Even if you aren’t a computer nerd, you’ve no doubt seen in the news that Congress recently gave the A-okay for Internet Service Providers, or ISPs as they’re called, to collect and sell your online data. According to The Washington Post, Congress effectively blocked “rules [that] would have banned Internet providers from collecting, storing, sharing and selling certain types of personal information … without your consent.” Bottom line: You need a VPN.
Virtual Private Network
A VPN is a virtual private network that encrypts your activity so your ISP cannot identify you or what you do while on the Internet. Your ISP will be able to see that you’re accessing the Web through a VPN, but it won’t be able to collect your data. Considering Congress and the president-elect continue to take action to dissolve protective privacy measures established by the previous administration, no one should drive on the Information Superhighway without using a VPN. The term, “Big Brother is watching” has never rung more true than it does now.
What You Can Do
You are not without options, however. VPNsrus.Com is a website run by self-professed “nerds, tech geeks and internet security types,” and these people have put a lot of time and effort into ensuring everyone is protected from prying government and hacker eyes. They have reviewed over 50 of the top VPN providers in the world, and they offer comprehensive feedback on each based on their own extensive testing. Through their feedback, you can choose the VPN that works best for you and your operating system.
Those Particularly Vulnerable
If you spend a lot of time using the Wi-Fi at your local Starbucks, you definitely want to use a VPN. If you spend a lot of time traveling for your business, you’ll want to use a VPN. Anywhere you jump onto a public Wi-Fi, such as an airport or hotel, you open the floodgates for the government and cyber thieves ready to steal your identity. Public networks are particularly vulnerable, as they are not locked down as private networks are and there are hundreds of users accessing them the exact same time you are. A VPN secures your machine when it’s on a public network.
Don’t be fooled, however, your machine still needs to be secured when using your private network, as well. As VPN ‘R Us explains, your computer’s IP address identifies you online and everything you do. Your IPS will still collect your data and sell it to the highest bidder. Thankfully, the VPN reviews on VPN ‘R Us help you choose the right one to protect your privacy.
