Even with the holiday season in full swing, many of us are still busy doing last-minute shopping. Right? Whether you’re buying the latest gadget for yourself or getting gifts for friends, it’s probably safe to say that you’re doing your shopping online. 

Since the pandemic, e-commerce has grown immensely popular, taking over retail stores across the globe. The convenience of online shopping is something that you will never get while shopping at brick-and-mortar stores.

As an online shopper, knowing how to make your shopping more secure with a virtual private network (VPN) is important. When you are dealing with sensitive information such as credit card or address details, or simply browsing a gift for your loved ones, it helps to add a layer of security so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re doing your holiday shopping safely.

What Is a VPN?

A VPN encrypts and protects the data that your device sends out. You can use a VPN to hide sensitive information from prying eyes using a stable encryption tool that works across different devices. The VPN changes your IP address by routing your connection through a secure server located in another part of the world. 

Using a VPN for Online Shopping

When should you use a VPN? Here are a few instances where you can benefit from a secure connection:

  • When visiting an e-commerce site for the first time
  • When connecting over a public or an unsecured Wi-Fi network
  • When traveling in another country where some sites can be inaccessible

Benefits of Using a VPN

Keep your personal information secure. 

When you shop online, you’ll have to input personal details and sensitive information such as your shipping address and card information. You can keep this information away from hackers and other malicious actors through an encrypted VPN connection. 

Safely access e-commerce stores outside your country.

Certain websites are restricted or blocked in some countries. To access any website anywhere in the world, you’ll need a VPN to mask your real location. 

Take advantage of location-based and social media discounts.

Some countries block access to certain social media platforms, so you might end up missing out on discounts and deals from advertisers that are on social media. Other brands may be offering promotions only for a specific country or region. You can access regional promotions using a VPN. Choose a virtual location and start discovering online stores.

What Is the Best VPN for Online Shopping?

Not all VPN providers are equal. Some free VPN services can slow down your connection and offer limited protection. Based on my research, I found Atlas VPN, a very affordable VPN service that also has a free version. It’s only $1.39 a month. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try out the premium service before you fully commit. You can use Atlas VPN to get access to over 37 locations. 

Try it today and start shopping safely!