A VPN gives you privacy and anonymity online by creating a private network, masking your IP address so that nobody can trace your online activity. These encrypted connections will give you some protection when using public WiFi, such as that of your school or when browsing the internet at work.
Network administrators in schools often block access to websites such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, as well as streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Torrenting on your school’s wifi is often completely impossible. This is usually due to bandwidth issues; in theory, if every student is streaming in their lunch hour, the school’s network would crash.
VPNs can be used to unblock websites that were previously restricted by your school’s network. This includes social media and gaming websites. However, you should check first that this is not going to get you in trouble, as it may be against your school’s rules.
Another reason students might want to use a VPN is for their own cyber-safety. Using the internet on your phone or laptop at school puts you at risk of cyber attacks. By accessing the internet on a public WiFi network, hackers can gain your name, location, debit card information, and browser history. Some can even access your private messages.
VPNs will protect you from this by making it seem like you are accessing the internet from another location entirely. They encrypt your traffic by routing it via an intermediary server in whichever country you choose.
If you’re struggling to choose which VPN might be right for you, have a look at TechRound’s guide so you can safely continue accessing the internet on your school’s WiFi.
Compare VPNs With TechRound
| Name | Price | Offer | Claim Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
Surfshark |
£1.69 per month | 30-day money-back guarantee + 3 months extra | Get Deal >> |
| CyberGhost | £1.99 per month | 45-day money-back guarantee | Get Deal >> |
| Private Internet Access | £2.19 per month | 30-day money-back guarantee | Get Deal >> |
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Is School WiFi Safe to Use or Do I Need to Use aVPN?
This depends. Some school WiFi networks require individual passwords, meaning your connection is encrypted. Encryption is a way of scrambling data so that it can only be read with an encryption key. This keeps your data safe and means that nobody can snoop on your network traffic and steal your details.
However, if your school WiFi is open for anyone to join, this means it is unencrypted. This sort of WiFi network is far more vulnerable to cyberattacks. If your school WiFi is unencrypted, then anyone can gain access to your data.
In both cases, you can gain an extra layer of security by using a VPN server.
Is Using a VPN Against School Rules?
While this depends on each school, many forbid using a private VPN. Some schools even have written policies in place to forbid students from using VPNs, as they can be used to bypass web filters. This ban is done for the student’s protection, to prohibit them from accessing dangerous websites.
However, most of these policies only cover school-owned devices. These policies generally tend to ban the installation of any new software, including your VPN client. Other schools may also have rules that apply to your personal devices such as your laptop and mobile phone, so long as you are connected to your school’s wifi.
It is always worth checking before you download a VPN to use at school to avoid getting in trouble.
Can Your School See Your Web History?
If you use your school’s WiFi network, or a school computer, then this is very possible. They can view your browsing history or the cache of websites you have visited, even if you have been using incognito mode. School administrators can often also see your history, even if it has been deleted as many school internet systems are very tightly monitored and audited. They can also see any information you have stored on the device, including passwords, messages, and personal details.
All of this information can be hidden by using a VPN. This will encrypt your data and keep it safe from prying eyes. However, it is worth noting that your school will likely not check in on your browsing history unless they have cause to suspect that something is wrong.
Can Your School Tell Whether You Are Using a VPN?
Most likely, yes. Your school will be able to see that you are using an encryption device. While they will not be able to see your online activity any more, they will see that you are using a device to encrypt your data. It is unlikely that they will check. However, if this is against school rules and they do choose to check, you could get in trouble.
Compare VPNs With TechRound
| Name | Price | Offer | Claim Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
Surfshark |
£1.69 per month | 30-day money-back guarantee + 3 months extra | Get Deal >> |
| CyberGhost | £1.99 per month | 45-day money-back guarantee | Get Deal >> |
| Private Internet Access | £2.19 per month | 30-day money-back guarantee | Get Deal >> |
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How Do You Use a VPN on Your Mobile Phone?
First buy your chosen VPN from the app store and pay for a subscription. The app will prompt you to create an account. You can then log in, choose whatever location you choose, and then continue browsing safely at school on whichever device you activate the VPN.
Many students access their school’s WiFi network using their mobile phones. Students do anything from online shopping to chatting on social media. This can put their details at risk, as public WiFi networks are known to pose security risks.
The post Can I Use a VPN For School? appeared first on TechRound.
