![\"VPN](\"https:\/\/www.waynedenner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/privecstasy-CXlqHmQy3MY-unsplash-1024x690.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFirstly, let\u2019s start off by understanding that using a good VPN is a smart way to protect personal information you are entering when using different websites and platforms.\u00a0 A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows the creation of a secure connection between two devices.<\/p>\n
One of the main benefits of using a VPN is that it encrypts your internet connection, making it much more difficult for others to intercept your data or track your online activity.\u00a0 This is very important if you are using public Wi-Fi which is readily available in many places – from airports to coffee shops, even at the poolside on your next holiday gateway.<\/p>\n
The concern with many public Wi-Fi spots, is that these are open networks which are free and so have little to no security in place – meaning that cyber attacks known as a \u2018man in the middle\u2019 attacks could happen to users of Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n
The attacker intercepts the communication by positioning themselves between the two parties, allowing them to read, modify, or inject new information into the communication. Such attacks of this nature can be used to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data, or to spread malware.<\/p>\n
Using a good VPN can help reduce the risk of this happening when using free or public Wi-Fi in particular and can give you more privacy when online.<\/p>\n
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In our experience, protecting privacy may not be the main reason for a teenager to use a VPN. Below are some of the reasons which are concerning for parents, caregivers and schools:<\/p>\n
As a VPN is downloaded from the app store, it will be installed on the device and have its own icon.\u00a0 We always recommend that parents and caregivers who are using the devices own parental controls turn on \u2018ask to buy\u2019. This way if your teenager is trying to download a VPN this will be prevented till you approve the download.<\/p>\n
Another aspect for parents to be aware of is that on Android devices for example, a VPN could be side loaded onto the device.\u00a0 This is the process for installing an app on a device without using the approved app store.\u00a0 It is also important to remember that side loading apps may have a malware risk.<\/p>\n
Most devices will also display a VPN Icon in the top right when it is actively being used on the device so carrying out regular spot checks on the device is a great way to check if anything new has been installed.<\/p>\n