A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that provides a secure internet connection by using private servers in remote locations. It encrypts your online traffic and hides your IP address, so neither your internet provider nor other third parties can intercept and snoop your traffic and sensitive data. VPN software lives on your devices, whether thats a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It sends your data in a scrambled format (this is known as encryption) that’s unreadable to anyone who may want to intercept it.

Using a VPN on your phone can help protect your internet activities, especially since tons of personal details are sent in your phone use, and hackers love to target this data. Whether using your cellular connection or Wi-Fi, your smartphone leaves you open to identity theft and other cyber dangers. Here are some of the protections you’d enjoy if you use a VPN for your smartphone:

• Your data is encrypted and unreadable to anyone who may want to intercept it.
• Your IP address is hidden, so hackers or other third parties can’t see what you are doing or what data you send through the web.
• A VPN hides the demographic data sent with your internet activity, so you cant be tracked.
• Your online activities are private and secure, even from your internet service provider.

To use a VPN on your phone, you need to download and install a VPN app from a reputable VPN provider. Once you have the app, you can connect to a private network, like your school or companys network, when youre not on campus or at work.