Do you recomend a VPN? Windows 10 pc plus Windows 10 mobile

I'm running a laptop with WIN 7. Use NORTON, Malwarebytes and CCleaner. I run all 3 once a month...plus the periodic NORTON updates/protection notices that come up. ((I also have a basic tablet that I almost never use))

Firefox or IE my internet connects via my VERIZON 4G lte (personal) hot spot that i take all over the Country with me.

My take on this VPN thing (as it relates to ME): A VPN is not a product, it is a communication protocol used by companies so employees can dial into company servers. I don't need a VPN because I am not communicating with my own server....I am communicating thru IE/Firefox using the VERIZON 4G as the communication platform.

And...as far as the gov't spying on me...or anyone, no matter what the encryption might be, the NSA most likely has encryption overrides for anything.

I'd appreciate comments.

A few months ago, I took out a year's subscription for a VPN service. When traveling, I will use a campground's wifi network so I like having another layer of security, especially when we are on longer trips and I need to take care of bill paying, checking my bank account, credit card balances, etc. A year's subscription is quite cheap and so far, I'm inclined to continue having one. I use my phone as a mobile hot spot when necessary, but I don't pay for a lot of data usage as I don't normally need it and phone bills are already higher than I would like.

The VPN I am using is privateinternetaccess.com It is extremely easy to use. I would suggest anyone interested in VPNs to do some online research about them and then pay for a month or two of service and see if it is something you want to have as another layer of internet security.

I have written a number of posts on this topic on my blog. I just did a post the other week on this topic: link
My preference is Cyberghost, the cost is reasonable and they are constantly rated one of the best options. They also have free all the way to premium paid options.

The cliff notes version of these posts is basically, if you are using a non free/non browser based VPN that uses strong encryption, the probability of a 3 letter agency having access to your encryption keys before they rotate is exceedingly low. With that said, bugs and flaws in the code may allow for a back door, but that is also low. The real issue, is street hackers and kiddie scripters. There are tools out there that make it very simple to do a "man in the middle" attack of your connection to a free or even secure WIFI connection.

The bottom line is that you cannot protect yourself from every possible issue, but a VPN is a good start, and simply taking a few extra steps like VPN, doing Windows updates, being smart will mean you will not be the low hanging fruit. Most hackers (if not specifically targeting an individual) go for the best economic bang for their buck, which means targeting the easy "low hanging fruit".

I've had good luck with "VPNUnlimited." Works on all of my devices.

Install your own wifi router with password.

Kaspersky Secure Connection works like IPVanish only quicker, easier and cheaper.. jmho.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Install your own wifi router with password.

Except that unless you ALSO set up encryption, your communications back and forth to that router are out in the open for anybody with a radio to monitor.

I use either Comodo Dragon, or Yandex browser, both of which have built in VPN's and feel safe with that. I believe the Opera browser also contains a VPN.

There are some good paid VPN's available, such as Nord VPN and Express VPN. You may wish to check them out, also, in addition to the others mentioned on this thread.

naturist wrote:

Except that unless you ALSO set up encryption, your communications back and forth to that router are out in the open for anybody with a radio to monitor.

True !

But now we are discussing a topic like the use of mechanical locks. "Locks keep honest people honest !" Given enough time ANY LOCK can be defeated.

I kind of doubt that any hacker is going to sit and monitor the air wave hoping to to catch a password into someone bank account at an RV park. There are much bigger fish to go after that would require less time and effort.

Besides is all https data encrypted end to end ?

we use kaspersky vpn that is available with kaspersky security.