I often get asked if you should use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. Honestly, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. But to begin, you should understand what a VPN does and – more importantly – what it doesn’t do. A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server. This means that your web browsing activity is hidden from your Internet Service Provider, and your location (IP address) is hidden from the web sites you visit. A VPN does not protect against viruses and is not a security silver bullet. It can also sometimes cause issues with logging in to certain sites because the site can’t properly identify your device. So what do I recommend? Use a VPN anytime you must use a public Wi-Fi network, but it's not critical to use one at home or work. Let me know if you’d like to have a deeper discussion about VPN use for your home or business.
