During the first half of 2023, a staggering number of 130 million global users downloaded VPNs. But where did VPN usage shine the brightest? VPNs are actively used for legal data security, protecting patient medical information, and preventing intrusion in business. We have conducted our investigation and are ready to provide more information about in which countries and areas VPN is used more.
Countries with the Most VPN Integration
Our research team at VPN analyzed and ranked 85 countries based on their VPN usage from 2020 to H1 2023. To calculate the VPN penetration rate, we added up the number of VPN downloads in each country and divided it by the population. Our data was extracted from Google Play and Apple App Store using the services of Sensor Tower and AppTweak. The dataset includes information from the 45 largest VPN providers.
In H1 2023, Singapore emerged as a true leader in VPN adoption, with a population of 5.85 million and over 1.1 million downloads, resulting in an impressive VPN adoption index of 19.32%. Singaporeans have various reasons for using VPNs, such as privacy concerns, security needs, and the desire to access restricted content.
Securing the second position, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasted a VPN adoption rate of 16.94% in H1 2023. Qatar users also displayed a fondness for VPN services, with a 15.33% adoption rate.
In line with expectations, Saudi Arabia stood among the countries with the highest VPN usage, with an adoption rate of 11.02%.
This consistently high VPN penetration in the Gulf region can be attributed to strict internet censorship regulations that restrict access to certain websites, social media platforms, and content considered culturally or politically sensitive.
In Which Business Areas Is VPN Most Often Used?
Although there are areas where VPN is a necessity, you should not forget about other security best practices. If we talk about VPN, then you can protect yourself from any attacks on your data, DDoS attacks, network hacking, and tracking. However, among the cybersecurity tips for small businesses, it is also worth noting the need for strong passwords, 2FA, access control systems, distribution of authority, etc. Only an integrated approach can protect against most threats.
#1 Insurance
Insurance companies should utilize a reliable VPN server to safeguard their sensitive company records, ensuring the privacy of their client’s personal information. The exposure of such data to external sources can pose risks, which may be used against the affected individuals in future scenarios. For instance, a person’s eligibility for loans or additional coverage could be influenced by certain medical conditions or previous convictions. To prevent unauthorized access to this personal information, every insurance company must employ a VPN server for their company websites and electronic storage requirements.
#2 Remote Businesses
Specialized telecommunication companies should consider utilizing a VPN server to safeguard their sensitive data. Without a VPN server, international companies face an increased risk of security breaches when their workers need to access information on multiple networks.
If workers use an insecure network to access company accounts, private information becomes vulnerable to unauthorized individuals. The risks escalate when remote workers fail to use a VPN for PC, as their activities can be monitored by others on the network. This situation enables hackers to infiltrate company files containing confidential or incriminating information. It is worth noting that the probability of accidentally using an insecure network rises for companies with multiple offices, remote workers, or virtual employees who cannot always be supervised. Thus, a VPN becomes crucial in such circumstances.
#3 Banking
Financial and banking institutions must utilize a VPN server to safeguard sensitive data. Without a VPN server, bank branches face an increased risk of unauthorized access to client’s personal information. This could lead to expensive fines and payments in cases where hackers gain access to personal bank accounts and make fraudulent purchases.
When clients discover such a breach, it inevitably creates mistrust and prompts them to transfer their accounts to another institution. This loss of clientele and subsequent profit decline could have been prevented by implementing a secure network to combat hacking risks.
#4 Online Stores
No matter the size of your online store, it is crucial to utilize a VPN server for website management. Without a dedicated server to handle information, the risk of valuable details such as client names, credit card numbers, and bank account information being compromised increases.
If hackers breach your website, customers whose information is stolen will understandably be upset with you as the retailer and develop a sense of distrust towards your brand. Ultimately, this can hinder your store’s growth due to declining sales.
Conclusion
The Global Cyber Security Market will reach a size of USD 424.97 Billion by 2030, with a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.8%. This indicates that the issue of cybersecurity is acute and VPN is the answer to the increase in the number and quality of cyber attacks. By itself, it cannot protect against everything, but it is still effective against most threats. In areas where security is a priority, VPN is a necessary protection measure, but not the only one.
