The best 4 things a VPN can do for your Smart TV

Smart TVs have become a staple of entertainment in the last few years.

Smart TVs have turned watching shows into quite the exquisite experience with their picture and sound quality getting better and better with each new model.

But just like any other IoT gadget, this screen also needs help with privacy and geo-restrictions.

Let’s find out how a dedicated VPN for Smart TV can make everything better.

Get CyberGhost VPN

The basics of VPN and DNS servers

A virtual private network, or a VPN, is a privacy and security software that encrypts your connections and hides your IP address.

This is important, because your IP address reveals a lot of information about you, from your city to your ZIP code. But with your original IP address hidden, you can make look like you’re in a different place in the world, protecting your digital identity.

VPN servers also have a great sidekick: DNS servers.

DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it acts as a translator between you and the internet because you don’t really speak the same language. For example, when you type YouTube.com in your browser, your DNS lets your computer know you want to visit 208.65.153.238.

Such DNS queries are usually handled by your Internet Service Provider, informing them about everything you do online. And this holds for any device you may be using, including your Smart TV.

When you choose a VPN, make sure to go for one with a Smart DNS service. This way, you’ll be able to access websites and stream your favorites.

Watch everything you like online

Your geographic location determines what you can stream online. And if you’ve ever been hit with the “Sorry! This program is not available in your country.” message; you know what it feels like not being able to keep up with your shows.

The message is known as a proxy error. It’s a polite but in-your-face way of letting you know that what you wanted to watch is geo-restricted, and you can’t get access to it with your current IP address.

By entering a different DNS to your Smart TV’s settings, you can access a wide variety of content. This way, if your binge list includes a title that’s only in certain regions, you can reroute your traffic, making it seem like you’re someplace else.

Easy, right?

Keep your viewing habits away from your ISP

When you use a Smart DNS service from a VPN, you also get your Internet Service Provider off your back.

Your ISP keeps tabs on everything you do online. In some cases, it’s the law. In others, it’s an excellent opportunity to sell their data trove to advertisers. But your data shouldn’t be a commodity to pass off to the highest bidder.

Considering the sheer number of data breaches and identity theft cases in the past few years, it’s always a good idea to give companies as little of your information as possible. And a VPN can help you do just that.

Improve your streaming experience

While we’re on the topic of ISPs, let’s not forget all those pesky data caps.

Streaming takes up a lot of bandwidth, especially in 4K. Depending on your location and your ISP’s infrastructure, this can slow down connections for everybody else.

To prevent this, ISPs impose data caps or throttle your connection, slowing down your speed, decreasing video quality, and leaving you with lots of buffering. But if you use a VPN with no bandwidth or speed restrictions, you can ditch all throttling attempts.

Here’s how we do it at CyberGhost VPN:

When it comes to VPNs, privacy and security are paramount, but people also need to unwind and relax. That’s why we have so many servers optimized for streaming.

With blazing-fast speeds, no throttling, and no geo-restrictions, they’re here to make sure you make the most of your streaming subscriptions. 

Alex Danaila, Product Manager, CyberGhost VPN

We’re a one-stop shop for all your VPN needs.

Stay safe on your Smart TV

As fun as they may be, Smart TVs also come with some privacy and security concerns. That’s because they usually track your viewing habits to provide you with viewing suggestions.

But the internet connectivity part also poses a security concern.

Beyond the risk that your TV manufacturer and app developers may be listening and watching you, that television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home. A bad cyber actor may not be able to access your locked-down computer directly, but it is possible that your unsecured TV can give him or her an easy way in the backdoor through your router. 

FBI’s Portland field office for TechCrunch

IoT security is often overlooked. And Smart TVs are no different.

But a VPN app ensures that your traffic is encrypted. This helps keep hackers and malicious actors at bay and unable to hijack your connection.

And the best part? It’s easy to install and use.

Smart TVs and video-on-demand platforms give you way more options than TVs ever did, and a VPN ensures that there’s no limit to what you can watch.

Do you have a VPN on your Smart TV? How do you like it? Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time, stay safe and secure!

Get CyberGhost VPN