3 Great Alternatives to Using a VPN

Have you heard about virtual private networks (VPNs)?

Well, VPNs can be very useful for people who desire to enhance their web-browsing security by encrypting their devices’ internet connections to public Wi-Fi networks and concealing their IP addresses.

Similarly, VPN can be very useful if you want to watch a TV series or movie on popular streaming sites that you might not have access to and other geo-restricted platforms.

However, this doesn’t mean that VPNs are 100% efficient or effective. At times, your VPN could provide unreliable connections that limit you from accessing the websites you want. They may also sell your crucial private data to third parties.

Here are the three great alternatives to using a VPN.

#1 Smart DNS

SmartDNS can be classified as an excellent alternative to using a VPN as it will give you access to websites that are typically geo-restricted. While this service will use your Domain Name Server (DNS), it operates as a proxy server. SmartDNS works by routing your Internet traffic through a remote server as it conceals your location and IP address.

Nonetheless, SmartDNS will not redirect your internet traffic like a proxy server. Instead, it will forward your DNS to its external servers. Remember, Smart DNS will not conceal your IP address as a VPN does; it modifies your device’s location, allowing you to access geo-restricted information.

#2 Zero Trust Network Access

Zero Trust Network Access (ZNTA) entails data and application access facilitation in a network via a third party. ZNTA emphasizes privacy and security by requiring users to initiate identity authentication before gaining access to applications and information. In particular, the ZNTA technology will deliver similar functionalities as VPN with operations at zero trust bases.

ZNTAs can be very useful for large-scale organizations as they cushion the system from fraudster access as their verification is limited in scope. In essence, the attackers will face additional barriers if they have already gained access to the network. ZNTA users are granted access to sites and applications via an encrypted tunnel that conceals their IP addresses in the same way VPNs work.

#3 Proxy Servers

Proxy servers were the primary method adopted by internet users to conceal their IP addresses and remain protected before VPNs. In essence, proxy servers were used as gateways or intermediates between the user and the internet. However, proxy servers did not give assured internet connectivity as VPNs do.