VPN, also known as virtual private network, can be a great way for you to protect your data and anonymize your online identity. This is particularly important when you use your smartphone, where so much personal information is stored.An insecure open Wi Fi connection is one way to access your identity or information. Because your phone is always with you, you will connect to many open Wi-Fi networks. They can connect to the darkest depths of the internet, from airport Wi-Fi to hotel Wi-Fi to bar and coffee shop connections.A VPN can allow you to access geo-restricted content such as Netflix or U.S. Hulu while you are abroad.Why is a VPN so important? And how can it benefit your phone? Let's look at some of the benefits.A VPN keeps your phone hiddenAn IP address is what identifies you when you connect to a Wi-Fi network. This IP address can be used to identify you, including your location and even your address. Potentially malicious entities could gain access to your Wi-Fi network if you are connected openly. A VPN protects you from this.Your signal will be sent through a VPN, which connects to a number of servers located around the world. They then send the request to the website and return the answer to you phone. The VPN acts as a middleman and can make you appear to an IP that you don't have, or in a place you don't. This protects your identity and data. Many of these allow you to choose the location of the server to which you connect, giving you more control over your privacy.VPNs will protect your dataA VPN will also use encryption to transmit those data messages without revealing any content. This means that the keyholder at each end of the transfer will have access to the data. In this instance, it is you at the receiver. Even if someone could somehow intercept the data, they would not be able to decode it.A VPN can make your internet experience safer than surfing the web naked and without one. Your data is available for anyone to see.You can access geo-restricted content on your favorite streaming serviceA VPN allows you to appear anywhere you aren't because it bounces your signal around international servers. You can use a streaming VPN while you are abroad to access your U.S.-only Hulu accounts.VPNs allow you to log in to the U.S. server, making it appear that you are on American soil. You can log into your Hulu account just like you would in the U.S. to access all your favorite shows. Technically, you can view shows from other countries, such as the UK's BBC iPlayer content. However, we don't condone that because it is against the terms of the service.What is the best VPN to use on my phone?ExpressVPN is a great all-around VPN service. ExpressVPN offers many international servers, high connection speeds, encrypted connections, great support, and a fantastic 24/7 live chat service. These VPN apps are available for Android and iPhone. They are very easy to use. This app will run in the background, keeping you safe no matter what Wi Fi connection you have.