If you don’t know what a VPN is, then this article is for you. In essence, a VPN makes your web traffic (browsing/surfing) more anonymous than it likely is right now. This can protect your privacy considerably. In fact, most cybersecurity professionals recommend that you browse the internet using a VPN. A VPN will not protect you from phishing or malware, but it is another tool in your chest for being tech-smart.

Why do you need all these things anyway? Like VPNs, firewalls, anti-virus software, etc? Well, they make using a computer safe. Protecting you and your family from privacy violations, financial fraud and identity theft.

Just like buying a car… you can buy a car for $10,000 new. But it might not have sat-nav, lane assist, collision warnings, auto-pilot, roadside assistance, etc. These are all features that make driving your car safer. But you have to pay for them currently. Over time, auto safety features have become standard – airbags, anti-lock brakes, seat belts, etc.

And so too, over time will cyber security features. Until then, you need a VPN.

Bram Jansen, a cybersecurity expert at VPNalert.com, wrote a fantastic and very thorough article on VPNs and state-sponsored data snooping. It’s a great read and my recommended article for the week. It certainly raised my eyebrows and I learned a lot.