What is a VPN, and do you actually need one?
MIXEDMixed: useful for some people, depends on how you use it.
SOFTWAREA VPN sends your internet traffic through another server in an encrypted tunnel. Ads make it sound essential. For many people it is not.
Where a VPN helps
- Public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels
- Work access when your company provides one
- Adding a layer of privacy from your network provider
What it does not do
- It does not make you anonymous to websites you log in to
- It does not stop malware or phishing
- Free VPNs may sell your data, which defeats the purpose
Most banking and shopping sites already use HTTPS encryption. A VPN adds privacy on networks you do not trust, not magic security.
