Will a VPN Make You Safer Online? - Comments Page 1

Sorry Bob but did not read your article because I know the answer already.

No, it is not safe to use VPN - my server objected most strongly - so much so that it refused to let me communicate with my Bank online. Seems that my laptop's server, alongside my desktop, must have been the same.

My advice - and I have used VPN's for some 2 years now - is to use them on a device that has nothing financially useful on it or personal and private stuff.

I have got away with using two on Androids both of
which have different servers to my pc's and covered by the fact that my very important data is not in the phones.

I have a number of log-ins to sites with paid subscriptions. These sites record my IP. If I log in via a VPN then my recorded IPs wander all over the world and I am accused of sharing my log-in data. Your thoughts ?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Well, you are right! If those sites have https available, there is no need for the VPN.

Bob, you carefully avoided all mention of VPNs and Bit Torrent. I understand your predicament! Let me say this to your readers: VPNs do work, they will keep the fact that you are downloading more movies, TV shows, and comic books than you will ever be able to enjoy in one life-time!
All of the absolutely free VPNs seem to be compromised one way or another. A subscription VPN that might cost $3 a month more than pays for itself almost immediately!
Be connected, but be safe!

I discovered by going to 'What Browser Am I using' website, even using my Avira phantom VPN, my true location could still be determined using webrtc. This gives a false sense of security using a VPN. Adding 'Disable WebRTC' add-on from Mozilla prevents this stealth tracking. VPN providers do not seem to mention the webrtc vulnerability.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks for the tip. The WebRTC flaw can "leak" your actual IP address, even when using a VPN or proxy service. To mitigate this problem, browser addons for Chrome, Firefox and Opera can be installed. (See links above.) There is no fix for Internet Explorer, so I advise you to not use IE when connecting to a VPN.

I've not had a problem with the free Betternet VPN on my Windows 10 laptop or my Android phone.

I have used a VPN, but it was for chatting & playing games. I didn't like it, however thinking about it, a VPN might be good for going on Facebook! LOL :O)

I have found that the most important thing for security is to keep your Anti-Virus and Malware program up to date. Watch where you are going on the Internet as well. It is important to be as cautious as possible. Will you achieve success - Yes, overall but you can still get some viruses or malware.

It is not always your fault that your security wasn't as protective as you thought. DDOS are becoming more and more common these days. Remember that - Especially when you try to access your financial institution(s)! Hacking into secure websites for businesses can be very profitable. This is why we hear about hacked websites more these days. Ransomware is a product of hacking, period.

I am still in disbelieve that hospitals have been hacked and held hostage with Ransomware. When Bob had an article about Ransomware, Bob mentioned one of the hospitals that I knew about in Hollywood, CA. I was floored - Not because it happened, but that anyone would violate a hospital.

An alternative is use of the built-in free VPN in the most recent Opera browser. To use the VPN it must to be enabled in MENU--> SETTINGS--> PRIVACY & SECURITY--> VPN --> ENABLE VPN (check mark).

I am not aware of any reputable VPN provider that saves all data exchanged through their server as suggested above. Most good VPN providers take pride in not even saving any logs whatsoever.

My recommendation is to always have a VPN available to use for your PC and smartphone. You don't need to be connected continuously, but they are nice to have when needed.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I didn't mean to imply that a VPN provider would store your data. My concern was that a VPN server might be compromised, and customer data temporarily stored during a session could be accessed.

I think most modern routers now have a VPN server capability, I have an ASUS router than supports many types of VPN server protocols. When I am using public wifi to do sensitive transactions I connect to my home VPN server first.

Uh...I use a well known anti-virus program that also has a VPN "deal" available--for $$, of course. From what you wrote, it appears that I have paid for nothing useful. Thus, when my subscription to this VPN is up for renewal, the AV folks can keep their service. Their "blurb" sure made it seem as if it was absolutely necessary to protect any transaction I may have with my bank, for instance. Bummer. Thanks for the info.

I live in Tecate, Mexico and use a paid VPN, Nord. I mostly use it to order from Amazon, etc. and, when using my local ISP, I get directed to Mexican sites, example Walmart. I tried to use it to watch the US version of Netflix, but made the mistake of signing up with my original US account info and it gives me the Mexican version, which I find satisfactory. It works well with i heart radio also.

I too have been using the Opera browser VPN with good success. Using a WiFi connection even if it's to a secure receiver, I wonder about the security between computer and the router. Opera also has a VPN server that works with android phone for unsecured WiFi connections in libraries, cafes, etc.

Give it a test!

Here in China VPN is essential for many Westerners. Without it, we can't use Facebook, Twitter, Bloomberg, the New York Times, Reuters, etc. But Netflix cannot be accessed: Netflix' own policies forbid use when coming in via VPN. That started around the beginning of this year. An unnecessary policy that alienates many.

Hi Bob, I followed the UltraVNC link above and got an odd-looking screen with the message: WARNING: www.ultravnc.com NOT owned by us. Please update links to www.uvnc.com What's going on?

EDITOR'S NOTE: UVNC.com is the correct link. The site is warning you that ULTRAVNC.com is not theirs. Another VNC provider has registered that domain, causing confusion.

Many streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and even Amazon Video are now blocking VPN connections. It was once easy to get US content outside of the US; but it seems that it is becoming locked down.

My question: how do sites such as Netflix etc know if you are using a VPN?

My question: how do sites such as Netflix etc know if you are using a VPN?

To connect safe (+/-) on Netflix and similar you must use a dedicated IP address on your VPN.

One obvious fact becomes crystal clear for long time readers of AskBobRankin: Internet used to be called WorldWideWeb; morphing into WorldWideWait; which has become WorldWideWorry.
Some may call them 'paranoid' but even bringing a gun to gun fight; yet forgetting to load it, may have severe consequences.
Thank you, Mr. Rankin for keeping us vigilante about the threats that lurk in our connected world and the arsenal of tools that are available for those who prefer to travel with less worry (but more paranoia)!

Anyone (Bob, you too) know anything about Nordvpn.com?