As an online publisher, you’re likely exposed to countless security risks – from data theft and censorship to geographic restrictions on your revenue.
To protect your information and the confidentiality of your sources, it’s a good idea always to use a virtual private network, also known as a VPN.
Here, you’ll learn how a VPN can improve your security and privacy, as well as give you access to international opportunities.
Why Data Protection and Privacy Matter for Online Publishers
One of the biggest threats you can experience as an online publisher is the security of your data. Emails, internal documents, login credentials, or a publication’s private information can be targeted by a cyberattack.
52% of news publishers said they had been hacked or suffered a data breach in the prior year.
Hackers, government agencies, and even competitors can try to obtain your information with malicious intent.
We saw this after Disney suffered a breach, which leaked over 1 terabyte of internal communications in 2024.
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for a third party to intercept the information you’re sending.
This is essential, for example, if you frequently work connected to public networks. At the same time, with a VPN, you can hide your IP address.
This makes it difficult for someone to identify your location, which is particularly important for those vulnerable to censorship or harassment.
What Are Cyber Threats?
The risk of suffering a cyberattack is higher than you might imagine, and cyberattacks have affected many online publishers. Some of the most common types are:
- Phishing: These scams often involve fraudulent emails or messages that impersonate trusted entities to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords or financial details
- Malware: Malicious programs that can infiltrate your personal devices. They include various types, such as ransomware, spyware, and viruses, which can infiltrate devices to steal data or disrupt operations.
- Denial-of-service Attacks (DDoS): This is a method of crashing a web portal by overloading it with traffic. Here, the aim is to make a website or service unavailable.
- Identity Theft: This refers to the theft and use of access credentials to commit crimes by impersonating someone.
If you choose to install a VPN, you can boost its effectiveness by using other cybersecurity measures, such as two-factor authentication, to enhance security on your online editing devices.
Protecting Confidential Sources
Journalism relies heavily on information provided by third parties, which, in some cases, often requires a certain level of protection.
In repressive environments (or when a topic is sensitive or taboo), people who speak with journalists may be at risk if their conversations are intercepted or their identities exposed.
To minimize this risk, as an editor, it’s often recommended to use a VPN when communicating with your sources.
This will prevent traces and will be invaluable for the peace of mind of those providing their testimonies. Plus, a VPN is great for encrypting data traffic, which ensures privacy in conversations.
In addition, when conducting your investigations, you might need to access websites that are geo-restricted. This is typically seen in countries that suffer from censorship.
Fortunately, with a VPN, you can easily and safely bypass any blockage. By changing your virtual location, you can easily bypass geographic and communication blocks.
Real Cases of Censorship and Persecution
Censorship and persecution of journalists have increased in various parts of the world. Some examples of this are:
- In some countries, governments censor independent news sites to prevent them from disclosing critical information.
- Journalists investigating corruption can be tracked and monitored by public authorities.
- Journalists themselves have been arrested for speaking to inflammatory or problematic sources.
However, while using a VPN can help online publishers reduce the risks and challenges associated with free journalism, it’s also important to ensure that your online VPN download is from a trusted, reliable and well-reviewed source like SurfShark. After all, not all VPNS are created equal.
Revenue Protection and Access to Global Markets
As an online publisher, your business likely relies heavily on digital advertising.
In this context, it’s essential to be aware that some platforms restrict access based on geolocation, which can lead to missed opportunities to monetize your content in international markets.
To overcome these barriers, using a VPN to simulate your location in another country can be highly effective.
It allows you to access advertising platforms and services that might otherwise be blocked, helping you diversify revenue streams and compete more effectively in the global market.
Additionally, some payment processors and monetization tools also impose geographic limitations. A VPN can help you navigate these restrictions and maintain smoother access to the tools you need.
Financial Benefits of Using a VPN
What about the financial upside of using a VPN? Online publishers can also benefit financially.
- Access Better Ad Rates: Some advertisers offer higher payouts for traffic from specific countries. A VPN can help you simulate traffic sources to explore more profitable markets.
- Bypass Geo-Blocked Payment Systems: Certain payment platforms are only accessible in specific regions. A VPN allows you to use these services even if they’re blocked in your location.
- Reach International Audiences: As a publisher, you can access and grow audiences that are otherwise restricted due to regional content blocks.
- Improve Financial Flexibility: With a VPN, you’re not limited by your location – you can access global payment platforms and financial tools more freely.
- Secure Online Transactions: VPN encryption adds an extra layer of protection when conducting financial transactions, helping to protect you from data breaches and cyberattacks.
- Unblock Restricted Banking Services: Some financial institutions and payment gateways restrict access based on region. A VPN can help you bypass those blocks.
- Control Content Distribution: Avoid regional restrictions on your content, making it easier to distribute across different markets without limits.
- Reduce Exposure to Local Economic Instability: By accessing and monetizing international markets, you’re less affected by economic downturns in your home country.
While some may think a VPN only serves to increase security, it’s also important to know that it gives you access to platforms and services that are blocked in your region.
Unrestricted Access to Tools and Platforms
Some key tools for online publishing may be blocked in certain countries or networks. This could become a real obstacle if you need access to certain services for website management and marketing.
With a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions by redirecting your internet traffic. This way, you’ll have uninterrupted access that also guarantees your privacy and prevents harassment by internet service providers or the government.
Preventing Tracking and Censorship
Online tracking is a growing issue, especially for online publishers. Technology companies, advertisers, and even governments can collect data about your online behavior for a variety of purposes, ranging from targeted advertising to surveillance.
In the context of VPNS, using your external IP address and encrypting your traffic helps reduce the risk of online tracking.
By using a VPN, you’ll be able to operate with greater autonomy by preventing content from being manipulated based on data collection.
Similarly, in countries where censorship is a concern, a VPN allows you to access and publish information without limits.
This is essential to guarantee freedom of the press and the right to access information, especially in cases where government control limits the ability to convey independent news and opinions.
Final Thoughts
For online publishers (and, really, any content creators), having a VPN means more than just secure browsing. With this tool, you can protect sensitive data and confidential sources, as well as combat censorship and tracking.
In a world where information is power, ensuring that this information is not exposed without authorization is essential for any online publisher.
Investing in a VPN improves your security and also provides new business opportunities, strengthening your independence as a publisher.
And in an increasingly hostile environment for digital press, having a protection tool can be a strategic decision that makes the difference between enabling the continuity and success of a new media outlet.
As technologies evolve, as a publisher, you must keep pace to ensure the security and success of your platforms.
Ultimately, using a VPN is an investment that will provide enormous benefits, both in terms of security and privacy and in strengthening your independence as a publisher.
