Are There Disadvantages to VPNs ?
With a VPN , there is a new step in your internet activity : securing your message , your identity , and your location . This security takes just a bit more time , with some providers being faster than others .
It may also be somewhat complex to install a VPN on a device , but many are quite intuitive to install and use .
Beware of free VPNs . The problem with free services is that many of these will log a user ’ s activities and sell these logs to advertisers and others . If you are considering a free VPN , be sure to read all of the terms and conditions carefully to see how your information would be handled . These VPNs are often very slow and limited in the ability to hide your identity as well as a subscribed service , because they can access fewer IP addresses and run fewer servers , giving them less power .
The cost for a robust VPN is currently around $ 100 yearly , often with an incentive for the first year of a two-year subscription . The service can also be purchased monthly , just for the time you might need it when travelling . Furthermore , it may be wise to either bundle this service with antivirus , anti-spam , and anti-malware services , or to purchase these other services separately for supplemental security . When checking the internet for reviews of providers , be sure to consider if the reviewers may have a stake in a particular service .
What Features Should I Look For ?
● Make sure the provider has a no-log policy . There should be no record kept of activities that can be connected to your identity .
● The VPN should include a kill switch . This would automatically cut your connection if your VPN is suddenly disabled .
● If you are planning to travel to an exotic location , check that the VPN you choose has a server there .
● Check the home location of the security provider ; avoid countries with reputations for hacking and other security breaches .
● Although the VPN will slow things down a bit , look for one that does not do so dramatically .
● If you are planning to install the VPN yourself , find one that is user-friendly . Otherwise , ask for advice from the place where you bought your device .
● If there are several devices in use in your household , find a service that offers special rates for the number of devices you want to cover .
● Consider including additional security services .
Just as you ensure that you have had all your vaccinations for safe travelling , you need to protect your devices from viruses , malware , and bad actors .
Inge Coates is enjoying her second term with ARTA ’ s Communications Committee . She is looking forward to putting her new VPN and security service through its paces in some exotic location . news & views SUMMER 2022 | 29