VPNs aren’t just for VIPs
One of the easiest ways to protect your privacy is with a good VPN.
What am I suggesting and why?
Start using a VPN — I’m recommending ProtonVPN.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are a great way to keep your data private. Whether you use Xfinity, Verizon, Google Fiber, or any other internet service provider (ISP), they can not only see what you’re doing, but they can also sell what you’re doing. A VPN hides what you do on the web even from not only their prying eyes, but anyone else who has access to the network you’re using.
Public WiFi networks (like at cafes, grocery stores, or airports) are the most dangerous since anyone on the network can actually access your computer, along with the owner of the network. You should honestly never connect to any public WiFi network without an active VPN.
Duration: 30 Minutes
Ease: Easy
Cost: Varies, but Free is an option
You in? Let’s go:
- Sign up for ProtonVPN. You can choose their free plan if you want to test it out, or sign up for a paid plan. They also have bundle plans if you decide to use them for email, calendar, etc.
- In your Account, find Downloads > ProtonVPN Clients.
- You can download it for every platform — Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, etc.
- Select your platform to download.
- Once downloaded and installed, open it and click Quick Connect to start protecting your privacy.
To make sure ProtonVPN runs all the time:
- Open ProtonVPN.
- Go to Preferences.
- Under General, turn on Start on Boot.
- Under Connection > Auto Connect, choose either Fastest or Random. Whichever you prefer, so long as it’s not disabled.
Want to take it one step further?
Use ProtonVPN on all of your devices. You can download ProtonVPN for iPhone and Android.
If you are particularly tech-savvy, you can also install a VPN directly onto your home router and protect all of your connected devices at once, but this is a bit trickier to set up, and I wasn’t able to do it on my router. ProtonVPN does have instructions to do it, though, if you’re interested in taking a look!
Why ProtonVPN?
Proton VPN is a Swiss company (not subject to US data requests), they don’t log any of your internet activity, and you can bundle it with other great private services like encrypted email, calendar, and digital storage (think Google Drive or Dropbox) for a reasonable price if you want.
ProtonVPN also has a feature called NetShield that blocks ads and other trackers (remember all that stuff about cookies? those trackers) by default whenever the VPN is active. Their Android and iPhone apps also have NetShield (at least for now, Android users), so you can block all those trackers on your phone too.
Are there alternatives?
Tons, but make sure you pick a reputable company. Remember, you’re sending all your data through their servers, so you want to ensure the company you get a VPN from is trustworthy. Look for privacy, encryption, and a no-logs policy. Many free VPNs sell all your data to third parties or worse — defeating the purpose — so really read the fine print. If it’s ad-supported, you don’t want it.
Personally, I’ve used NordVPN (based in Panama) before and would highly recommend it, and I traveled the world with PureVPN (based in British Virgin Islands), both are really easy to use, get set up, and have no-log policies.
Want to learn more?
- “9 Reasons Why Everyone Should Use A VPN. Yes, Even Non-Techies.” Forbes
- “The Best VPN Service in 2022” Tom’s Guide (Lots of great options listed here)
- “Why use a VPN: The advantages and benefits you should know about” AndroidAuthority
- “When to Use a VPN — and When It Won’t Protect Your Data” The Wall Street Journal
- “Internet service providers drop challenge of privacy law” The Associated Press (Way to go, Maine!! Now if we could just get it back on the federal books, we’d be in business…)
