With the right application, someone on your network can see virtually everything you’re doing – from reading the emails you’re sending to looking at confidential banking information and much, much more. Not even streaming boxes like Android TV are inherently safe, as they still contain a treasure trove of personal information about your viewing habits and more that you do not want to see fall into the wrong hands. Thankfully, there’s a solution that can give you some much-needed peace-of-mind. It’s called VPN software and it can help keep your Android TV safe in several different ways, all of which are worth exploring. Read: Top 20 Best 100% Free VPN Apps for Android
What is a VPN for Android TV?
Otherwise known as a virtual private network, a VPN is a type of tool that masks your IP (Internet Protocol) address, thus, making the activities you engage in online anonymous. VPN services also help you establish connections that are both encrypted and secure anywhere, providing far more protection than a typical Wi-Fi connection could on its own. VPN software essentially creates a “tunnel” between your Android TV and the servers that house the content that you’re enjoying. All data sent over your network is scrambled via encryption, which makes it virtually unreadable. This prevents anyone else who may be on your network from “eavesdropping” on your Internet activity. Thus, keeping your Android TV (along with any other devices you’re using, for that matter) safe and secure across the board.
The Benefits of VPN for Android TV
Browsing history hidden
Using a VPN for Android TV brings with it a host of unique benefits – chief among them being the fact that your browsing history is hidden from everyone, including your Internet Service Provider. Without a VPN, your ISP can track nearly everything you do while online. Using a VPN doesn’t just mean your ISP will no longer have access to all of that personal data – they also won’t be able to take it and sell it to a third party for advertising, either.
Mask your location
Within the context of streaming in particular, a VPN can also hide or even “mask” your location – which is useful if you’re going to be traveling outside of your country. Some streaming services may limit the content to people in particular regions or territories. As soon as you connect via a local Internet network, you may find that a lot of the shows and movies you like to enjoy are no longer available. With a VPN, you can select an IP address based in your home country regardless of where you are in the world – thus allowing you to continue to enjoy the content you’re already paying for. This also has the added benefit of allowing you to enjoy shows that would otherwise be locked away in a geo-blocked library, unavailable to people who live in your country, to begin with.
Connects all your devices
Finally, a VPN can connect all of your devices – not just your Android TV but also your desktop, laptop, smartphone, and more – from cybercriminals and others who may want a closer look at what you’re doing. This is especially helpful on a public network, where it’s quite easy for someone on the same connection to spy on others with the right piece of software. With a VPN, all of your activity is masked – allowing you to rest easy knowing that nobody can use any of the data you’re sending or receiving against you. If you’d like to find out more information about the benefits of VPN for Android TV, or if you have any additional questions that you’d like to discuss with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact Surfshark today.