Colin, do I need a VPN?

Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean they are not after you...

Updated: Dec 9, 2020

Just recently, more than a few people have been asking me about VPNs...

I have gathered some information here in one review post to help you understand what a VPN is, and if you need one

(Spoiler Alert: Everyone needs one!)

Some of you are looking for the freedom to stream content, without restriction. Some are looking for better security and online privacy. Others are fed up with big tech tracking their activities via cookies, device IDs, IP mapping and geolocation and app permissions, etc.

An effective VPN can help you with all of this and more.

As a professional photographer I am constantly online, using services around the globe. I need to know that my communications and transactions are both private and secure. If I'm not on my PC I am sending files and documents via my smart phone. My clients are here in the UK, in the USA, and in the Caribbean so I am often travelling with my laptop and smart phone...

When I chat the friends and colleagues it seems as though more and more of you are concerned about your online privacy, for one reason or another, and I am with you on that!

I always write my conclusion first.

Many of you have told me that you don't have time to read detailed reviews and articles. So cutting to the chase... I'm going to recommend PureVPN and below I'll tell you why.

Further Information:

What is a VPN? Wikipedia defines it as: "A virtual private network (VPN) extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.

Applications running across a VPN may therefore benefit from the functionality, security, and management of the private network. Encryption is a common, although not an inherent, part of a VPN connection."

But what does it do?

Using the web, or transacting on an unsecured Wi-Fi network means you could be exposing your private information and allowing others to see your browsing habits. Using a virtual private network, otherwise known as a VPN, should be a must for anyone concerned about their online security and privacy.

When you are on the go, checking emails, doing some online banking you could be exposed. Unless you are logged into a private Wi-Fi network that has a password, any data transmitted during your online session could be vulnerable to eavesdropping by others using the same network.

Why do you need a VPN service?

The encryption and anonymity that a VPN provides, helps protect you against attack: sending emails, shopping online, or paying bills. VPNs also help keep your web browsing anonymous. That should be enough! However, when you are at Home you need a VPN that works across all of your devices.

The reason I am recommending PureVPN is because I use their service every day.

I have compiled a list of some of the most popular VPN services, to save you time if you want to check them out:

1. PureVPN
2. Norton Secure VPN
3. PVanish
4. CyberGhost
5. Hotspot Shield
6. VyprVPN
7. Private Internet Access
8. StrongVPN
9. Surfshark
10. NordVPN
11. ExpressVPN
12. TorGuard
13. Encrypt.me
14. Safer VPN
15. HMA
16. Tunnel Bear

In the end, my advice is to check out the tech support before you commit to any of them .

Further Information:

How do I choose a VPN supplier? There are lots of VPN services to choose from, and as with lots of things, it's only after you experience the service that you know if it's any good. Let's be honest, most, if not all, of the companies below have both good and bad reviews. You could spend hours online and all you would learn is that some people prefer company X to company Y.

If you having challenges setting up, you want some help right? You may wish to set up your VPN on multiple platforms, and you want to know that there's someone there to assist you.

I can personally recommend the tech support at PureVPN. After a couple of false starts with other VPN companies I settled on PureVPN. They have a 24/7/365 tech support via Live Chat. They also have excellent email support via a contact page or direct.

Why PureVPN?

 Their service works on all of your devices. When choosing a VPN you should consider where you want to install it. You may want to install it on your router so that it affects all of the devices that connect to it. You may want to install it on an individual computer (Windows or Mac), You may want to install it on your mobile device, because you use it to make transactions, when away from home. You may be using a Smart TV or TV Device that uses Internet TV and you want to stream services from around the world. You may just want it installed as a browser extension. Most of you will want a combination of the above options. PureVPN has all of these install options.

You can see lots more information about the flexibility here
According to their website:

In addition to all of this they have a business offer if you work in a team. Their clients include Sony, SpaceX, Apple and Samsung

What are you waiting for? Why not give them a try?