The internet, and its presence on smartphones and similar tech, has introduced a standard of living that requires a near-constant online connection. I remember a time when it was rare to use your real name online, but now it is commonplace to plug in your name, address, current location, and credit card number freely.
Despite the online nature of our lives, it’s still important to be mindful of the importance of anonymity and protecting the data stored on our devices. Incognito Mode simply isn’t enough anymore — what you need is a trustworthy and robust VPN like Norton VPN Ultimate. A good VPN provides a defensive wall between your devices and the dangers of the internet. Here are five ways a VPN can protect you and your devices without sacrificing your connectivity.
Privacy and anonymity
VPNs can be a valuable tool in providing anonymity and privacy for your data when browsing online. These days, we rarely stop to think about how much personal information we make publicly available. Tracking cookies litter not just our smartphones, but also our PCs, tablets, and other devices. These cookies monitor our browsing habits, recording details on everything from what we read to what we’re shopping for and when. If you’ve ever felt like your phone was spying on you because the ads were just a little too targeted, it’s because it was! A VPN can block the data collected from these cookies from being used to target you with unwanted advertisements.
Similarly, a VPN can provide IP masking to prevent location tracking. Think about the last time you logged in to watch your favorite show while traveling, only to find out that it's not available in your current region. IP masking gives you the privacy you need to keep these companies from having access to sensitive information like your viewing location, so you can watch your favorite shows even while traveling abroad.
Data encryption
Encrypting your data has many benefits across security and privacy, but it can also help bolster your internet speeds. Your ISP may be throttling your connections when you’re downloading large files or streaming high-quality content. While it won’t affect the amount of bandwidth you consume, a good VPN can encrypt and hide your internet activity, making it harder for your provider to use this information when determining whether to throttle your connection.
AI scam detection and prevention
AI is on the rise, and the inevitable use of this technology to generate AI scams is rising as well. These scams can be generated quickly using AI, with the goal of obtaining your private information, your financial information, and more. AI scams aren’t just becoming more damaging, they’re also becoming more believable. Tools like 3D phishing and deepfakes are weaponizing AI against the average user. Norton VPN can provide tools that protect you, your devices, and your data from falling prey to scams generated by AI.
Antivirus protection
It’s 2025, yet we’re still fighting viruses on the internet. It’s an unfortunate reality, especially for those of us who are adamant link-clickers and undiscerning downloaders. With more of us using smartphones and laptops as multitasking devices for business and personal use alike, our important and confidential data and documents can easily fall victim to prying eyes. A well-rounded VPN can scan all those downloads and provide reliable antivirus protection so that you can click and download in peace, without fear of malware.
Parental controls
Online connectivity isn’t just for the adults. Our kids are using devices daily, as well. While educational content online can be incredibly useful, excessive screen time can pose a problem for children's development. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) recommends less than two hours of screen time a day for all children, and even less for those under the age of six. Parents are busy, though, and sitting down with a clock and stopwatch to monitor your child’s screen time habits isn’t exactly an ideal way of managing the situation.
Thankfully, Norton VPN Ultimate offers a one-stop-shop approach to providing data privacy and protection, with a robust offering of screen time settings that can help parents monitor and track their children’s safety online. Not only can Norton VPN Ultimate help you set reasonable screen limits, but you can also block access to unsuitable websites.
Try an industry leader in VPN technology today
Norton VPN Ultimate is an award-winning, all-in-one solution that offers safety nets for your online experience, protecting you and your devices from the worst the internet has to offer. With a suite of data protection and privacy tools at your fingertips, you can start protecting yourself and your loved ones from today’s cyber threats.
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