Why You Should Use a VPN on Your Chromebook

If you are a student or someone who absolutely loves lightweight devices for web browsing, you must be familiar with Chromebooks. These lightweight devices are clearly affordable. In addition, they are the perfect companions when you are looking for integration with Google services. 

With much fewer hardware specifications, they make it easier for you to work online with no hassle. All you need is a stable internet connection! However, with such extensive online activity comes the concern of powering up your security. And how can we miss a VPN while talking about the same? Don’t know why and how to install a VPN for Chromebook? Don’t fret! We’ve got you covered!

What is a VPN? 

Let’s understand what a VPN is before jumping right into anything further. Basically, a Virtual Private Network or a VPN masks your online presence along with your IP address. It does so by encrypting your internet connection and routing your data through a secure server. Simply, it allows you to browse the internet more safely. 

Why Do You Need a VPN on Your Chromebook? 

A Chromebook has its own built-in security features. Unfortunately, they don’t protect your online privacy or even secure your internet traffic. Sounds terrifying, right? That’s where a VPN comes into play. Let’s learn more about why you need one: 

1. Protecting Your Data on Public Wi-Fi Networks 

Are you also someone who loves working out of a coffee shop? Do you want to work fearlessly at the airport? Well, we all love that. But the real question that comes up to us is- “Is my data safe here?”. Trust us, we have all been there. According to Forbes, about 40% of cyber fraud victims claim their data to be compromised while using public Wi-Fi. Scary enough? Well, a VPN certainly solves this problem in no time. With strong encryption protocols, a VPN will make your data seem like an unreadable mess to anyone who tries to hack into your system. With one in your Chromebook, you can enter anything, starting from passwords to bank details, and not worry about it getting stolen. 

2. Accessing Geo-Restricted Content

You saw an ad for a British or Aussie show while sitting in your apartment in the US. And the very next moment, you get this urge to binge-watch it in one go. However, you will find the show blocked in your region. Trust us or not, a VPN solves this problem in no time. It becomes your entertainment partner in letting you enjoy content from all around the globe with just one click. It bypasses these restrictions by changing your IP address location to your chosen location’s server. This way, you can work or watch anything from anywhere in the world without being a bundle of nerves. 

3. Hassle-Free Remote Work

COVID gave us one boon and that is the “work-from-anywhere” trend. On top of this, Chromebooks are unbelievably easy to carry and use. This has led to a surge in the use of Chromebooks among remote workers. However, one needle hovering above our heads while working remotely is company data being stolen/breached. With a VPN, you can make sure that any sensitive data is encrypted from unauthorized access. And voila! Now, you can work from anywhere by connecting to any network you wish. 

Setting Up a VPN on Your Chromebook

Setting up a VPN on a Chromebook has become increasingly easier, with so many VPN providers offering a Chrome OS extension. To start with, you can visit the Chrome Web Store or your chosen VPN provider’s website. From there, install the app that is compatible with your Chrome OS. Next, sign up or log in with your credentials to the VPN provider. You will see server locations provided by the provider. Choose your desired location to connect to its server. And there you are! You have now successfully set up your VPN for safe browsing. 

Pro-Tip: You might see terms like ‘kill switch’. ‘Split tunneling’, or ‘custom DNS setting.’ These are some advanced settings provided by a lot of VPN providers. You can customize the app as per your needs once you are done setting it up. 

Wrapping Up

We understand your concerns about online privacy and security while using a Chromebook. But you don’t have to worry about it anymore now that you have everything necessary to set up a VPN. So, why wait? Install a VPN on your Chromebook now and enjoy secure browsing.