Encrypt sensitive banking information with this VPN.
Encrypt sensitive banking information with this VPN. Anna Shvets/Pexels

While digital banking will never be completely safe, banks are continually doing everything they can to stay a step or two ahead of hackers and scam artists. You can be active in avoiding fraud on your end too by installing a VPN application on your phone, laptop, tablet or whatever you use to connect with your banking institution.

VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network," and the way it works is fairly simple. Once you install VPN software, the data your device sends out will be encrypted. It will then reach a server at the VPN company, where it will be re-routed to its destination but without your IP address or other sensitive information like your banking details. In addition to making your bank transactions less vulnerable, the best VPN options--or even just the decent ones--will also keep your browsing history private. They'll even make public wi-fi use more secure and protect your online shopping wherever you do it from. And right now, you can get a lifetime VPN subscription to VPN Unlimited for just $39.

KeepSolid's VPN Unlimited is a solid pick for many reasons, including ease of use and access to over 400 VPN servers in 80 locations around the globe. That's 80 chances to pretend your computer is a local in a different state or country, which might result in better airfare prices as well as different movie and TV streaming options. Not all streamers allow VPN access by the way, but plenty do.

On a more serious note, a VPN can even help people skirt censorship within their country. But chances are you'll mostly use yours to protect your mobile banking and e-commerce transactions. And please, please, please avoid public wi-fi if you don't have a VPN up and running.

The best VPN is a question of some debate, but VPN Unlimited comes with some impressive credentials: it was voted Top VPN by PC Mag as well as Best Laptop VPN by Laptop Review. It also currently has a 4.5 star rating in our shop.

The one thing you don't want to do though is using a free VPN offering. They tend to be slower and more vulnerable to hackers--and many even store and monetize your private data.

While it's not quite free, the access offered here is pretty enticing. For just $39, your lifetime VPN subscription covers up to 5 devices. You can even swap out these devices over time (up to one a week) for true lifetime VPN coverage. We're not sure how long this will last, so definitely head over and check out the KeepSolid VPN Unlimited deal if you're looking for better security on your phone and other devices.

Price subject to change.