Earlier this year, I wrote about escaping password pitfalls. While a sound password strategy is essential for websites you log into, plenty can go wrong before you even arrive there. That’s where a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, can be useful. But do you need it?

WHAT IS A VPN?

When you want to visit a website, your device connects to your internet service provider, which then sends your request to that website’s appropriate web server. In this process, several bits of information are unprotected — including your IP address and location.

A VPN makes your online activities private and secure by accessing the internet as if you were connected to a private network. Before you visit a website or other requested location, your connection is routed through a secure server from your VPN service provider. This essentially masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, preventing others from monitoring your online activities.

If you work from home, a VPN connects you to your employer’s network — allowing you to work as if you were physically in the office with access to internal files and servers.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A VPN?

Its most common use is to improve security when connecting to free public WiFi at airports, coffee shops, libraries, or public access points provided by Tipmont. A VPN offers additional security to prevent theft of information like passwords, credit card information, or emails transmitted insecurely over a public WiFi connection.

If you don’t often connect to public WiFi, you probably don’t need a VPN. We’ve posted a few suggestions for public WiFi safety at tipmont.com/wifitechtips.

WHAT ARE THE DOWNSIDES OF A VPN?

Your connection may slow down because of the extra steps to connect you to the internet location you want to visit. This is called latency. The longer your connection must travel, the greater the latency. For example, if you want to visit a website with a server in Los Angeles but your VPN service is in London, your connection must go halfway around the world before arriving at the web server.

Also: A dishonest VPN provider could sell your personal information. Be sure to do plenty of research before choosing a VPN provider.

WHAT DOES A VPN COST?

Most VPN providers charge a small monthly fee, typically $5 to $10. Some offer a price break with an annual subscription. Free VPN providers are available, but those are recommended only for advanced users.