A word about... VPNs

Do you need a VPN subscription to protect you whilst online?

Russell Armstrong

4/9/20242 min read

Have you seen those VPN ads from Surfshark or NordVPN promising ultimate online security? While they make strong, and sometimes misleading, claims (https://www.asa.org.uk/codes-and-rulings/rulings.html?q=vpn), it's important to understand what VPNs do and if you even need one.

In the early internet years, the communication between your browser and websites was in plain text. With the advent of online shopping, banking etc, this was deemed to be “a bad idea” and now everything is encrypted. This encryption scrambles information, making it unreadable if intercepted. You can usually identify secure websites by the padlock symbol in the address bar.

However, even with encryption, someone snooping might still see:

  • The website you're visiting

  • Your approximate location

  • Your journey across the internet (Facebook and others track you)

What is a VPN and How Does it Help?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure tunnel between your device and another computer on the internet. Your data travels exclusively through this tunnel, offering several advantages:

  • Enhanced Privacy: Your browsing activity appears to originate from the VPN's server location, not your device.

  • Location Masking: Your true location becomes invisible, making it seem like you're browsing from the VPN server's country.

  • Hinders Tracking: It becomes much harder to track your movements across websites.

Who Needs a VPN?

VPNs are particularly useful for:

  • High-Risk Activities: If you engage in sensitive online activities, a VPN provides an extra layer of protection.

  • Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Want to watch iPlayer from your Spanish Holiday Villa? A VPN can virtually transport you to another region.

  • Journalists in Restrictive Regimes: VPNs offer crucial anonymity for journalists working under oppressive governments.

  • Corporate Security: Many companies require VPNs for employees to securely access internal networks remotely.

Alternatives for Everyday Users

For most everyday internet users, a VPN subscription might not be necessary. Here are some simpler (and free) solutions:

  • Public Wi-Fi Caution: Be wary of what you do on public Wi-Fi networks(coffee shops, pubs etc), as they might be vulnerable to monitoring. Avoid sensitive tasks like online banking or shopping on these networks.

  • Privacy Badger: This free browser extension blocks trackers that monitor your browsing habits. (https://www.eff.org/pages/privacy-badger)

  • Adguard: This free browser extension efficiently blocks ads and trackers, enhancing your browsing experience. (https://adguard.com/en/adguard-browser-extension/overview.html)

Local IT Support

If you are in the Peterborough, Stamford of Deepings area and need computer advice, support or repair then contact us through our website [www.wizardstechlab.co.uk](https://wizardstechlab.co.uk/contact.). We do I.T.

© Russell Armstrong 2024