VPN What is it and do I need one?

What is a VPN?

  A VPN or Virtual Private Network may sound like a big advanced piece of IT equipment with tall racks, blinky lights, and wires running everywhere, but that is far from the reality. A VPN is software designed to mask your computer’s IP address. It does this by routing your encrypted data through various secure networks in other states or even other countries. In a nutshell a VPN hides your online identity allowing you anonymous browser activity.

Ok, so what is an IP address?

  An IP address or Internet Protocol address is a string of numbers identifying your specific computer. Consider it your computer’s fingerprint assigned by the internet service provider you are using at the moment. Each one is unique and can pinpoint right down to your location. It is how the internet knows who it is talking to and where to deliver the funny cat videos you just requested through YouTube.

How do VPNs work?

  A VPN when activated first connects you to a distant encrypted VPN server. This provides you with a new IP address that looks like you are in another state or county. The VPN then encrypts all your data going in and going out through an Encrypted VPN Tunnel. The encryption is removed when it gets to either your computer or its final destination.

What is it like to use a VPN?

  Nothing really. You may see a slight slow down in your internet browsing but I know when I run mine I can’t even tell its on. A high-quality VPN is really quite unnoticeable.

How secure is a VPN?

  Can they be hacked? Yes, everything eventually can be hacked or compromised. A good VPN makes you an extremely hard target though. Hackers are looking for easy targets and a VPN takes you out of that category.

What do I need a VPN for?

  Anonymity is the main reason people use a VPN. It keeps what you do on the internet private and makes you an undesirable hacker target. We all know everything you do on the internet can be tracked as a piece of who you are. Enough pieces and algorithms can flag your activity for further human investigation. You and I, as well as 99.9% of America have nothing to hide but I still prefer my privacy.  

Are they illegal?

  Unless you live in Russia, China, Iraq, UAE, or North Korea VPNs are perfectly legal. Even our own government uses VPNs for remote workers and access to networks for traveling individuals.

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Paid vs Free?

  In 2021 three free Android VPNs were hacked. SuperVPN, Gecko VPN, and Chat VPN. The hackers accessed all the sensitive user data the VPN was trying to protect. How did it happen? The hackers found those three companies never changed their default database passwords making them an easy target. It also goes to prove these companies keep data logs on their users which is exactly what we are trying to prevent. I guess you get what you pay for.

What does a paid VPN cost?

  Most paid VPNs come with a free 30 day trial. After that you can expect to pay between $2 and $12 a month depending on how long a contract you agree to. Worth every penny in my opinion.

  I have used a couple of different VPNs and have settled with one clear winner. PIA Private Internet Access is my choice hands down. PIA has been in the business for over 10 years and has over 15 million users. PIA is unobtrusive and easy to use. They don’t keep any data logs on you like the free VPN mentioned above. If you want to give them a try, they do offer a 30 day free trial. Private Internet Access (PIA)

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Final Thoughts...

  Cyber security awareness and using a VPN is a layer of protection. Is it 100% going to keep you safe, no. If you click on the email link from the South African prince wanting to share his new found fortune…well that stupidity falls squarely on you and a VPN wont save you. Stay safe and research for the reset.

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