Artists and designers just want to create beautiful stuff. Whether it be a cool new website, product, or a post for Instagram, it’s all about the process. The end result is always something they’re proud of, and there’s no better feeling than seeing what you created in front of a massive audience.
At the same time, one of the worst feelings is seeing somebody stealing your designs, posting them under their name, and getting all the credit. Even though imitation is the best form of flattery, nothing comes close to the level of anger you feel when someone steals your work.
To avoid that, it’s best to use a watermark, proxy, or VPN. For most people, the first one makes a lot of sense. You’re signing your work, and people will know it’s yours. But VPNs VS. Proxies? These tools protect your identity online.
Hackers can enter your device and steal your designs. Imagine seeing your hard work published without showing it or sending it to anyone. It will cause you headaches and many sleepless nights wondering what happened. Protecting your devices means protecting your designs.
VPN vs. Proxy?
Online privacy is only one click away. But is it better to do so through a VPN VS. Proxy? Both technologies serve to hide your real IP address, but is that enough to keep your intellectual property protected?
What is a proxy?
Imagine your mom took out a freshly baked batch of cookies in your kitchen. The entire house starts smelling nice, and you want one. Your mom goes to the store to get some milk, and she says that you can’t take one until she comes back.
The temptation is strong, but if you decide to take one, the camera in your hallway will record you, and you’ll get in a lot of trouble. So, you call your sibling and tell them to bring you one, and you’ll give them a dollar. In this scenario, your sibling acts like a proxy, and they’ll get in trouble (maybe you’ll have given them five bucks).
In the internet world, the same thing happens, but on a more technical level. Your IP address is under constant surveillance by your internet service provider, marketing companies, and hackers. Using a proxy, you can use a different server and browse the web. Pretty simple.
What is a VPN?
Virtual private networks add more security to the entire process. Imagine the same scenario with the cookie, but this time, instead of running through the hallway, they dig a tunnel and carry a small safe to bring the cookie. Even if your mom returned and found the tunnel (which would be incredibly hard) and found the safe, she would still need the key to unlock it. The fun fact here is that only you’ve got the key, which makes it incredibly secure.
The cookie is the data transmitted between your device and the internet. Even if hackers, governments, and internet service providers wanted to take a look, it would be close to impossible. VPNs delete all of the logs from your browsing, which works on the operating system’s level. Whether you visit websites or use applications, your data will be protected.
VPN VS. Proxy for keeping photo editing software safe?
Which is the better way to eat the cookie and not get caught? Both of the strategies accomplish the same goal. A proxy and a VPN will hide your IP address. What matters more is the additional layers of security and encryption.
VPNs are much simpler to use, faster, and more secure. This makes them better at keeping photo editing software safe. However, this is only true for paid versions. Freeware often comes with restrictions, slow speeds, ads, and even selling the logs from your traffic to companies.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch, so be wary of offers that promise the world and under-deliver. Use a free trial before you choose the one that fits you, and roam the waters of the internet without worry.
Are there any other reasons to use a VPN?
Work and travel are the lifestyle of many designers, which means you’ll be connecting to public Wi-Fi most of the time. Doing so without the proper protection puts you at risk of a man-in-the-middle attack.
Does a VPN protect you from hackers? Well, a cybercriminal can take control of your device because they’ll see you in the local network. A VPN stops these kinds of attacks dead in their tracks. They won’t be able to find your device because it will look like you’re browsing from a beach in Hawaii instead of the café you’re at.
Because you can change your location, bypassing geological restrictions is a breeze. Maybe you’ll need to incorporate some feedback on a design while you’re on vacation and have regional restrictions. Frequent travellers often face this problem, but VPNs have servers all around the globe. Select the country you want to be in, and your computer will obey. You can sip cocktails in the Philippines and use your device like in the United States.
A few final cybersecurity tips
At the end of the day, proxies and VPNs are used for security reasons. But cybersecurity doesn’t stop there. You need to be careful when downloading files. Hackers can pretend to be clients and send you files filled with malware. All it takes is one mistake to bust your defences, and they can gain control of your device. In that case, your designs and your credit card info will be stolen too! Another vital security measure to consider is DMARC Gmail, which helps protect your email account from phishing and spoofing attacks.
You can pick whether you need basic protection from a proxy or upgraded security with a VPN based on your needs, choose the best VPN. Combining these tools with an antivirus gives you the full protection you need. Regularly updating your software and changing your passwords every few months is necessary.
