Protecting your online data and shielding yourself from hackers has never been more important for digital nomads. From data breaches and identity theft to hacking and more, the list of issues that you can run into online increases dramatically when working as a digital nomad utilizing cafes, restaurants, hotel rooms, and coworking spaces. All hope is, however not lost. Instead of succumbing to a potential future identity theft, digital nomads can work on the prevention rather than the cure. 

What is a VPN? 

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure connection between your online devices and the websites that you visit, offering a range of both safety and access benefits. To use a VPN, users are typically required to first create an account, commit to a subscription, and download the VPN software to their chosen device. Depending on the VPN chosen, compatible devices include desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Once installed, the VPN application can be opened and menus navigated to allow access to different networks. Users are able to choose from specific countries and even cities, allowing IP masking around the world. 

How Does a VPN Work? 

In order to fully understand the benefits of a VPN, it can be useful to learn exactly how the service works to provide the utmost internet security.  When connecting to a VPN, the service authenticates your client to a Virtual Private Network server. This server then works to apply encryption protocol on all the data that is both sent and received by the user. The VPN creates what is known as an “encryption tunnel”, ensuring that data is secured between both the user and their chosen destination. 

The VPN tunnel is encrypted via encapsulation, completed by first wrapping each of the secure data packets in an outer packet. It’s this feature that makes the VPN safe and secure, fully encrypting all traffic to the highest level. Once the data submitted has arrived at the destination server, the outer encapsulation packet is removed via decryption, completing the VPN process.

Why Do Digital Nomads Need a VPN? 

Virtual Private Networks are great for a number of reasons, the majority of which directly impact digital nomads. 

To Protect Themselves When Using Public WiFi 

Digital nomads are, unfortunately, often subject to hacking with online tricksters using public WiFi to work their way into personal data. By installing and using a VPN on your online devices, hackers are no longer able to gain access via these public networks. The private network effectively hides all personal internet traffic, offering the ultimate incognito browsing experience. 

To Stay Safe When Browsing Online

It’s never been easier to stay safe when browsing online than by using a VPN to hide all of your private data. With government agencies, internet service providers, and digital marketers all looking to collect personal information, track browsing history, and dissect personal messaging, you can never be too careful. 

By investing in a VPN, digital nomads are able to encrypt their online traffic and hide their IP addresses when browsing online. With multi-device coverage offered by the top providers, nomads can browse freely 24/7, whether they’re using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. 

To Access Home Content When Traveling

One of the key benefits of using a VPN is the ability to access home web content when traveling internationally. It’s no secret that websites and streaming services offer different movies, documentaries, and TV shows to different countries. This can be a pain you’re just one season finale away from completing your favorite show, but you’ll be in a restricted country when it comes out.

Thankfully, by using a good, high-quality VPN, these geographical restrictions can be lifted and your home content can be accessed internationally. But this also works both ways—if you’re tired of your local streaming options, you can open the VPN and select a different country for additional library choices. 

Which is the Best VPN for Digital Nomads? 

There are countless different VPN services available on the web with both reputable and not-so-reputable brands all claiming to offer the best. As a general rule, we like to stick to the household names when it comes to internet security and although better deals may be out there, we recommend NordVPN for digital nomads. 

NordVPN is the top VPN provider globally, offering private network plans for digital nomads and remote workers around the world. With all internet devices covered and a strong brand reputation, Nord is a must-have tool for digital nomads that regularly access public WiFi.  Although typically marketed at a high price point, NordVPN is a company that often promotes offers and bonuses. New members are able to receive dramatic discounts of as much as 68% when committing to at least one year of the VPN service. Before signing up for the service, keep an eye out for these top deals and commit when the offers are at their best. 

Why VPNs are a Great Tool for Remote Workers

A VPN is a fantastic tool that can be used by remote workers to prevent hacking when using public WiFi.  But there’s much more to a VPN than the ability to hide your IP address when working from a cafe or coworking space. The option of accessing home or international content, staying safe online with encrypted internet usage, and the avoidance of unwanted internet marketing makes the software a wise investment. 

There are countless different VPN providers out there, all offering private browsing with the ability to switch between countries. However, it’s NordVPN that seems to stand taller than the rest, offering a comprehensive Virtual Private Network for a reasonable price. Be sure to keep an eye out for deals online and pay annual fees over a monthly subscription for the best possible price on your next VPN.