Do I need a VPN?

Source: Vsoft, 31/12/2018

A VPN (virtual private network) is a service used to access the
internet via an alternative network to that you`re connected to.
It`s used to remotely access website and internet-based services
and is commonly used by businesses to allow employees to access
the corporate network from home or when they`re away from the
office.
VPNs are also used to hide an internet user`s identity, making it
a very useful way for activists and campaigners to keep their
activities private, and helps those who want to access services
not available in their native country.
What information does a VPN hide?
A VPN hides or masks your computer`s IP address, meaning the
website you`re requesting access to cannot identify where you`re
connecting from. Usually, websites, search engines, apps and any
device you`re connecting to can view your IP address, which helps
them know where to send the information you`re requesting back to.
However, your IP address will give away some details - your
internet service provider, for one, and the general geographic
location of your router.
If you`re using an unencrypted connection, hackers could also
break into your communications, or intercept other information
you`re sending via the internet, including financial information,
emails or corporate secrets you could be transmitting to what you
think is a trustworthy source.
How does a VPN protect me?
In order to protect your privacy, VPNs rely on `tunneling`,
forming an encrypted connection between the VPN server and your
device. By encrypting the data in-flight it prevents `man-the-
middle attacks`, in which criminals intercept and modify the data
packets.
The specific types of security protocols and encryption used by
VPN providers can vary. IPsec, SSH and OpenVPN remain among the
most common protocols, while AES 256-bit encryption and SHA2
authentication are offered by many companies. Buffered`s VPN
offering even supports Bruce Schneier`s Blowfish encryption
algorithm, which has yet to be broken by cryptanalysis.
Who should use VPNs?
In an ideal world, everybody should be using VPNs â€` the benefits
for security and privacy far outweigh the cost and inconvenience
in most situations. However, there are some people who should be
using a VPN more than others.
One of the most common uses for VPNs is to circumvent blocks and
restrictions on web content by totalitarian regimes. Many Chinese
internet users, for example, use VPNs to bypass the Great
Firewall, and the technology is also used by citizens of Middle
Eastern countries where social media sites like Twitter and
YouTube are heavily monitored or outright banned.
Privacy advocates are also strongly in favour of VPNs. The
Electronic Frontier Foundation advocates their use in thwarting
government web surveillance programs, and many whistleblowers,
protest groups and other activists have been known to use VPNs for
their own protection.
Another key use-case is in security. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are
notoriously insecure, and can allow hackers to access your data
with very little effort if you don`t take precautions such as
using a VPN. Anyone handling sensitive or valuable corporate data
would also be wise to use a VPN when accessing the internet, as
they can prove useful against a myriad of different attacks.
Should I use a free VPN?
When faced with the monthly fees demanded by most VPN providers,
it may be tempting to look for a free version. However, many
‘free’ VPNs come with substantial strings attached. For example,
some will cover the costs of running their service by selling
usage data to third parties.
Free VPNs are also usually severely lacking in features and
security pedigree when compared to paid offerings, making them
significantly more risky to use. While reputable free VPNs are
available from companies such as TunnelBear and CyberGhost, users
would be far better off simply ponying up some cash.
You needn’t be put off by the prospect of monthly fees, either; if
you only want a VPN for the occasional business trip, then AirVPN
may be a good choice, as it offers standalone three-day
subscriptions for just €1 (£0.84). In short, while free VPN
services exist, users would be wise to steer clear of them for the
most part.
Can I set up my own VPN?
If you really don`t want to spend money on a VPN, don`t worry. If
you`re tech-savvy, there are many ways to set up your own VPN
server, and many of them can be done using tech you`ve already got
at home!
Many routers include built-in VPN capabilities, which will allow
you to set up a home VPN with a minimum of hassle. You can also
use third-party router firmware like OpenWRT to add VPN support to
routers that don`t include it as standard.
Various NAS devices can also act as VPN servers, so if you`ve got
a network storage device gathering dust then this might be a good
use for it. You can even install VPN server software on
traditional computers, although you`ll need to ensure it`s left
turned on whenever you want to access it.
For this reason, we`d recommend using the Raspberry Pi for your
home VPN server - it`s small, lightweight and has a very low power
consumption, so leaving it permanently running won`t send your
electricity bills through the roof.
What`s the best VPN?
Deciding which VPN is right for you will largely depend on your
specific needs. Some VPNs are better at circumventing filters and
geo-blocks, while others are geared towards security and
encryption. Depending on what use-case they`re built for, many may
also offer additional features.
If you`re still having trouble making your mind up, check out our
list of the best VPN providers to help you narrow it down.