No, I’m not talking about the monthly or annual fee, which is generally fairly low. I’m wondering: Are VPNs worth the time and effort to manage it?

There are so many misconceptions about VPNs. Is it worth getting a VPN? Well, if you’re an average person, read on for the answer. Here’s what you’ll learn:

* What is a VPN?

* Does a VPN keep you safer?

* Does a VPN keep my computer safe from viruses?

* Won’t using a VPN use more data?

* What should you do?

We’ve all been hearing about Virtual Private Networks lately. Many security experts say you MUST have a VPN. Others say it is not worth the bother; that VPNs are useless. But first, let’s answer some questions.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, will encrypt all data which is transmitted and received by your computer, across your network, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and across the entire Internet to the VPN endpoint server. At that point your data is fully open. You should know that financial institutions already do a full end-to-end encryption, so you don’t need a VPN for financial transactions.

In addition, you can choose which VPN server you connect through. So, not only will your internet activity be encrypted, but you can also appear to be in a different location. This could be helpful if you want to watch the BBC from London.

Does a VPN keep you safer?

By itself, a VPN does not keep you safer. A VPN will encrypt your data so that no-one can read it. For most people, simply practicing good digital hygiene will keep you, and your data, safe.

Does a VPN keep my computer safe from viruses?

A VPN is not an anti-virus. You still need to be careful with the links you click on and the files that you download. You should always have a good anti-virus installed.

Won’t using a VPN use more data?

Yes. The act of encrypting your data has the side effect of slowing down your network performance. Encrypted data tends to be about 20% bigger than data sent without encryption.

What should you do?

If managing your internet connection makes your head spin, you should not get a VPN.

If you feel the need to make sure your data is not read by a third party, including your ISP, then you should get a VPN. If you frequently use public Wi- Fi, you should probably get a VPN. We recommend NordVPN.

If you do get a VPN, install it on all your devices. One of the reasons that we like NordVPN is because you can protect six devices with one subscription. Here’s another article if you’d like to learn more about VPNs. www.GeekForHireInc.com/ VPN

For the average person, having and using a VPN makes little sense. Your bank already encrypts your data, and you have a good anti-virus installed. You are good to go without a VPN.

Information about Geek For Hire

Chris Eddy of Geek For Hire, Inc. has provided computer service to families and small businesses with Mac’s and PCs for the past nineteen years. Angie’s List and the BBB rate Geek For Hire very highly. Gail Eddy writes most of these articles. She’s the manager of Geek For Hire and is who you’ll likely talk to when you call for an appointment.

Our Covid Policy can be found here: https://geekforhireinc.com/covid19- policy. Geek For Hire, Inc. provides onsite service (Tier 3 support) to the Denver / Boulder / Front Range area and remote service throughout North America.

You can find more on our website or give us a call at 303-618-0154.