CBS News
What is a VPN? And why should you use one?
Getty Images/iStockphoto
If you use the internet, you might be surprised to learn that you’re putting your privacy at risk. Don’t quit the web just yet, though. You can spend as much time as you want browsing, checking out the latest deals, or chatting with friends. But no matter how innocent the thing you’re doing online is, you should know that there are still snoops around who might want to see what you’re up to.
It’s not just because they’re nosy. It’s because they want to steal your private information. So if you’re someone who’s always online, it’s a good idea to be proactive and mask your online steps and activity. There’s a super easy way to do that, and it doesn’t require you to empty your bank account. It’s called a VPN, and you can have one up and running in minutes.
A “virtual private network,” or VPN, is one of the most reliable ways to cover your online tracks. It doesn’t matter if you just head to YouTube to listen to your favorite old ’80s tracks or if you eBay nostalgic toys from your childhood. If you don’t want others to know what you’re up to (and who does?) one of the best VPN services has your back. It can help you browse securely and privately while keeping personal details under wraps, and safe from prying eyes.
One of our favorites is ExpressVPN, and you can get it starting at just $6.67 monthly. It boasts over 3,000 servers in 94 countries and has an extensive suite of security features that you can rely on to keep you safe.
Our top VPN choice: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
Pros:
- Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries
- Extensive security features
- User-friendliness and excellent customer service
- Great support for eight simultaneous connections
- Can unlock geo-blocked content
Cons:
- No dedicated IP address or port forwarding
- Pricier VPN option for smaller budgets
How does a VPN work?
So how does a VPN work, anyway? To put it simply, it’s kind of like a private tunnel connecting your device (a computer, smartphone, tablet, or whatever you’re using) to the internet. Instead of exposing you to the wilds of the online ecosystem, it lets you bypass other public connections and cradles you in a protective bubble.
As you travel through this secure tunnel, a VPN shields your data and masks your identity by altering your IP address. The result? Your online footprints are disguised. Whether it’s about keeping your online activities private, protecting your sensitive information from criminals, bypassing geo-restrictions, or blocking your internet service provider (ISP) from spying on your browsing history, a VPN is an incredibly valuable tool that anyone who goes online can benefit from.
Those are the basics in terms of why you might want to use a VPN. But there are plenty of other, more specific reasons that make it worth your while. The number one reason, as we’ve made quite clear already, is privacy. Even if you’re just cruising around on TikTok, playing with Neopets (yeah, we said it), shopping on Amazon, or writing an email, it’s no one else’s business what you’re up to. So don’t make it any simpler for others to ogle at your traffic and potentially snatch important information from your online sessions.
The benefits don’t end there. If you routinely use free public Wi-Fi, your identity could be at risk. Cybercriminals could be siphoning your personal information, including your passwords and bank details. A VPN shields your data, turning it into a code that’s practically indecipherable to any unwanted onlookers. That way you can use those free hotspots with not-so reckless abandon.
And on a more frivolous note, maybe you want to see content that isn’t available on a streaming service in your country. A VPN can make your device appear to be in a different location, unlocking the door to a trove of geo-blocked content. Then you can watch what you want. As you can see, a VPN is your super-shield and unlocking companion that keeps the internet safe and unrestricted so you can browse how you want.
We’ll also offer a few suggestions that you can’t go wrong with — because there are plenty out there to choose from.
How does a VPN protect your privacy?
Using a VPN is a must if you want to safeguard your privacy online. That’s just how things are nowadays. But how does it do it? It’s simple. It creates a virtual network that tunnels your internet traffic elsewhere, with a different IP address and a different location, essentially.
To understand this better, think about going online without a VPN as walking around with a signboard detailing your personal life. Creepy, right?
The reality is, that without a VPN, anyone can see your internet activities and may even sell this information to advertisers, who then bombard you with targeted ads. A VPN renders your online actions invisible to any would-be eavesdroppers.
Bad actors are on the lookout for personal information, like your passwords or bank details. It’s as if you’re at a public park, casually discussing your private matters, unaware of the stranger sitting on the next bench, eavesdropping on your conversations.
But using a VPN is like having that conversation in a soundproof room, where your information is turned into a secure code that’s nearly impossible for listeners to decipher. It’s not foolproof — nothing is — but when you’re routing your traffic through different locations, the risks are considerably lessened.
By using a VPN, you take control of your online privacy. We’ve got so little of it these days, you know. Best to protect it while you can.
Our runner-up VPN choice: NordVPN
NordVPN
Pros:
- Wide range of security features
- Speedy browsing
- Double VPN adds an extra encryption layer
- Custom features for tech-savvy users
- Affordable subscription pricing
Cons:
- Higher subscription tiers can be expensive
- User interface could use some improvements
How does a VPN help keep you secure online?
When you’re online, you’re constantly sending out information. Maybe you’re typing in a password to log into an account, maybe you’re entering your credit card details to make a buy, or you’re just sending an email to a friend. That’s how it normally goes on the open internet.
When you use a VPN, it encrypts, or scrambles, your data, so even if someone were to intercept it, all they’d see is a bunch of gibberish. It’s a vital layer of security that helps to keep your personal information, well, personal.
Unfortunately, public Wi-Fi networks are usually the last thing you want to use without a VPN. Digital thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets to steal sensitive information from, like passwords, bank details, or personal emails. Like the Joker once said, some people just want to watch the world burn.
But with a VPN, your data is safe. A VPN is the most effective way to secure your online activities and safeguard all that important data. It’s affordable too, so you can relax knowing everything’s handled for a few bucks a month, typically. There are plenty of options to choose from, so you can find one that works best for you.
