attacks that are roaming the internet.
For example, NordVPN has a new technology, called CyberSec, which protects browsers by disallowing access to sites known to be dangerous. It is also so advanced that it prevents attackers from controlling your device even if malware is already present.
A VPN extension like this can be beneficial even to those who are determined that hackers are not an issue. It can block ads that automatically show up when you enter a website. This leads to faster loading times and less cumbersome experience.
Avoid Data Loss to IP Leaks
Many powerful VPN programs still have issues with real IP addresses being displayed. This occurs due to problems with WebRTC protocols inside the browser itself. While IP addresses are not necessarily going to lead to your identity, they can be revealing for hackers who already have access to some of your information.
A VPN extension offers options to disable these troublesome protocols that are often default settings in Chrome and Firefox browsers. If you are genuinely concerned about your anonymity, this can add an extra layer of confidence and security that your IP address will remain hidden.
Conclusion
Identity theft, data loss, and financial implications are all real threats that anyone connected to the internet faces today. The installation of a VPN browser extension can provide a layer of security that could prevent most forms of cyber intrusions.