VPN or Not to VPN

I’ve been familiar with VPN’s for maybe 20 years.  My business at one point was to set up networks for companies.   I make an effort to not use my WIFI devices on public WIFI but traveling makes that an issue.   So then I tried not doing anything of importance on my devices when traveling.   However the more I read the more I became paranoid.   I decided, for my own personal data protection, I wanted to start using a VPN.   Virtual Private Network or VPN allows connection to the Internet through an anonymous server.   The IP address that shows is not your home IP address and it makes it very difficult for someone snooping to get back to your devices.  

Theoretically if you are in a WIFI hot spot in LA and log onto the Internet through an unprotected WIFI server you are leaving yourself open for a variety of problems.   There may not be anyone on that network that is trying to steal your data but you don’t really know.   Perhaps more problematic is your stay at a Motel 5.5 with free WIFI.   You open up your device and see FREEmotel5.5 and log on.   Meanwhile Motel 5.5’s free WIFI is really Motel 5.5 WIFI.   So you are hanging your data out in the wind.  

The concept of the VPN is you have a tunnel from your device through whatever method you using to access the web to your VPN providers server.   When you pop out of that tunnel you may be hundreds or even thousands of miles away and you are anonymous.  Thus hacking you for your data becomes far more difficult.  Sadly I am convinced that if someone sufficiently talented is determined to get to your data, they will.   The key, in my mind, is the harder you make your personal fortress to breach, the more likely some data pervert will pass over you and go to an easier target. 

Next:May 5th Which VPN was right for me.