98 ANDROID ADVISOR • ISSUE 50HOW TO
services such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN available
for Android. We show you how to get one up and
running on your device.What is a VPN?
As the name suggests, a Virtual Private Network is a
software-based connection between two points which
encrypts all data sent and received. People often use
VPNs to create ‘private tunnels’ that allow them to
use public Wi-Fi spots, hotel connections, or other
potentially unsecure networks without the threat of
hackers stealing their information.
Another benefit of VPNs is that they disguise the
location of your computer and can make it look like
you’re logging in from Budapest when you’re in fact
sitting in a coffee shop in Brixton.
This can be useful in a couple of ways, firstly in that
it provides you a level of privacy because it’s much
harder to track your online activities, and secondarily
because it means you can circumvent regional
restrictions on services like Netflix.Choosing a VPN
Getting a VPN up and running on your Android device
is very easy. First of all, you’ll need to choose one to
download. There two main types of service available
– free or subscription based.
While free might sound more tempting, there are
some risks involved where research has found some to
be less secure than you might hope. That being said,
if you find the right one then it’s a good way to get
started with Virtual Private Networks.