Recognizing this, many security companies have begun offering subscriptions that include both traditional device-level security and defenses against identity theft. These steps make it harder for others to monitor and gather information about where you go and what you do online.A powerful security suite fends off malware infestations and protects your devices in a variety of ways, but not every threat to security and privacy happens on your local device-you can maintain the best security suite in the world and still fall victim to identity theft because someone else slipped up, resulting in a data breach. As the VPN server mixes your web traffic with others on the server, your IP address appears to match the one associated with the VPN. Your internet traffic passes through the VPN’s internet connection, meaning your private information is cloaked from your ISP and websites so they can’t log your web browsing. When you use VPN software, your device connects to the VPN provider’s servers. Some websites, ad networks, and platforms - such as Google, for example - use your IP address to track your location information for marketing purposes. Your ISP also assigns a unique number, called an Internet Protocol (IP) address, to the router, and each computer or phone connected to that router. When you type a website address into a browser, your ISP taps into your router - that device in your living room with an impossible-to-remember password - to forward your internet traffic to that website. Here’s how an internet connection works without a VPN.

In terms of your online privacy, the most secure VPNs are also likely transparent about their privacy policies, take steps to fix leaks, and won’t keep logs of your browsing history. VPNs secure your public internet connection by encrypting your information and shielding your online activity from cybercriminals and even your own Internet Service Provider, or ISP.

VPNs, or virtual private networks, come in handy by masking your online activity and location, and routing the data you send and receive through a secure virtual tunnel between your computer and the VPN server. If you’re using public Wi-Fi, anyone with the password and a little tech know-how can eavesdrop on your online activity.

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