What a VPN Is, and How It Can Save You Money

VPNs are more popular than ever, but the full scope of their features are still unknown by many. Most of us understand their premise: they hide our online activity, like private browsing features. While 68 percent of U.S. adults already use VPN services, the remaining 32 percent isn't entirely comprised of those who've never heard of them. Instead, a big chunk of non-adopters is quick to assume that a VPN is a hacker's tool—one keeping them invisible during nefarious online activities.

It takes time to inform and inspire people about tech tools when they're still evolving—especially when misinformation enters the mix. Helping others understand that VPNs weren't made for cybercrime is a major step towards this goal. Naturally, the second step is informing others about a VPN's importance in Internet security—so on and so forth. VPNs offer plenty of other benefits, too, and early adopters don't even know some. Unfortunately, one of their best features can easily spook away those who're already wary:

VPNs are great for saving money—and plenty of it.

If you use a VPN yourself, check out the financial insights below. If you're trying to introduce VPN services to others, these tips can also help you explain why they're not only legal—but also incredible tech-defense tools. And, if you happen to be a little wary about VPN usage, don't worry. We'll explain how they work, too, because their cost-saving secrets stem from their core design.

What is a VPN, Anyway?

A VPN is a virtual private network. As the term suggests, a VPN gives users their networking corner to explore the Internet. Usually, Internet browsing is anything but private. Regardless of where you go online, your digital 'footprints' are always visible. Cybercriminals like to follow these footprints, too, as they can easily lead to incredibly valuable information to steal—like email passwords, online transaction details, and even social security numbers.

But what is a VPN capable of as a browsing privacy tool? And how does it save money?

Smarter Shopping with IP Rerouting

A VPN doesn't simply cover your online tracks: It puts your feet in another digital location, entirely. When you sign up for a VPN, you'll be introduced to your service provider hosts' private servers. Each of these servers is outfitted with data defense tools—and each can be accessed right away. There are many private servers to choose from, but it's pretty easy to decide:

These private servers are spread across the world—so you can connect to many, if not all, major countries. Doing so will reroute your IP address through the faraway network—virtually 'erasing' your local networks' presence. This is particularly useful when traveling abroad, as popular vacation destinations are also major advertisement hubs. To sidestep expensive hotel listings and costly plane tickets, do your travel shopping over a VPN hosted in your destination of choice. You'll be surprised by the price gap.

Encryption Tools for Financial Defense

If you're using a VPN, anyone targeting your online session to steal lingering data will leave empty-handed. The IP address you're visibly attached to isn't yours. It belongs to your service provider's private server. This IP address is your wallet's digital shield. It'll protect your information from even highly advanced hackers seeking your financial information. It's incredibly safe to use, too, because every VPN server features highly advanced encryption technology. So, even if a malicious user manages to find the IP address you're borrowing, they won't glean valuable information from it. They'll get scrambled, incomprehensible figures instead.

For most, this is the biggest first money-saving benefit VPNs provide—but it's also a pretty obvious one. Let's take a look at the other economic solutions a VPN has to offer:

More Security Features at a Lower Cost

It's easy to see why a VPN is a cybersecurity power-package. These days, VPNs are more popular than antivirus suites, as the VPN's answer to cyberattacks is to remove vulnerable users from the equation entirely. VPNs are also more affordable than antivirus software packages—costing as little as two dollars per month. More often than not, those using a VPN will ditch third-party antivirus programs entirely. It's already been proven that the stock antivirus software suites Windows and Apple provide offer more than enough safety. Most third-party antivirus users simply prefer the flexibility they provide.

Or 'preferred,' that is. When it comes to cybersecurity, the diversity of digital defense tools outmatches flexible features. Doubling down on antivirus programs won't make you safer—and programs like Windows Defender cover most of the antivirus bases already. By choosing a VPN as your next line of defense, you can capitalize on nearly every cybersecurity option today has to offer. You'll also save hundreds of dollars.

When combined, every security feature a VPN offers is a money-saving feature as well. From geo-restrictions to costly program purchases, it's possible to indirectly protect your accounts while directly reducing debit transactions. As of today's strongest cyber-defense line, VPNs are the money-saving utility every Internet user should use.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes