A VPN encrypts all data between your PC and the host website. It provides protection against cyber criminals viewing what you type, see, and do on the Internet.
For example, if you do Internet banking, your login details, passwords, etc, are encrypted (scrambled). If you download a pirated video, your IP address is anonymised, so they don’t know it is you. And if you view questionable content – ditto. Most importantly, it can stop ‘man in the middle’ snooping at public Wi-Fi sites.
Even if you only access the Internet from home, a VPN is mandatory, along with a good antivirus/malware program. With the uptake of multi-factor authentication for banking, you are well protected as only you can access your bank account by providing an SMS verification code.
For those who may need one, here is a brief guide.
What is a VPN?
It is a secure, encrypted virtual tunnel between your device and a VPN server. This un-encrypts that data and passes you to the website or app you’re trying to connect to.
Benefits
- As a VPN connection encrypts your data, your ISP or a cybercriminal cannot view your activity online.
- You can use a VPN server to get around geo-blocks (access content from other countries).
- If you have a VPN app on your phone or laptop, it is safe to use public Wi-Fi.
- You can use your device as a Wi-Fi hotspot (at Public or Home Wi-Fi), and the VPN will protect all internet traffic.
- Modern VPNs only marginally slow traffic.
Limitations (of some VPN providers)
- Limit the content you can access, e.g., pirate video sites.
- Keep logs that law enforcement can access.
- Reduce the download/upload speeds.
- Have limits on the amount of data you can use.
- Don’t have local servers and have long lag times.
- Some banks and online shops don’t work with VPNs – they should.
Free versus paid VPNs
Never use a free VPN. The majority are spyware, malware, or scamware and are China-based. Repeat—don’t do it.
You must be aware of some issues with VPN packages as part of antivirus/malware packages. Many don’t allow torrents (P2P pirate video), won’t circumvent geo-blocking, impose download limits, keep logs, and have limited servers, so lag times can be long. Some don’t support all major operating systems.
Paid VPNs like Private Internet Access (PIA) are more liberal in the content you can access, have a no-logs policy and have Australian servers that don’t really slow down Internet speeds. PIA currently costs A$109 for a 3-year subscription ($36.33 per year).
How do you install it?
Buy and install PIA. After entering your username and password, it automatically sets up on Windows, Windows ARM Copilot PCs, MacOS, Android, Chrome, Linux, and even some smart TVs (LG, Samsung, Google/Android TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and NVIDIA Shield). You can even run it on DD-WRT-compatible routers and protect the home network.
You can let it run all the time or launch it when needed.
20 comments
Bo
Hi , we got VPN as part of our McAfee package. I noticed that it takes much longer for emails, particularly those with attachments , to get through. Should we change it to another product ?
Ray Shaw
I have not used McAfee for a very long time, so it is hard to accurately comment. If you send a specific email file with the VPN on and it takes X seconds, try with the same file with the VPN off and it takes Y seconds. If there is more than a second or so difference, then the VPN is definitely slowing you down. But that could also reflect where the VPN server is. I would be trying OOKLA Speedtest with VPN on/off before deciding to try another.
Helen
The website I am trying to view is Royal Carribbean & yes if I turn the VPN off I can view it, unsure why Norton would not allow me to view it.
Ray Shaw
Some sites, particularly those using the same site but for multi-currency based on location, block VPNs. Its the same with Foxtel and Stand that only have a licence to stream in Australia.
geoff lingard
I have tried many vpn’s but can not access kayo sports when I’m in Thailand.I currently use AVG paid vpn and still have no success. Can you make a suggestion. Thanks
Ray Shaw
Hi Geoff
I suspect (but don’t know) that Kayo (and all Foxtel content) is blocked. If this is the case, no VPN will work. I have not used AVG VPN, but try connecting to an Australian server.
Dave
I use the Norton VPN. Does it keep logs and records on your activities??
Ray Shaw
As far as I can find, it does not keep logs. There are better standalone VPNs that may have no download linots and allow torrents but Norton is certainly safe.
Helen
I have VPN on my Norton Security but there is one particular cruise site it will not let me open, why?
Ray Shaw
Norton has certain obligations that the major standalone VPNs don’t, including abiding by any site blocking mandated by governments in the countries where it operates. The site could also have had issues flagged in the past. I assume you can open it when the VPN is off.
Milton Herson
If placing a VPN do I delete all my present browsers ( google etc) and then vpn provider will set up new one ?
Does separate vpn needed for mobile phone ?
Ray Shaw
No need to delete anything. You install PIA and activate it with your login and password. You can then activate it at any time. It can also be an add-in for most browsers. It works on Android and iOS and you use the same licence to activate it.
Darron
What private data can VPN providers keep on you and sell to others?
Ray Shaw
Some sell account information and keep logs of where you search, what terms you search for, your location, device type, IP address and much more. You want a VPN provider that allows anonymous purchase, no logs, and global points of presence.
Alexandra MacFarlane
As a long time listener I found yr article helpful but it did not mention about using and or obtaining a VPN for overseas travel but not so much for use in Australia . I will be travelling up the west coast of South Africa,Morocco,Sicily, Malta then Thailand. It will be installed on my iPhone 13. Look fwd to hearing from you. Kind regards, Ms Alex
Ray Shaw
Hi Ms Alex. This is the one to get https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/download/ios-vpn and it has servers where you are going https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/vpn-server. I have used it for over a decade and can attest to its efficiency.
Gillian
Hi Ray. Is that the right one for Android and will it work in Bali?
Ray Shaw
Hi Gillian
Bali is very strict about the internet and content and no VPNs have a Bali point of presence server. Locals use a server about 1000km away in Jakarta, Indonesia, which has no restrictions. Think of this as the distance from Sydney to Brisbane. It should add no more than a 10- 15ms delay, imperceptible. The absolute best is Private Internet Access https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/ and you can use the same license on Android, Windows, Mac, iOS and more devices.
Jenny
This product sounds amazing but is it okay for use on engineered floorboards as we were told to use a ‘just damp’ mop?
Ray Shaw
Your comment came up on the VPN article, so I assume you are referring to the amazing Eufy Clean Mach V1 Ultra – an excellent vacuum/mop and steam cleaner. To be 100% clear, you cannot use stream on engineered or laminated floorboards. The heat can cause the thin timber laminate to lift, especially at the ends of a board. Steam can be used on 100% timber, ceramics, tiles, cement etc.
If you were referring to vacuum/mops like Tineco Floor One S7 Pro – an upgrade to an already good vacuum mop or Tineco Floor One S5 Pro vacuum mop hard floor cleaner, these are safe on engineered and laminate boards on default (minimum) water settings. Excessive use of water, including a hand mop, can also cause the timber layer to swell.