The document discusses the need for using a VPN when connecting to unsecured wireless networks. It provides several situations where a VPN is warranted, such as when connecting to hotel or coffee shop wireless networks, and notes that devices can automatically connect to unsecured networks. The document aims to "scare" readers into using a VPN by describing how easy it is to intercept internet traffic without encryption. It recommends either using a self-hosted VPN solution, free VPN services, or low-cost subscription-based VPN services under $8 per month to protect privacy and secure connections.

1. After all, I do not have to be
concerned, do I?
Why are you
on the VPN
bandwagon?
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2. • In a recent post, I discussed the need for VPN.
• I had several people ask me if I was being paranoid or if I really
thought a personal Virtual Private Network was needed.
• Here are situations that, I believe, warrant the need for VPN
– Do you ever connect to an unsecured wireless network on your phone,
laptop, or other mobile device?
• Hotel
• Coffee House
• Stream games or add apps using wireless
– Is your device set to automatically connect to unsecured wireless networks?
– Do you care if your internet provider has access to your internet traffic?
Do you really need VPN?
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3. • Perform a search on “hacking tools”.
– The easy access to this knowledge and these tools should be enough to
scare you.
• One scenario of which I am aware is
– A person creates a free wireless network at a coffee shop that may seem
legitimate but they use it to trap internet traffic.
• Do you really know that “Coffee House Guest WIFI” really belongs to the coffee house?
• People always assume they are safe.
– I compare this to a home burglary.
• Burglars will always look for the easy targets.
• If you are running unencrypted data over an unsecured wireless network, this may make
you the easy target.
Is this just a scare tactic?
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4. • Think of the cans and string phone.
• You know the end you are speaking
into but do you understand what
happens next?
• Imagine if someone taps into the
string and listens in.
• A VPN provides some assurance
that nobody can listen in on your
internet traffic.
What is VPN?
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5. • Here is a, somewhat dated, link that may scare you into getting a
VPN solution or, at least, not connecting to unsecured wireless
networks.
– http://www.pcworld.com/article/2043095/heres-what-an-eavesdropper-
sees-when-you-use-an-unsecured-wi-fi-hotspot.html
• A more recent article
– http://www.lawtechnologytoday.org/2016/01/risks-unsecured-wifi-
hotspots/
Prepare to be scared!
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6. 3/27/2016 6
• Stop connecting to unsecured wireless networks or . . .
• Create your own VPN solution or . . .
– There are free solutions but these cost money for equipment, if not for the
software
• Be lazy like me and pay for a VPN service
– I will provide a couple of links on the last slide that compare and review VPN
services.
• I do not recommend one over the other
– I am cheap and hate to spend money so I am glad to report you can find a lot
of good options for under $8 per month.
• The one I use is under $4 per month if you sign up for a year.
What to do?

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• Think about the people who use unsecured wireless networks at
coffee shops and restaurants to conduct business.
– Do any of them have private information about you on their computers,
such as your mortgage broker or insurance sales person?
– A survey in 2015 states that only 27% of people globally have used a VPN.
• http://fusion.net/story/132931/if-you-use-the-internet-you-need-a-vpn-heres-why/
• You may want to talk to those people with whom you do business
and to whom you provide sensitive information.
Final scary thought

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• I performed a simple search on the internet for personal VPN
reviews. This information may change so I suggest performing your
own search.
– http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403388,00.asp
– http://www.mostsecurevpn.com/best-vpn-for-hulu/
Some Helpful Links