This blog post is sponsored by NordVPN. Are you tired of hackers getting ahold of you SSN or equivalent? Do you want to be cool and feel like a hacker? Then you need a VPN! All joking aside, this isn't sponsored by NordVPN, and they probably wouldn't want me to since I don't like them. We have all seen the ads and honestly, most people here are probably familiar with a VPN and already know what I am talking about, but for the other people who are seriously considering one or who aren't familiar with the concept, this is for you!
Put simply, a VPN is like having your computer wired up to a remote location. So instead of having to be plugged in at your office building, you can use a VPN to connect to your network and access any information you could as if you were in the office. Companies have then taken this technology and monotized it, allowing you to connect your devices to their network. When you connect to a site, it looks like the request is coming from their business instead of your home network. In order to ensure privacy, the connection to the VPN provider, whether it be your office or a paid for provider, is encrypted. This is where all the buzz words come from.
There are plenty of valid use cases for a VPN. Here are just a couple:
I would argue, most people don't need a VPN. I say that as I use one. Most internet nowadays is encrypted with SSL anyway, so you are pretty much protected from most cyber attacks. The main thing for me is not letting my ISP know what sites I am visiting. The one piece of information that is not encrypted when you go to a website is which website you are going to. This is needed so you are able to actually go to the website. Your ISP can see this. Also the router you are connected to can see this. If you don't trust either of those pieces, then you might want to try a VPN. Just be sure to choose a VPN provider you do trust, since they will be able to see all the websites that you are going to. If you are really still conserned about hackers, the best thing to do it just host your own VPN in your house and connect to that. It is free and you get all the benefits of the big company VPNs. Obviously, if you are doing some activity that your country considers illegal (you shouldn't be) then you don't want your ISP knowing this. That is really all a VPN can do. I am really passionate about privacy, so I would advocate for VPNs, but I understand most people do not care about privacy, and thus, don't really need a VPN. I will have a blog post coming about privacy and why I care so much about it at a later date.
In summary, it all comes down to trust. Do you trust the people that provide you internet? If not, do you trust one of the VPN companies more? You can always look at alternative solutions, such as the Tor network. VPNs are great for what they are supposed to do, but don't go believing all the hype that the commercials and sponsorships are saying. They are not a one stop solution to all your problems. Practice safe browsing habits, and if you want more privacy, or have practical reasons, then your probably don't need a VPN.
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