In 2024, it seems like everyone knows what a VPN is and why to use it. However, one of the most Googled questions is the question whether you should use a VPN, what are the reasons to use one and how to choose the right VPN when there are so many options online.
First thing’s first: VPN stands for virtual private network and it has been around for a while. More than just a while actually. According to research, the first VPN origins can be found in the late 90s, precisely in 1996. The main idea of it was to provide the internet users with a secure network tunnel as a result of encrypting data and many other processes.
Nonetheless, the VPN at that time wasn’t available for all the people on the planet; it actually became public in 2006 when virtual private networks became a product just like anything else on the Tech market.
Fast forward to today, every other person that is spending time online, uses VPN for at least some of their activities online. It also seems that the trend of understanding the importance of using secure networks for processes such as banking processes or now crypto – is growing slowly but surely. From that we can make the conclusion that it is a good trend!
But why do we use virtual private networks primarily? Simply put we use them to protect our online activities or in other words to hide them. Anything you do online is being stored somewhere. People think that when they enter the incognito mode on Google it keeps their browsing history hidden, which is not the case in reality.
One thing is having your browsing history erased or hidden, and a completely different thing is keeping no tracks of your browsing whatsoever.
This is exactly where virtual private networks enter the stage, offering fantastic solutions to this problem, as well as more freedom, and more security to everyone who is using them.
Another thing that’s worth mentioning is the fact that by using a VPN you’re not only keeping your browsing history unknown, but you’re also saving your personal information and your personal data, which may be the most important aspect of using a service or a tool like this.
No matter what you do online, your passwords and therefore your profiles on any social media, even bank accounts and other websites you visit – leaving your personal info, can be exposed to hackers and cyber attacks and eventually stolen and used in many ways. None of the ways your personal data could potentially be used, is good for you.
When you’re on your mobile data or your personal Wi-Fi, there are less reasons to worry, but the second you log onto the internet somewhere in the public, you are actually risking having your personal data stolen, and a lot of different negative consequences that may be the results of that activity.
No matter where you are and no matter how trustworthy the internet access seems to you, the best thing you can do is to log onto the internet through a VPN which acts like a bridge that keeps your activities online secure and hidden – not only from cyber criminals but from governmental institutions and organizations as well.
Now, is there a link between your TV and your VPN? The answer is yes. Many people wonder if the rules of virtual private networks are the same for smartphones, laptops, tablets and TVs. Although the majority of smart TVs don’t support VPN when you first buy them, there are ways to configure your device and set up a secure network for your home.
But why would you do that in the first place and do you need a VPN for your Smart TV as well? This depends on your activities and on the content you’re watching on a daily basis.
Some people are simply not into paying streaming subscriptions and they want to avoid this by installing a VPN that would allow them to watch their favorite TV shows and movies and remain untraceable. Untraceable in this case means leaving zero traces and staying away from legal consequences, since illegal streaming can be used as a legal matter.
But even if you want to watch TV shows and movies and you’ve paid for the subscription, some streaming services from the United States provide limited access, based on the region or area. If you go outside the area you wouldn’t be able to access them.
In this case the only solution and the only option you would have is to use VPN and simply login to your streaming platform as if you’re at home. Keeping your IP address safe in all conditions, no matter what online activities you have: for example, watching movies, gaming, gambling or working, is one of the best things you can do.
When it comes to the Apple TV, you can also use virtual private networks although you cannot expect these devices to natively support private networks. As we’ve mentioned before whether it’s a smart TV of any kind, or an Apple TV you can set up and configure a VPN account with a few simple steps.
First of all, you need to install a VPN on your Wi-Fi router which is how you’ll be able to use secure networks when you stream anything on your TV. After you have installed it, you simply need to follow the steps and instructions on how to start using the virtual private network streamer of your favorite shows.
This will allow you to access content that would usually be unavailable. But at the same time, you should keep in mind that the private networks that can be used with Apple TV are not the same thing as VPN apps or platforms you can use on your phone. They are safe but they’re not completely safe.
You can also install a VPN app on your phone and then simply stream TV shows and movies on your TV. VPNs such as WeVPN are reliable and trustworthy so that you can enjoy your favorite shows in no time.
Finally, it will not affect your Apple TV in any way – it will just give you more options to enjoy the things you like!
Rhydian Choi 
Kim Marks