What is a VPN and why do I want one?
Advantages of Using VPNs
If you want to play new slot machines but are unable to do so due to geographic restrictions, we have good news - you can get rid of all content restrictions with VPN technology. Moreover, you can get the safer internet and visit any website you want without having to share your real identity. You can do these both on your mobile phone and your desktop computer: VPN technology can work on all devices. So, what exactly is this technology, and what can you achieve using it?
What Is VPN?
VPN is short for “virtual private network.” Without going into technical details, when you visit a website, the device you use is “directly” connected to it. This means that there is no “filter” between your device and the website. Therefore, the relevant site can see your IP address, collect information about your device and store data that will be used to identify you. Likewise, since it will see your geographic location, it can change the content it offers to you based on your location. That's why services like Netflix and Hulu can offer different content in each country. If you connect directly to the internet, anyone can see your geographic location and obtain personal information about you (through cookies).
When you use a VPN, you are connected to the internet with an “intermediary.” VPN acts as a filter in this regard. When you type the site address and press the Enter key, you first connect to the VPN server and access the site you want to visit through that server. The website sees the IP address of the VPN server, not yours. Likewise, your geographic location appears to be where the VPN server is. By switching between servers in different countries, you can set your virtual location to any country in the world.
What Can You Do with a VPN?
While VPN is most commonly used to change and/or hide IP addresses, there are many different usage scenarios, each of which gives you an advantage. Below are some examples of what VPN can do for you.
Access Any Content
If you have had the chance to use a content service such as Netflix from different countries, you must have seen that the offered content differs. For example, Netflix users in the US and Netflix users in Turkey cannot access the same content. This is due to the fact that the content in Turkey is restricted for many different reasons (government censorship, existing license agreements, etc.). Netflix makes this content restriction based on one simple factor: the country where the user is located. And this country is determined by the user's IP address.
By using a VPN, it is possible to change the IP address and therefore your country of residence. Before connecting to Netflix, for example, if you connect to a VPN server in the Canada, the system will think that you are in the Canada and determine the content it offers accordingly. This method can be used for many different streaming services such as BBC, Hulu and Disney +. In fact, you can generally use it for any service that offers you content based on your geographic location. Similarly, if your country has prohibited access to some websites, you will be able to access these sites as well. For example, in Russia, you are not able to access most of the sites since the government has censored these sites. However, by using a VPN, it is possible to circumvent this censorship and use the internet completely freely.
There are also countries, and media outlets as well, that block Canada. With a VPN you would be able to get past those blocks.
Secure Your Connection
You connect to a VPN server through an encrypted tunnel. This makes your connection more secure and protects you from many of the methods used by cyber attackers. Let's give a simple example and imagine you access the internet with a public Wi-Fi connection - hotspots like these are quite common in chain stores like Starbucks. Using the right tools, a hacker can manipulate this connection from the outside and see information such as your username/password. Simply put, it is possible to intercept any information (including your credit card number) you send over public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Whereas, using VPN, you can encrypt your connection. This type of connection cannot be hacked and allows you to gain security even at public Wi-Fi hotspots. So, you can use VPN services not only to hide or change your geographic location but also to gain a certain level of security.
Hide Your IP Address
Your IP address is your digital ID: using this ID, even your street address can be viewed. In other words, it is possible to estimate not only the country you are in but even the address you live in. Therefore, you need to protect your IP address as carefully as your real identity. You can easily do this using a VPN. Websites and even attackers will see the IP address of the VPN server, not yours. Therefore, it will be impossible to even see your country.
In short, using a VPN allows you to get privacy in addition to security.
How to Get a VPN in Canada
Research and Choose a VPN Provider:
Look for providers that have servers in Canada and other countries of interest. Some popular VPN providers that are highly rated in Canada include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark.
Sign Up for the VPN Service:
Visit the VPN provider’s website, select a subscription plan, and create an account. Providers often offer special deals and discounts for Canadian users.
Download and Install the VPN Software:
Download the VPN application compatible with your device (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, etc.) from the provider’s website.
Install the application following the instructions provided.
Set Up the VPN:
Open the VPN app, log in, and configure the settings as needed. Choose a server location (for example, to access Canadian content, select a server in Canada; to access US content, select a US server).
Connect to the VPN:
Click the connect button in the VPN app to establish a secure connection. Verify the connection by checking your IP address through websites like WhatIsMyIPAddress.
Customer Support:
If you need help, most VPN providers offer 24/7 customer support.
Is it Legal?
Using a VPN in Canada is legal. However, the legality of the activities you perform using a VPN remains the same. Ensure that you use the VPN service within the bounds of Canadian law.
For more information on VPN providers and how to choose the best one for your needs, you can refer to:
