Do we all need a VPN or proxy?

[conceptualclarity]

Thanks to management for adding the poll. Thanks to everyone for their comments.

Some countries (some more recently than others) have decided to take it upon themselves to "archive" metadata; not just archive it, but keep it available for 2-5 years. These same countries have extended this collection even further, to envelop data collected via landline, mobile phone and email. This kicks up a storm in itself. On one side, the "I have my right to privacy and anonymity" group, and on the other "I am doing nothing wrong/I have nothing to hide" group...

I use a VPN. I have been using a VPN for over 3 years, well... ever since the Snowden stuff reared its ugly head.

I find this cogent.

I wonder if anybody uses a VPN or proxy to protect against criminal hackers?

Are proxies lighterweight, less burdensome, than VPNs?

 

[Cats-4_Owners-2]

Thanks for your answers, gentlemen.



Do you use NoScript and uMatrix simultaneously?

Probably so. The issue here is maximizing one's protection against hackers. it's my understanding that those on Wi-Fi are really foolhardy to be without VPN. For the rest of us, can we maximize our protection against hacking without VPN or proxy?

Huracan rightly pointed out that public hot spots are perilous ..particularly for those whom might forget, these are in fact accessed publicly.
Although our home router is secured & password protected, it is often advised to reset the factory set password with ones own secure password, phrase, or pass code (I know, I should do this myself...).

@conceptualclarity, I use NoScript with gecko browsers, Firefox, Palemoon, & SeaMonkey. My wife cannot stand it, lol!
uBlock Matrix is used on our Chromium sourced browsers, so just one (or the other) is used along with it's respective browser at any given time.

 

[rigor]

I can't say it's a must but I prefer using a VPN. I bought a 1 year subscription for PIA almost a year ago but changed to AirVPN today. If you care about your privacy using a VPN provider located in the US isn't recommended, or a free one.

 

[Atlas147]

I think it has come to a point where there are many free options out there and any user if needed would be able to get their hands on a VPN that best suits them, be it free or paid.
Just recently my friend had to use a free VPN to get around the censorship in China, Betternet. Has anyone heard of it before? It seems to have 0 logging policy and it's completely free while relying on third party app installs to keep the servers afloat. Doesn't seem to be viable but they've been doing it n problem for awhile now, I'd like to hear some thoughts

 

[rigor]

Doesn't seem to be viable but they've been doing it n problem for awhile now, I'd like to hear some thoughts

According to the chart on their website sometimes they are making profit and sometimes they are losing money. I wouldn't trust it for privacy just because it is free. From what I could see they don't go in-depth on what they mean by "no logging". Some VPN providers state no logging but then they still save info on you. I wouldn't trust Betternet not to give my info to the US after saying something like "I am going to release chemical weapons on the 4th of July in Times Square".

I am not in possesion of chemical weapons... just an example.

 

[Atlas147]

According to the chart on their website sometimes they are making profit and sometimes they are losing money. I wouldn't trust it for privacy just because it is free. From what I could see they don't go in-depth on what they mean by "no logging". Some VPN providers state no logging but then they still save info on you. I wouldn't trust Betternet not to give my info to the US after saying something like "I am going to release chemical weapons on the 4th of July in Times Square".

I am not in possesion of chemical weapons... just an example.

According to them they also respond to DMCA takedowns although I'm not even sure how that is possible because that's mostly for hosting. The whole thing just seems kinda fishy.

 

[Cch123]

The problem with VPNs is that you must trust it enough. A very important thing to note is that VPNs may even capture your passwords etc.

@omidomi I don't think conventional VPNs would work very well for you since your government is able to simply block or restrict access to VPN providers. Although I do not like many things about HolaVPN, especially with its privacy issues, it would seem to be the best option for you since it is a peer to peer based VPN.

 

[_CyberGhosT_]

Firefox + NoScript + Adguard = No to VPN
I dont utilize a vpn, I did for online banking way back.
As you can see some need to employ a vpn for various reasons, but if it is not "necessary" I would not use one
if you don't have to. There are plenty of security options out there that negate the need for vpn now.

 

[omidomi]

The problem with VPNs is that you must trust it enough. A very important thing to note is that VPNs may even capture your passwords etc.

@omidomi I don't think conventional VPNs would work very well for you since your government is able to simply block or restrict access to VPN providers. Although I do not like many things about HolaVPN, especially with its privacy issues, it would seem to be the best option for you since it is a peer to peer based VPN.

Hola not work here
just tor with very low speed....

 

[Cohen]

Not all people need VPNs, but people who would like to be extra careful about their privacy online should have one.
They're also very helpful with getting around region blocking.

 

[Myriad]

I've just been told about this site by someone who knows my interests

That One Privacy Site – by That One Privacy Guy

He compares 163 different VPN services in very great detail ..... best I've seen so far !

 

[ForgottenSeer 55474]

I would say, Yes. I got Ekspressvpn and Vyprvpn, but it depends what browser habits you have ,where you live etc.

 

[FrFc1908]

I do use VPN because I cherish my privacy.....currently windscribe VPN plus their plugin for chrome and firefox

 

[ForgottenSeer 55474]

I rarely use mine but to do without them:NO

 

[omidomi]

Aww Poor Baby

aqa khafan chetore
poor you too

 

[anubizz]

I use a VPN most of the time, not only for privacy reasons (screw you Geoblocking). My providers of choice are nVPN and AirVPN.

 

[Soulbound]

For those who think VPN = privacy, it aint necessarily true.

I use VPN sometimes not to bypass content etc but because its faster to achieve a stable connection etc.

Did not vote because I believe is not required but user can benefit if used correctly, depending on whats the reason behind it