Thanks to Google Chrome’s standing
as the world’s most used web browser, it is a huge target for cybercriminals.
To keep yourself from becoming the next victim of a major cyberattack, it’s important
that you install a
VPN on Chrome.
What is a VPN Browser Extension?
There are two primary ways by which
you can get your Chrome the protection it needs. The first is to install the VPN
directly on your device. This OS-level installation offers protection to every
single application on your device – including Chrome.
If you wish to only offer
protection to your Chrome browser, though, you’d need a VPN
browser extension for Chrome. This is a
VPN built just for your browser. This means you can turn on the connection,
or turn it off right within your browser.
A VPN browser extension is limited in coverage to the browser alone. It’s
also typically limited in functionality when compared to its OS-level
counterpart.
How to Setup a VPN on Chrome
The process of setting up a VPN on
Chrome differs from one VPN to the
next. However, the process is generally similar. In this guide, we’d be using one
of the best
VPNs for Chrome, NordVPN, as an
example.
To set up NordVPN on Chrome,
you should:
1. Go
to the NordVPN website and select a
payment plan if you don’t have one already.
2. If
you already have a NordVPN account,
log int the account and go to the download
page.
3. Select
‘Add to Chrome’.
4. You’d
be redirected to the Chrome Webstore where you’ll once again click ‘Add to Chrome’.
5. Review
the extension permissions popup message and confirm. Then wait for it to
download.
6. Click
the NordVPN the icon at the upper right-hand corner of your browser and log into your account.
7. Go
to settings and confirm that both the AdBlocker
and WebRTC block is turned on.
8. Return
to your dashboard, select a location, and connect.
What is the Best VPN for Chrome?
A good number of Chrome VPN extensions are mere proxies
that offer no level of encryption. This is why we love NordVPN. The NordVPN extension
provides a similar level of encryption to its standard app. But it also provides
other features like WebRTC blocking and ad
blocking.
Another important consideration for
us was its speed. NordVPN is fast enough
to make downloading and streaming super easy. It’s also super easy to set up.
If you find the pricing of NordVPN
a little over the top, though, Private
Internet Access makes for a handy alternative. While its original
desktop app trails NordVPN, its Chrome extension packs a punch.
