I feel stupid... but help me understand why I'd want a VPN?

[jrm27]

Hello all,
I feel stupid for asking... but can someone explain to me why I'd want to be using a VPN? I get the basic idea, but I know a lot of folks use them for changing their "locations" to be able to access different media and such. That is not a need I have. However, I am trying to create safe and secure internet usage in my home office, but also for the rest of my family. I'm trying to find a solution that is affordable and doesn't throttle my speeds too much. I've seen Surfshark recommended, but I'm having trouble wrapping my head around why I'd want to use one in specific other than "it's safer somehow".

What are your favorite benefits of a VPN? thanks for any advice you can offer this noob to the world of VPN.

 

[slainbabyyc]

i use a vpn to violate copyright laws

 

[mmkerc]

VPN in layman's terms is just another layer of protection for what you send and receive across the internet. Generally I (only) use VPN when I do any sort of financial transactions. This article gives a decent explanation of VPN, as well as the difference with https.

 

[Puonti]

Another "what is a VPN / what are the benefits?" explainer: https://protonvpn.com/blog/what-is-vpn/

On a more personal level, I'm not aware of any security or privacy threats aimed specifically at me or whatever groups of people I might be interpreted as belonging to, nor do I see clear evidence of broader national threats (domestic or foreign) just because of where I live.

I do, however, want to put money towards qualified services (and products) that champion privacy and security, because I know there are others who depend on these things today, as I might depend on them some day. Operating these services is not free, and developing and deploying good ones takes time, after all.

In a very small way my participation also helps build a stronger case for privacy being treated as the norm - my life does not depend on it, yet I see value in having it. The question shouldn't be "what do you have to hide?" - it should be "why do you need to know?"

 

[slainbabyyc]

Another "what is a VPN / what are the benefits?" explainer: https://protonvpn.com/blog/what-is-vpn/

On a more personal level, I'm not aware of any security or privacy threats aimed specifically at me or whatever groups of people I might be interpreted as belonging to, nor do I see clear evidence of broader national threats (domestic or foreign) just because of where I live.

I do, however, want to put money towards qualified services (and products) that champion privacy and security, because I know there are others who depend on these things today, as I might depend on them some day. Operating these services is not free, and developing and deploying good ones takes time, after all.

In a very small way my participation also helps build a stronger case for privacy being treated as the norm - my life does not depend on it, yet I see value in having it. The question shouldn't be "what do you have to hide?" - it should be "why do you need to know?"

as long as you're giving out money can i have some

 

[Jaap]

VPN in layman's terms is just another layer of protection for what you send and receive across the internet. Generally I (only) use VPN when I do any sort of financial transactions.

Yes if you are on an untrusted WiFi connection, a VPN secures that first hop.
Another use-case is to hide your IP address if you want to download copyrighted material.
If you're not in one of those 2 categories, DON'T USE A VPN as it will increase your latency.

 

[KALLT]

A VPN is a tool to extend a private network over the internet. It can have privacy and/or security benefits in certain situations when used for “general” privacy and security, but it can also have disadvantages, depending on what the VPN provider does with the data it receives (e.g. logging, inspecting unencrypted data) and where the VPN servers themselves are located.

If it is used for general privacy and security, I would only use it situationally, e.g. when connected to an unknown or uncontrolled network (e.g. someone else’s Wi-Fi network) or if I am located in a country where the Internet providers can generally not be trusted or monitoring/censoring/data retention happens and the country where the VPN server is located has (more) safeguards.

Also keep in mind that by far most websites (perhaps even all websites that you are visiting) and apps are using encrypted connections (https or the padlock icon in the address bar). Your data is already securely transmitted then, in which case you might not even need a VPN when connected to an unknown or untrusted Wi-Fi network.

 

[MarineBand5524]

good vpn’s don’t log your activity and keep everything you do you, at home or out and about safe. Encryption added, especially at Starbucks or any public wi-fi is needed. They stop pop up’s, ad’s, anything that will try and compromise you or your systems. Also they are nice to use when watching things in different countries. Even at home you should use one. (This coming from a guy who is in network and systems information & cyber security)