A VPN is a well-known tool that helps protect the personal information of those using the Internet. Also, to avoid regional-restrictions on movies’ and games’ platforms and get other useful benefits. Those who choose a VPN service provider carefully, usually notice that some companies let users use a VPN on multiple devices. Users tend to take advantage of this and share their VPN with friends, family and sometimes – even strangers. But is it safe? Let’s find out!
Using VPN on multiple devices
Often people use a VPN service, but only on one device. For example, on a work computer. Meanwhile, other devices such as tablets and mobile phones are usually used without using a VPN. It is probably the most common mistake. For example, people think that emails sent using a VPN will be inaccessible to third-parties. But they forget that they have linked their email to a mobile app. So by using e-mail on their phone which does not have a VPN, they make their email information available to people who shouldn’t be able to access it.
In other words, if you’ve decided not to use a VPN on one (or more of your devices), you need to carefully review and make sure that there are not the same apps that you use on devices which you use with a VPN.
How many devices can use a single VPN account?
The number of simultaneous connections (or multiple logins) varies depending on the VPN provider and their service plans. Therefore, if it is significant for you to connect all the devices you use – the first thing you have to do – count them! After that pay whether a particular VPN service provider meets your expectations.
If a task to find a VPN provider which allows as many multiple logins as you need is difficult to cope with, there is another solution. You may set up a VPN on your router at home, it will allow the devices to share the same connection while for their users – to enjoy the benefits of VPN.
Is it okay to share VPN with friends?
According to research by Global Web Index, 39% of VPN users are aged from 16 to 22. These are school children or students, most of whom do not have paid work. Therefore, the financial aspect in order to decide whether to use one or another service or not is extremely important. Therefore, young people often tend to share services such as VPN among themselves. This way, they can enjoy the benefits of a VPN and save money at the same time. But is VPN sharing safe?
Sharing a VPN with the person you trust – your friend or family member – is not unsafe. However, before ordering the services of a VPN service provider, it is important to estimate the final number of devices for which you will use these services.
Sharing VPN with people you do not know
While you can safely share a VPN with someone you trust, it is not advisable to do so with strangers. Why? Probably you have heard a VPN comparison with a tunnel. Its task is to hide your personal information from third-parties. Meanwhile, when you give someone you don’t know access to your VPN, you’re letting them into that tunnel. Therefore, in this case, the effort to protect your personal information does not make sense.
Conclusion
All in all, many sources say that there is nothing to worry about when sharing you VPN with others. While there’s really nothing to be afraid of when sharing a VPN with people you trust, it’s best not to give this access to strangers. Chances are, in most cases, nothing bad will happen from doing so. However, there might always be exceptions.
Therefore, if the security of your personal information is really important to you, it is better not to take a risk. Otherwise, a frivolous “nothing will happen” can cost you.