Do I need a VPN?

[jrm1776]

If your anti-virus software is giving you that message I would not trust it. Being in IT for 40 years I tend to keep up to date on the latest developments. In the past the built-in Windows Defender did a poor job of protecting your computer. In 2019 Win 10 Windows Defender became one of the top 3 anti-virus programs. Its is built in and free, and does not slow down your computer. But on public networks you need a VPN also.

What browser you use matters also. My personal favorite is Brave that I have used exclusively for 4 years. It is used mostly by IT professionals and younger computer savvy individuals. It is easy to setup and does not require special attention. It is more secure than other browsers and is the fastest (by far) because it blocks all ads. You may think you are blocking ads until you see all the empty holes on web pages where ads would have appeared. You may think it is a gimmick because it pays crypto rewards but take a look at at. It is no joke.

Do I need a VPN?

I’m tired of getting messages from my virus protection that my computer is visible to anyone. Is this a real concern?

What are the pro’s and con’s?

yes. No con's unless you're ISP is slow as dirt. Keep your Windows or iOS up to date with their updates including the latest Operating System. Windows 7 is outdated now and more vulnerabilities. Your router is utilizing NAT (Network address translation) which makes your router and your devices 192.169.1.x so somewhat concealing your IP address, but anybody can get your actual IP address. VPN's give you a different IP address so you are anonymous online. It's not necessary but nice to have. We don't always use our VPN and shop online quite a bit and don't recieve those messages saying our computer is at risk. Windows defender is solid enough now. My office machines had Avast on them and I told the management to ditch that and AVG. They haven't had problems since. You can purchase anti-virus for the Windows 7 machines but Windows 10 is good to go with Defender OR just update the 7 to 10. All in all, we like the VPN because nothing is safe online anymore. People can hack anything. I could hack your phone and turn on your camera if I wanted too.

 

[jrm1776]

yes. No con's unless you're ISP is slow as dirt. Keep your Windows or iOS up to date with their updates including the latest Operating System. Windows 7 is outdated now and more vulnerabilities. Your router is utilizing NAT (Network address translation) which makes your router and your devices 192.169.1.x so somewhat concealing your IP address, but anybody can get your actual IP address. VPN's give you a different IP address so you are anonymous online. It's not necessary but nice to have. We don't always use our VPN and shop online quite a bit and don't recieve those messages saying our computer is at risk. Windows defender is solid enough now. My office machines had Avast on them and I told the management to ditch that and AVG. They haven't had problems since. You can purchase anti-virus for the Windows 7 machines but Windows 10 is good to go with Defender OR just update the 7 to 10. All in all, we like the VPN because nothing is safe online anymore. People can hack anything. I could hack your phone and turn on your camera if I wanted too.

BTW, your virus protection isn't lying. you are visible to anyone. Even if you have McAfee or Norton, your visible to anyone. But if you get a VPN for a year, you vanish. That doesn't mean you can't get hacked but just keep talking with friends and guru's who can assist you

 

[garyb1st]

Two questions.

First, any Mac users here? Other than the wifes Android phone, we're the all Apple types. Don't have any virus protection other than what comes with the computer and a free app called Maleware Bytes.

Second, I use Yahoo for mail. Today I got an email from them offering a month of NordVPN for free as a trial. Anyone using NordVPN and if so, what's your thoughts?

 

[somnusolle19]

Utilizing the full potential of a VPN can bring many benefits. When it comes to online privacy, security, and accessibility, VPN is the best tool. However, it is important to know that nothing is perfect, not even a VPN. Although the technology has evolved over the years, there are still issues that need improvement in VPNs. The disadvantages are different for everyone, but they are usually related to location, connection, and other specific issues. At NordVPN Review you can find all the information you need about this service.

 

[Heli_av8tor]

So if you knew the pop ups were just a marketing ploy...what is your fear?

Just because it's a marketing ploy doesn't mean that the threat couldn't be real.

 

[Fweezal]

Two questions.

First, any Mac users here? Other than the wifes Android phone, we're the all Apple types. Don't have any virus protection other than what comes with the computer and a free app called Maleware Bytes.

Second, I use Yahoo for mail. Today I got an email from them offering a month of NordVPN for free as a trial. Anyone using NordVPN and if so, what's your thoughts?

SurfShark is a MUCH better buy. Easy to set up, VERY effective.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

It's not a question of real vs fake threat. It's a matter of the probability that you could be afficted by it. We get in a car and drive even though we know there is the potential of being struck by a careless or impaired driver, but mostly the risk is low.

Much of the VPN advertising focuses on personal privacy rather than fraud or theft, so perhaps the first question is "do you even care if somebody sees your message content?". Another may be whether you are a sufficiently valuable target for someone to bother to attack/steal?

This article in Forbes magazine may help you evaluate whether your level of risk is worth spending time & money to reduce it.

10 Best VPN Services of 2024

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts your activity on the internet and keeps your identity hidden while browsing. VPNs provide an extra layer of privacy, enable you to access foreign websites and can provide secure connections for transferring sensitive information. There

www.forbes.com