The holiday shopping season should feel fun and stress-free. Yet scams, fake stores and phishing attempts continue to rise. That puts your personal information and money at risk. A simple way to lower that risk is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to secure your connection. It helps protect your activity and shields your data while you shop. Here are five ways a VPN can keep you safer and even save you money while you hunt for the perfect gifts.

1) Secure your connection

A VPN creates an encrypted path between your device and the internet. That keeps your data hidden from anyone trying to intercept it. This includes hackers on public Wi-Fi, risky networks and malicious actors watching for opportunities. By hiding your IP address and encrypting all traffic you send or receive, a VPN protects your browsing, payments and personal details.

2) Cut down tracking

Holiday scams often start with heavy tracking and targeted ads that lead you to fake deals or malicious sites. Retailers and ad networks watch your behavior through your IP address and browsing habits. A VPN blocks this tracking by masking your IP and reducing what advertisers can collect. Our partner Surfshark also includes an ad blocker that removes intrusive ads and trackers.

3) Avoid price discrimination

Some online stores change prices based on your location or shopping habits. That can cost you more during the holiday rush. A VPN lets you switch your virtual location so you can compare prices and spot inflated costs. This helps you shop smarter and find fair deals without hidden markups.

4) Stay safe on insecure networks

Public Wi-Fi is convenient but risky. Attackers can monitor your activity or try to manipulate your connection. A VPN protects you by encrypting your traffic so criminals cannot track your activity or redirect you to fake checkout pages. You still need to stay alert, but a VPN adds an extra layer of security when you shop on shared or unsafe networks.

5) Keep gift browsing private

If you share devices or Wi-Fi with family, targeted ads can spoil your gift surprises. Advertisers track your activity through your IP address and push related ads across your network. A VPN hides your IP and limits tracking so your holiday secrets stay secret.

Surfshark VPN for $1.99 a month plus 3 extra months

If you’re looking for an affordable VPN without sacrificing security, Surfshark is an excellent choice. Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy and offers top-notch encryption to keep your data safe. However, Surfshark stands out by allowing unlimited devices on a single account – making it perfect for families, small businesses, or users with multiple gadgets. If you’re looking for a more affordable VPN without sacrificing security, Surfshark is an excellent choice. Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy and offers top-notch encryption to keep your data safe. It now runs on upgraded 100 Gbps servers, delivering faster speeds, smoother streaming, and greater reliability even during peak hours. The upgrade also makes Surfshark more future-proof with improved stability, scalability, and load balancing for growing bandwidth demands.

Surfshark stands out by allowing unlimited devices on a single account—making it perfect for families, small businesses, or users with multiple gadgets. It also includes features like MultiHop (double VPN) and Camouflage Mode to bypass VPN restrictions in censored regions. With a budget-friendly price and feature-rich security, Surfshark is ideal for those who want privacy on a budget.

Surfshark offers strong encryption, fast speeds, and built-in tools that block ads and trackers. You can secure every device in your home with one account. That makes it ideal for the busy shopping season. With the current offer of $1.99 a month and three extra months added, it is an affordable way to protect your online shopping.

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Related Links: 

• Black Friday early deals start now
• Protect your data before holiday shopping scams strike
• Why an email alias is my secret weapon for safer online shopping

Kurt’s key takeaways

Holiday shopping should bring joy, not worry. A VPN gives you an easy way to stay safer and protect every purchase. It lowers your exposure to scams and helps keep your private information secure. As you move through the season, you can shop with more confidence and peace of mind.

What is your biggest online shopping concern during the holidays? Let us know in the comments below. 

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This article was created in partnership with Surfshark

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