If you use the internet, security should concern you. Hackers can easily intercept your personal communications and even monitor what websites you visit.
When you consider the use of your computer for work or business, online threats become even more disconcerting. When family members, including children, become involved, you start to understand that security matters.
With so much at stake every time you go online, shouldn’t you take some precautions? Although online security may at first seem complicated, you can quickly enhance your safety by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Continue reading to learn what a VPN can do for you.
Anonymity :
A VPN service creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your computer and a VPN service. This prevents your ISP and hackers from seeing what websites you visit. Also, when using a VPN, web servers log your VPN’s IP address, not yours, allowing you to anonymously use online resources.
Additionally, your ISP sees only that you’ve connected to your VPN service. If you choose a VPN provider that doesn’t keep user logs, you can defend yourself against government surveillance, advertisers and third-party subpoenas.
Security :
Have you ever connected to a “free” Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop, library, airport or store? Every time you do, anyone else connected to that network has a chance to hack your phone or computer. Also, they can monitor your plain-text data such as emails and URLs sent from your device to the internet.
A VPN tunnel allows you to safely use public Wi-Fi without fear. Sure, the owner of the Wi-Fi network as well as any snoopers and hackers can see that you’re using the network. However, they can’t see any of your data or what websites you visit while connected via your VPN service.
Freedom :
Some Wi-Fi operators, such as schools, employers and businesses restrict the type of websites that users can access through their network. They may do this for one or more reasons:
• Conserve bandwidth.
• Prevent distractions.
• Maintain standards.
• Manage liability.
Common content restrictions may include social media, video, pornography and file downloads.
In such settings, you can still freely access the internet by first connecting to a VPN service. When you do, network administrators can see that you’ve connected to an internet resource. However, since all data goes through your VPN tunnel, no one can analyze your activities.
In summary, a VPN gives you an affordable, easy to use way to increase your anonymity, security and freedom online. Stop taking risks with your personal, family and business. Always connect to a VPN before using the internet.

The General Data Protection Regulation enacted by the European Union is scheduled to go into effect on May 25. The effect of this regulatory framework will differ across European jurisdictions; in the United Kingdom, for example, companies will only have to follow GDPR guidelines until Brexit is formalized. As for Ireland and other EU member states, the GDPR is not exactly a rigid proposition.
The Seanad opted to adopt some of the flexibility offered by the GDPR when it passed the Irish Data Protection Bill earlier this year. This new law is filled with complexities for government and public entities, but the situation is not as strict for private companies.
Article 37 of the new law directs certain companies to appoint a data protection officer; specifically, business enterprises that collect, store and process large amounts of sensitive data will be expected to appoint a DPO. Some examples of sensitive digital information include: health records and data that can reveal the political and religious inclinations of Irish or European citizens. With this in mind, it is safe to assume that certain barristers and solicitors offices will have to abide by this article; moreover, private hospitals, insurance offices, and psychologists may have to do so as well. Banks and private funds can also expect to be subject to GDPR compliance.
Larger business enterprises in Ireland have more at stake under the new laws, but small companies should not believe that they will be impervious to the expensive penalties that can be imposed under GDPR. The reality of personal information stored in digital records these days is that it must be protected, and not just because of GDPR. If anything, the enactment of the Irish Data Protection Bill should prompt company owners to look at how their office network is protected.
Any company that has been managing its own server on premises should strongly consider migrating its data infrastructure to the cloud. The security advantage in this regard is that cloud technology has become very competitive, which means that providers are mindful about using secure and GDPR compliant options. There is more than compliance to consider when choosing cloud solutions; the ability to automate the data backup process and ease of recovery should also be factored in.
In the end, GDPR may become a wake-up call for Irish companies that have neglected the overall security of their office networks and the integrity of their data.