A VPN or Virtual Private Network has become a household name for avid internet users because of the many benefits it provides.

Not only is a VPN built to give the user privacy and security while browsing the internet, but it is also a convenient tool many people use to gain access to media content that has geo-restrictions. Getting a VPN service installed on your phone or computer is also straightforward and user-friendly.

It is therefore not surprising that the popularity of VPN services has grown dramatically in recent years. But using a VPN is not always a perfect solution. Many factors can affect how a VPN service works to provide you with what you need.

Understanding how a VPN works puts yourself ahead when it comes to online security. Taking care of your data and controlling how much you share is critical. Hence, the best way to enjoy any service you access while navigating online is by keeping your personal information protected

To get the most out of your VPN connection, pay attention to the following tips.

How to speed up your VPN connection

One frequent feedback you hear from VPN users is that it can potentially slow down your browsing speed. Many factors cause a slow VPN connection, one of which is the location of the server you are using. To make your VPN run faster, consider the following suggestions:

•        A VPN matches the speed of your internet connection. If your connection is slow, you cannot expect your VPN to run fast magically.

•        As previously stated, the server location affects VPN speed. It only makes sense that the farther the server, the slower the connection as well. If your VPN provider offers the option to select from several servers, choose one that is closest to you.

•        Choose a different protocol because some use more data for encryption. VPN providers typically give users the option to select protocols as well, which means that if you want a faster connection, you will need to choose the least secure protocol option.

If all of these tips fail, the last thing you may want to look into is to check if multiple apps and software are running in the background which usually slows down your computer and your browsing speed.

Maximizing security using VPN

Indeed, one of the main reasons to use a VPN is for increased internet anonymity and privacy. But the user’s lack of knowledge may lead to the inability to make the most of the privacy features of the VPN they are using. For maximum privacy while using your VPN, the following hacks may help:

•        Your VPN should not be installed on your browser alone. Instead, it should be connected to your operating system.

•        Install your VPN on all devices that you use to connect to the internet. For optimum online protection, make sure that your phone, computer, and tablet all have a VPN connection.

•        A VPN connection does not necessarily mean all your online activity is anonymous. If you want to be sure, you can use specific sites to check if your VPN is leaking any DNS information or your IP address.

•        Consider the option of paying for a dedicated IP address since most VPN services usually allocate one IP address to a group of users. A dedicated IP address will give you more privacy than one that is shared by many users.

Getting the most out of the VPN service you are using means you are not only maximizing your online privacy and gaining access to restricted content, but you are also making sure that your browsing activity improves in quality and speed.