If you work for a company that requires a VPN connection when you’re accessing the internet from work, then your IT department has probably set up your computer with a client software program that turns the VPN on whenever you connect to the internet. If this is the case for you, then it’s not really something that you have any control over - the client software program will automatically turn the VPN connection on whenever it detects an internet connection.
Similarly, if you use a personal VPN service like Private Internet Access, they provide a client software program that also automatically turns the VPN on whenever you’re connected to the internet. In this case, however, you do have control over whether or not the client software program runs - so if you want to temporarily disable your personal VPN service, all you need to do is quit (or close) the client software program.
Of course, there are other ways to turn a VPN on and off - but these are two of the most common methods.
Worth knowing
To switch a VPN on, simply open the app and connect to a server location. To switch it off, disconnect from the server location and close the app. Some VPN apps may have a kill switch feature that prevents your device from accessing the Internet if the VPN connection is lost, so be sure to check for that before connecting to any sensitive networks.
Worth knowing
On the plus side, a good VPN service will encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address from snoopers and hackers. This can be especially useful if you’re using public Wi-Fi or accessing sensitive information (like your bank account). A VPN can also bypass government censorship and geographical restrictions (such as those imposed by Netflix).
On the downside, VPNs can be slower than a direct connection because they have to route your traffic through an extra server. And if you’re using a free service, it’s important to remember that the company may have ulterior motives for collecting and selling your data.
So ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a VPN comes down to a cost-benefit analysis. If you think the benefits outweigh the costs, then go ahead and give it a try. But if you’re not sure, then it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and avoid using one.
Worth knowing
Thank your for reading!