If you use the internet (you do) you probably have an idea that it can be unsafe. For years, we’ve been fighting against viruses, hackers, scams, and even identity theft. We’ve been told to make c0mPl3x! passwords that are impossible to remember. We’ve installed antivirus software and carefully checked the email addresses of any senders in case they're not who they're pretending to be.

So, in 2018, is there still reason to be worried?

The answer is a resounding yes. Hackers and scammers do not give up in the face of security measures. They simply get smarter. And we have to get smarter too.

One of the most important steps to take is to use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN masks your location and encrypts your data, making you far more difficult to track or hack.

There are many VPN providers, but due to the local legislation, finding the best UAE VPN that is not blocked is essential. Some of the providers might not operate in the UAE and others might provide poor performance.

Here is why you should use a VPN in the UAE.

Prevent identity theft

Identity theft can be as scary as it sounds. If someone steals your identity, by getting your identification data, account logins and passwords, and bank details, you may struggle to get it back.

Not only can you lose lots of money, but your reputation can go down the drain as well. Credit records may go to rot because of what someone else does in your name. You could find yourself on no-fly-lists, or unable to access your own bank accounts.

VPNs are not 100% foolproof against identity theft, but they're far more secure than using nothing at all. And because you're more secure than most other people, hackers will probably choose easier victims.

Protect your data

Even if we weren’t worried about identity theft, there are other reasons to use a VPN. Since we use the internet for everything these days, there is a lot to steal. Important company data on your computer could fall into the wrong hands. Private photos could be used to blackmail you.

And your friends and family could be compromised as well. Information that you have about them might end up with dangerous people, who will put them through misery. Also, any intellectual property that you have not protected by copyright yet could be stolen, and you could face difficulties proving that it’s yours.

Maintain your privacy

Finally, there’s the matter of personal privacy. Being spied on can be as frightening as identity theft, even if no malicious course of action is taken. No one wants to give someone else the opportunity to take control of their computer’s microphone and camera. No one wants others looking through their photos and documents, or even their personal playlists.

Privacy is a basic human right, after all. A VPN blocks potential voyeurs from spying on you. Without it, you can never be sure you're fully on your own.