How I protect my personal data using a VPN on the internet.

Part one of a three part journey on data protection.

On my last trip to Las Vegas for work, I attended many session about IT and IT security, all of these sessions are about the same, Use our tool it protects you from everything, it is in the cloud and we are the best.

But one session was impressive and it has changed how I connect to the internet. This session talked about how the ISP’s are mining my data. After this session I was so concerned to learn about protecting my iPad, Surface and complete Home Video system that I had to get something ASAP.  I looked into a VPN solution to protect my privacy.

I understand sharing some information or a lot with an Amazon Alexa device that provides me with a concierge service is the sacrifice I am giving up for a service. What I was not OK with was sharing every website, that my family was going to for free to a large company like Comcast.

Now when I connect to the internet I do this through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. I use this service at work and at home and my choice was is NordVPN (https://nordvpn.com).

What Is a VPN and How Does It Help Me?

In very simple terms, a VPN connects your PC, smartphone, or tablet to another computer (called a server) somewhere on the internet and allows you to browse the internet using that computer’s internet connection. So, if that server is in a different country, it will appear as if you are coming from that country. It simply keeps where you are at and what your browsing private from those large ISP companies. I have Comcast at both my home and work locations, I do not want Comcast to continue to share my data, sell my data or selectively classify my internet usage.

Here are a few of the internet providers privacy statements read and find out the truth yourself about your privacy and information being shared.

• Comcast - https://my.xfinity.com/privacy
• Spectrum - https://www.spectrum.com/policies/spectrum-customer-privacy-policy.html#collection
• COX - https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/online-privacy-policy.html
• CenturyLink: https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/legal/privacy-policy/privacy-policy-complete.html

What does a VPN provide?

#1. It Provides Online Privacy

VPNs have been around for about 20 years, but they have picked up global popularity with everyday users in recent years. Privacy at your home or work is a growing concern as your connected life will bleed into both work and home. Having privacy at both locations on your personal items is needed.

#2. Safety When You Travel

VPNs are important for people on the go, using public wi-fi and frequent travelers. They allow you to connect to public networks. You and your data are always safe with VPNs when you are traveling. Also, they help you overcome geo-restriction and censorship.

#3. Work Involving Research on Sensitive Issues, or the Private Lives of others

If this is true for you, you absolutely need a strong VPN. While government filtering is obviously an issue, working on sensitive topics can attract unwanted and dangerous interest from government and non-government groups. If you go about your business without any protection, it’s not just your privacy that’s in danger it all your top-level clients and contacts as well.

I know that there are many VPN solutions and I have investigated 5 different providers. When all was said and done the NordVPN was the best provider I found with a simple interface and simple installation process. They have a great reputation and I have noticed just a 10% degradation on internet speed.

My next article will cover the best practices and tools to encrypt and protect my data across the network. The final article will cover in depth security practices to protect sensitive data.

If you have any questions are would like to learn more feel free to contact me at [email protected] or reach out via LinkedIn.

Thanks Nathan Mumm | Twitter @NathanMumm | Email [email protected]