With many of us working from home over the past two years, you may have had to use something called a VPN. But what exactly is a VPN and why should you use it?

VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network.” It is a service that acts as a security barrier to help protect your Internet connection and what you are doing online. It encrypts your data so that your information, online activity, files sent, and IP address are all hidden from potential hackers. This allows you to safely do things online at different locations, like when you or use shared or public Wi-Fi hotspots. That’s why many companies want their employees to use VPNs when working from home; it helps protect important business information that could get hacked or accessed by others on your home network.

You should always connect to your VPN before going online or accessing sensitive documents on your computer. This ensures that everything is secure and all data is encrypted. While VPNs can protect your identity online and the data you send and receive, they don’t protect against everything. They cannot protect your devices from malware, computer viruses, or phishing scams. To protect against these things, it is recommended you use antivirus or antimalware software.

While most companies have their own VPN service for their employees to use, you can get a personal VPN to protect your home Internet data. You can install a VPN just like you would any other app or program on your smartphone or computer. There are many different types of VPN services that provide different types of encryption and protection, so be sure to do your research to choose the perfect VPN for your needs.

Here are some of the top VPNs in 2022 according to cnet.com:

• ExpressVPN received the CNET Editors' Choice Award for best overall VPN. Though it may be pricey, Express has been noted to be the fastest and most secure VPN.
• Surfshark is a great lower-price option with unlimited device range and high performance.
• NordVPN provides reliable service while constantly upgrading its speed and security.