How Do I Set Up a Vpn at Home?

Historically, virtual private networks, also known as VPNs, have been used by individuals who use public Wi-Fi networks frequently while traveling, but there is now increased demand even by those who are consistently using otherwise private and secure networks in their own homes. Fortunately, there are multiple options for setting up VPN in your home for both work and personal use.

What Is a VPN?

VPN is a technology that provides a private channel for Internet use and communications. Your online activity is processed by a server owned by the VPN company. Hackers, or anyone who has access to your Wi-Fi router, won't be able to monitor or steal information being transmitted.

Using a VPN has become increasingly popular among those who use the Internet while on the go and often depend on public networks or networks with weak security. It can also provide an additional layer of security even when using an otherwise trusted network.

Why Would I Want a VPN at Home?

Until recently, a home VPN may have seemed like overkill. However, people have become increasingly concerned about online security. There's also been an increase in people working from home, either because they are self-employed or because they are able to telecommute with their current employer. In such cases, sensitive information may be regularly transmitted via an online connection, so additional security becomes important.

Another concern is the fact that household members may also be inclined to snoop on each other. This is probably more likely in cases where people live with roommates, but there are situations in which even spouses and family members may wish to keep their Internet activities private from each other. In such cases, a VPN is an excellent addition to online security efforts, though it is also important for the person who desires privacy to put other protocols in place, including using access passwords on devices, regularly deleting search and usage histories, and logging out of applications and websites.

A third reason to have a VPN at home is to protect your privacy as you visit websites. Site owners receive reports that show your IP address, which is geographically based. This might allow someone to determine your identity (if they know you and where you live). A VPN connection means that site owners will see the IP address of the VPN server, which could be a long way from your home. There are, of course, other ways that a site owner could track your activity, but VPN makes it harder.

Finally, it is a known fact that some hackers do target residential neighborhoods in an attempt to hack residential Internet accounts that have poor security. VPN companies prioritize security, and will likely have a much higher standard of protection on your connection than what your local Internet provider or cable company provides.

Setting Up a Home VPN

Setting up a home VPN is generally a straightforward process:

Choose a provider

This could be the most challenging aspect of setting up a home VPN. This is because there are several services that offer VPN to the consumer market and you will need to select one that best suits your needs. When it comes to your needs, you'll need to consider the following:

Ease of use: consumer VPN is designed for people who don't have IT backgrounds, but it does appear that some services are easier to use than others. If you are not comfortable with your tech skills, you might want to opt for a user-friendly VPN service. Read industry publications and websites to get an idea of what might be the best option for someone with your level of skills and knowledge.

Cost: VPN service usually is not terribly expensive, but costs can vary between providers. Some companies do offer free trial periods and even free service tiers, though their support and service may be somewhat lacking.

Security: You know your security needs best. If you are simply trying to protect your privacy online or duck potential hackers who are just looking for credit card information, a consumer-based service may be the best option for you. However, if you are dealing in trade secrets or highly sensitive information, you'll want to know the security processes of the VPN company.

Number of devices: Most people these days own and use multiple devices that are connected to the Internet. We're looking for VPN services, check to see how many devices you can connect to it with your account.

Add the app to your devices

After choosing a provider and paying for your service, you'll be prompted to add the VPN app to all of your devices, including laptops, desktops, tablets and phones. You'll be using this app to connect to your VPN server.

Log in

When you signed up for your VPN service, you established a username and password. Log into your account on your apps and begin using VPN to connect online.

Companies That Offer Home VPN Service

There are many companies that offer VPN services to home-based customers and those who are interested in VPN for personal use. Below are a few of the best-known companies in this industry.

TunnelBear: Considered by many experts to be the best VPN service for tech novices, TunnelBear is known for a creative interface and a free service that actually offers legitimate protection of your data and privacy.

NordVPN: Many IT professionals praise NordVPN for its high security standards and excellent customer service. This is considered to be a pricier option than some consumer products, but if ease of use, strong support, and a superior level of security is important to you, consider this option.

ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is associated with ProtonMail, a very secure email system. If anonymity and security is very important to you, perhaps due to a personal situation or the fact that you are doing work from home that requires the handling of sensitive information, check out ProtonVPN.

ExpressVPN: This company is known for a corporate culture that is dedicated to privacy, something that is a plus for consumers: The folks at ExpressVPN aren't just running a business, they believe in what they are doing. In addition, they have a global server network. This may not matter much to you if you normally stay put, but travelers should appreciate this feature.

Surfshark: Industry experts have tested this service and found it to be extremely secure and reliable. You can have unlimited connections and opt-in (at a cost) for additional privacy-enhancing services such as ad blockers.

Norton Secure VPN: If you are most comfortable working with familiar brands, Norton Secure VPN could be a good option. Norton is a trusted name in online security and if you already use other Norton products, its VPN could make an excellent addition to your secure-browsing lineup.

Final Word

Take your time choosing a VPN provider: After all, you are trusting the company and its servers with your privacy. Review options available and consider whether the features meet your specific needs. In addition, consider cost as well as the company's reputation for supporting its customers. Once you have considered all of these factors, choose a service and give it a trial run (many companies offer a free trial period). At that point, you can feel more secure signing on for a standard account.