How does a VPN help you bypass online restrictions?
Have you ever been excited about a new TV series or movie, only to find that it’s not available in your region? That’s geo-blocking for you. It’s a system that restricts your access to content based on your geographical location. This is where a VPN can swoop in to save the day. A VPN allows you to virtually teleport your device to a different country, tricking these geo-restrictions. With a VPN, you get the power to access a treasure trove of content that was previously out of reach, which of course expands your streaming options in a big, big way.
In the same way, a VPN can be your key to bypassing web censorship. This could be particularly helpful if you travel to, or live in, countries where internet use is heavily monitored and restricted. It’s like being in a library where the librarian has decided to lock away certain books. A VPN gives you the master key to open those locks, and voila, the entire library is at your disposal.
Essentially, a VPN lets you connect to servers in locations where the content isn’t censored, granting you access to the free, open internet. This is not just about accessing your favorite social media sites or streaming platforms, but also about maintaining your right to information and freedom of speech. After all, in an age where information is power, having access to the internet without restrictions is invaluable, and a VPN gives you just that.
Top budget VPN choice: Surfshark
Surfshark
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Fast browsing speeds
- Added layer of encryption for extra security
- Innovative Nexus feature offers server browsing
- Great option for multiple simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Connections can drop occasionally
- Kill switch can sometimes glitch out (but not often)
How does a VPN keep sites from tracking you and serving targeted ads?
Your online behavior, including searches and website visits, is tracked by companies, mainly for advertising purposes. Your data, the digital breadcrumb trail you leave behind, is a gold mine for marketers looking to tailor their ads to you. If you see a product on Amazon and interact with it, chances are you’re going to start seeing ads for it everywhere you go. And those Instagram ads you keep seeing? You’re getting those for a reason.
This is where a VPN can make a big difference. When you use a VPN it masks your IP address. That’s one of the key ways you’re tracked online. Your IP address is like your home address in the digital world, but a VPN gives you a new one, making it harder for these advertising companies to follow your online footsteps. Furthermore, it encrypts your data, making your browsing history a lot harder to access.
By doing this, a VPN can disrupt the targeting process, reducing the number of targeted ads coming your way. So, with a VPN, you can browse in peace, knowing you have an extra layer of privacy protection against intrusive tracking and targeted advertisements. It puts you back in control of your online experience, so it can be about you, and not about those who are trying to sell to you. Because we’ve seen enough ads in all of our lifetimes.
Why should I use a VPN if I don’t have anything to hide?
Many people associate VPNs with people who do shady things online. But the reality is, a VPN is just as useful, and crucial, for the everyday internet user, even if they’re not involved in anything illicit. Why? Because at its core, a VPN is about safeguarding your online privacy and security, which is crucial for everyone. A VPN shields your online activities from prying eyes and ensures that your personal information stays personal.
Without a VPN, your ISP can see what websites you’re visiting, how long you’re staying on them, what you’re downloading, and more. Even if you’re just surfing the web, streaming videos, or shopping online, this lack of privacy can feel uncomfortable. Plus, in some cases, ISPs can sell your browsing data to advertisers, leading to a bombardment of targeted ads.
Installing a VPN ensures that your ISP can’t track your every move, giving you the freedom to surf the web without feeling like someone’s looking over your shoulder. Remember, using a VPN isn’t about hiding illegal activities, it’s about protecting your right to privacy in a world where this fundamental right is increasingly under threat. In a nutshell, VPNs are for everyone who values their privacy and security online, which, in this digital era, should ideally be everyone.
The House Ethics Committee, which has been conducting an investigation into sexual misconduct and obstruction allegations against Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, scheduled a vote for Friday on whether to release its report, according to three sources with knowledge of the committee’s work.
Hours after President-elect Donald Trump said he planned to nominate Gaetz to be attorney general, Gaetz resigned his congressional seat, effective immediately.
“I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress, to pursue the position of Attorney General in the Trump Administration,” Gaetz said in his resignation letter obtained by CBS News
House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters that there was about an eight-week period during which Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could fill his seat by setting the date for a special election.
Now that Gaetz has resigned, it is unclear whether the panel will vote on releasing the report, since Gaetz is no longer in Congress.
There is precedent in Congress on the Senate side for an ethics committee report to become public after a member resigns from Congress, however. In 2011, this happened when Sen. John Ensign of Nevada resigned amid allegations that he tried to hide an extramarital affair.
But it’s not clear that that would apply to the House, leaving open the possibility that the report on Gaetz would not be released.
In June, the House Ethics Committee released a statement saying it was investigating a range of allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and bribery.
Multiple sources at the time told CBS News that four women had informed the House Ethics Committee that they had been paid to go to parties that included sex and drugs, and that Gaetz had also attended. The committee has Gaetz’s Venmo transactions that allegedly show payments for the women.
Gaetz has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has called the committee’s investigation a “frivolous” smear campaign.
Some of the allegations of sexual misconduct under review by the committee were also the subject of a previous Department of Justice probe into Gaetz. Federal investigators sought to determine if Gaetz violated sex trafficking and obstruction of justice laws, but no charges were filed.
The House Ethics Committee resumed its investigation into Gaetz in 2023, following the Justice Department’s decision not to pursue charges against him.
Gaetz has long blamed then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, also a Republican, for the probe. And Gaetz later led the movement to sack McCarthy as speaker.
Watch CBS News
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
Watch CBS News
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.