Do You Need A Virtual Private Network?

encryptionA virtual private network, or VPN, is a type of network computer connection that creates a private encrypted communications channel, commonly called a “tunnel,” when using insecure networks, such as in hotels and coffee shops, or when communicating over the Internet.  Many businesses provide a VPN connection for their mobile and traveling employees.  This means that when out of the office, a worker can open the VPN and be connected to the home office network, and enjoy all of the services and security provided by that network.

I have recently begun advocating for “encryption everywhere.”  One of the easiest way to make yourself an unattractive target for cyber-criminals is to use encryption as much as possible.

For people who do not have an employer to provide a VPN, there are independent VPN service providers.  We have provided links below to a pair of reviews on PCWorld and Torrent  Freak if you need more specific information to help you select a reliable VPN service.  There are service providers working out of the US, Nevis, Gibraltar, Sweden, Panama, and Malaysia.  The three that were recommended by both reviews are:

  • NordVPN (Panama)
  • Private Internet Access (US)
  • TorGuard (US)

Most of these services to not log any sessions, and store no customer information on their servers, and many provide some anonymity in their payment system as well.  This provides some level of privacy from governmental or legal orders for information, although the European based VPN services are having to deal with new EU regulations requiring them to keep IP and location information.  Interestingly enough, the US does not require logging at this time, so using a US based service is not less secure than a foreign one.

So this is another arrow to consider for your security, privacy, and anonymity quiver in 2016. Remember, it is not that you have nothing to hide, it is that they have no right to look in the first place.  And you do need to protect yourself from the clutches of cyber-criminal groups.  So adding a VPN to your arsenal is a good idea.

 

More Information:

0

About the Author:

I am a cybersecurity and IT instructor, cybersecurity analyst, pen-tester, trainer, and speaker. I am an owner of the WyzCo Group Inc. In addition to consulting on security products and services, I also conduct security audits, compliance audits, vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. I also teach Cybersecurity Awareness Training classes. I work as an information technology and cybersecurity instructor for several training and certification organizations. I have worked in corporate, military, government, and workforce development training environments I am a frequent speaker at professional conferences such as the Minnesota Bloggers Conference, Secure360 Security Conference in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, the (ISC)2 World Congress 2016, and the ISSA International Conference 2017, and many local community organizations, including Chambers of Commerce, SCORE, and several school districts. I have been blogging on cybersecurity since 2006 at http://wyzguyscybersecurity.com

Add a Comment


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.