How to Bypass Blocked Sites and Internet Restrictions
The benefits of the internet today cannot be overemphasized. In the world, the use of the internet has become positively addictive and has also become a powerful tool for both individuals, corporates, institutions of learning, religious institutions and the government. The internet has developed to become the voice of the people, evident in the recent awareness generated amongst Nigerian youths and their ability to speak with one resolve. More recently, individuals all over the world have put the internet to effective use; from online trading to freelancing, social media, learning access and enhancing online presence for developed brands and startups.
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Some reasons could trigger restricted access to sites, including government agenda, employer’s restrictions on their internal network and country’s policy. However, certain restrictions shouldn’t limit the savviness of informed individuals constituting a larger percentage of the world’s population. As it seems, the positive effect of the internet typically downplays possible reservations that could limit or place a ban on usage. If peradventure, access to social media and relevant sites are denied in Nigeria or any part of the world you find yourself, here are useful ways to bypass blocked sites and restrictions.
1. Use a VPN
The most popular way to access blocked internet site is to use a high-quality virtual private network (VPN). VPN provides online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPN ensures to protect your internet protocol (IP) address and make your online activities and actions untraceable. In Nigeria, we have VPNs like NordVPN, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, IPVanish and more. It is best to verify the safety and security of each specific network you intend to use. Be sure to confirm the compatibility, authenticity and security of any VPN you want to use. To access VPN, download the app onto your phone or computer, enter your login details and choose a suitable network to connect to.
2. Ensure Site Security
Most times, people pay less attention to cybersecurity. While accessing the internet, you need to first consider your online safety and security as well as protect your identity. A first step is to be certain that all your sites are delivered over HTTPS as this allows surfers access the original site other than an altered version. Also make sure to have anti-virus software installed on your device, in order to remove and further prevent malicious software from them. Make sure to clear your browser cache, saved cookies, searches and web history to further protect your privacy.
3. Use Proxies or Circumvention Tools
Circumvention tools help bypass censorship and provide anonymous access to the internet. An example is Psiphon, an open-source web proxy that helps users access content-filtering systems. This has been recognized to have helped individuals around the world to securely access censored knowledge.
4. Use Lantern
Lantern uses peer-to-peer networks to enable people in uncensored areas to share their internet connection and servers with those with restricted internet access. Also, you can easily download Lantern to access popular video apps, messaging apps and more if your favourite apps are blocked. Lantern further encrypts all your traffic to blocked sites and services to protect your data and privacy.
5. Tor
Tor shields users from tracking and surveillance. Asides from preventing access to your connection and visited sites, Tor also makes all users appear the same, making it almost impossible for users to be identified based on browser and device information. Tor separates each browser you visit to disenable third-party trackers and ads from spying into your privacy. Tor is available for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android.
It is important to make observations and carry out research on which network suits you best before venturing into use.
Did we miss out on some other sophisticated ways to bypass internet restrictions? You are welcome to share with us in the comment section.