Microsoft Windows is one of the most popular operating system used all over the world. With successful versions such as Windows XP and Windows 7, Microsoft holds a dominant user loyalty in the operating systems market.
Over 55% people use Windows 7, and around 19% use Windows XP.
Chart: Desktop Operating System Market Share
Source: NetMarketShare.com
The mere dominance of Microsoft’s Windows shows that other manufacturers, such as Apple’s Mac, have a long way to go if they want to make room in people’s hearts, and in their hard drives.
Having said that, all Windows users know that the system has various vulnerabilities and any tech geek, like me, would perhaps agree that other operating systems provide better overall security than Windows has ever been able to provide.
Among various threats, you are exposed to different privacy concerns: threat of information leakage to hackers, spammers, governmental agencies, etc. In addition to this, you are blocked access to geo restricted websites such as Netflix, Hulu, UK TV, ITV, etc. and censorship in different countries.
This is where VPN comes into play, providing you with greater internet security and other valuable features. For this, try out RarBG.
5 Best Windows VPNs
Here are some of the best VPN software for Windows that have proven track records.
- Express VPN
- CyberGhost
- Nord VPN
- PIA (Private Internet Access)
- SurfShark
Some of the advantages of using a Windows VPN:
- Strengthened security (encryption & protocol)
- Secure internet browsing
- Unblocking Geo Restricted Content
- Fast streaming
- Masking your IP address / Anonymity
Windows Security Vulnerabilities
When we talk about the vulnerabilities that exist in Windows, it is important to being by accepting that you are exposed to the threat of sensitive and personal data being accessed by third parties that have entire IT infrastructures dedicated to the purpose of spying on you and sniffing/collecting your data. This includes hackers, spammers, phishers, governmental agencies, and different companies such as Facebook, Microsoft, Google, etc.
It is important to realize the fact that you leave footprints when you browse the internet. This leaves you exposed to leaving your personal data out in the open, available for unreliable entities to exploit. You can also check one secured source like the 1337x mirror.
These companies collect user information for different purposes using cookies. Cookies get stored into your web browser when you are browsing a specific website. What they do is record your website preferences, clicks, logging sessions, and other activities that you do on the website and rely it back to the source.
Internet Security & Privacy Threats for Windows
When we speak of Google, we are talking about the largest pool of data collected by any organization on the planet. Sophisticated algorithms backed by vast databases collect information about the items you search on Google. Third party cookie generators such as Doubleclick are frequently used to log your searches on Google’s engine.
Your information is gold for spammers and advertisers – who are looking for ways sell their products and services to you. Similarly, hackers relish this data and do not hesitate to use it without any concern for your privacy.
Facebook has one of the most detailed databases if not the largest. It has all your personal details and can be easily accessed by hackers, identity thieves, and others alike.
Someone stealing your personal information and taking advantage of it is disturbing enough to think about – let alone the company sharing such private information to others.
Microsoft
Then there is the latest version of Microsoft’s Windows, which is perhaps the opposite of what a secure Operating System should be. It excels at harvesting information for you – making a better overall experience.
For instance, Bing keeps logs about your searches just like Google. This might enhance the overall user experience but leave you exposed to privacy vulnerabilities.
Protect Yourself – Get a Windows VPN!
This is where Windows VPN comes into play: providing security via encryption and tunneling your data through secure protocols. It is imperative that you secure your private information and all your sensitive data; in this world that is filled with cyber-goons looking to exploit the vulnerabilities in Windows.
A Windows VPN is the best tool that you can use to negate all the malevolence present over the internet. It will strengthen your security levels, working alongside Anti-Virus and Firewall. Using different security measures, masking your IP address, and providing anonymity, a VPN on Windows will also allow you access to Geo Restricted content as well.
Windows VPN to bypass Surveillance Blankets
Beware, you are being watched! Edward Snowden, either you love him or hate him, has brought the real face of governmental surveillance agencies to the limelight. Governmental agencies such as NSA and GCHQ perform blanket surveillance from time to time.
These agencies spy on your personal conversations; your status updates on Facebook; Tweets sent over Twitter; things you purchase over the internet; financial transactions made using internet; and other online activities that you perform.
The government’s surveillance measures can be overcome by using a Windows VPN, making your identity and information invisible to online spying agencies.
Windows VPN Unlock Geo Restricted Websites
A top VPN service not only secures your data and protects you from various threats, it also provides you access to geo-restricted content.
The multiple servers and different IP addresses provided by Windows VPN allow you to connect to the location of your choice. This allows you to watch all your favorite content on Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, HBO Go, UK TV, BBC iPlayer, etc.
Also a VPN service on Windows is a handy tool if you are traveling abroad and are afraid that you might miss the latest episode of your favorite TV show.
Protect Mobile Devices Using Windows 8.1 VPN
The increasing popularity of Windows 7 paved the way for more innovation in the form of Windows 8.1. The new operating system was primarily designed for tablets and mobile devices while trying to give the same experience on PC. Unfortunately, that did not work well as the trusted ‘Start’ menu was removed from Windows 8.1.
However, the security flaws are just as constant in Windows 8.1 as they were on previous operating systems. Now if you are using a Windows Phone or Microsoft Surface tablet then you will be running Windows 8.1 OS. This is where you need a VPN for Windows 8.1 to safeguard your online privacy and all your confidential data.
This is especially important if use public WiFi hotspots regularly or travel a lot. The security vulnerabilities in Windows can leave your data in the wrong hands. All the VPN providers that we have listed above are compatible with Windows 8.1 and will keep your data safe at all times.
Conclusion
To sum everything up, a VPN for Windows is your best friend when it comes to beating the security vulnerabilities present in the operating system.
Among the vast pool of VPN providers, our list of the best Windows VPN will allow you to enhance your security, enjoy unlimited entertainment on the internet, and dodge the boys at the NSA or any other government surveillance agency, from snooping into your personal space.
