VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and it is a form of secure network that enables users to access confidential information via public systems. Companies use VPNs to secure their data in the virtual world. According to Go-Globe, 25% of internet users have used VPNs in the last 30 days to secure their data online.Indeed, the use of VPN has grown exponentially in the recent years as more and more people become aware of its usefulness.
The estimated VPN market value worldwide is expected to grow from $20.6 billion in 2018 to nearly $35 billion in 2022. For the majority of users, VPNs have become central when it comes to internet access. According to The Best VPN, mobile access is increasing tremendously and it is only a matter of time before it overtakes desktop. In the last month, there was a 17% VPN access via Desktop, 15% via mobile and 7% via tablets.
Another interesting thing to note is that VPNs are most popular with the young generation with the youth aged between 16 and 34 accounting for 68% of VPN access.
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So why the rise in VPN usage
The sharp increase in VPN usage can be attributed to many factors. Top on the list is the need to access better entertainment. 50% of internet users who use VPN say accessing entertainment is the strongest motivator for using VPN. This is especially true for content not available in one’s country. Another motivator is the need to access social networks, news services, and websites that may have been blocked in their countries.
With increased cases of cyber attacks and bullying, concerns around data privacy and security have become more prominent in the recent years. Therefore, several users have found good reasons to want to remain anonymous online. The worrying trend of governments and other agency to snoop into internet users’ online activities has given rise to increasing use of VPNs. This is a genuine concern because 31% of Americans think their online worth is more than $100,000. According to statistics, 51% of internet users report having had their online accounts compromised in one way or another.
It is important to note that VPNs are different from proxies. Proxies will simply hide your IP address. VPNs do more—they secure your information/data by encrypting it before it is transmitted. This matters a lot to users who care about the integrity of their data.