The Club members’ interactive session on Thursday 21st April looked at VPN’s – Virtual Private Networks. We first took a look at what they are: https://vpnoverview.com/vpn-information/what-is-a-vpn/ ..and this diagram:
It was pointed out that this diagram is not strictly accurate, since websites which use the prefix HTTPS (Secure Socket Layer) are already encrypted (e.g. the Club’s website). Browsers also have in built security features to warn users not to enter sensitive information into unsecure websites.
Then we looked at two recent articles, one saying why we need to use a VPN, and the other saying that it’s time to ditch them.
“9 Reasons Why Everyone Should Use A VPN. Yes, Even Non-Techies.”
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/why-use-a-vpn/
“It’s probably time to say goodbye to your VPN”
https://news.yahoo.com/probably-time-goodbye-vpn-154042727.html
The second article highlighted that internet security has improved enormously over recent years and “…. like with antivirus software, the paid VPN industry is a booming global market despite its core mission no longer being necessary for many people.”
Quite a few of the members present used VPNs, some for security reasons, but the majority to enable them to access Geo-blocked and censored websites (torrenting sites, those not compliant with EU privacy regulations) and geo-blocked services such as BBC iPlayer and Netflix (different content for different regions of the world)
Most members used paid for VPNs – and recommended Nord VPN for BBC iPlayer, though “Free VPN by Free VPN .org” https://apps.apple.com/us/app/free-vpn-by-free-vpn-org/id1050171910 is said to work well with Apple devices and even TVs (though you have to put up with the adverts)
We discussed VPNs which may be able to be installed in Smart TVs – You can on some.. depending on the TV manufacturer and age of the TV.
Some browsers have VPNs built in to them – e.g. Opera (The VPN is free, though it doesn’t work with iPlayer) – Made in Norway: https://www.opera.com
and Tor (and anti-establishment browser!) https://www.torproject.org/download/ The VPN browser extension is a subscription service.
An alternative to a VPN is a Smart DNS . A DNS is a domain Name Server, which translates the numbers the Internet is based on into links, or URLs which human beings can understand.
Here’s a definition of a Smart DNS which we should have looked at at the session! :
” What is Smart DNS? Smart DNS service replaces the DNS address provided by your ISP with one for a different server. The location depends on the server infrastructure of the provider. In this way, Smart DNS lets you access geo-blocked content because the website thinks that you are in a different location”
(NOW I understand…! ;-))
Instead we looked at a commercial offering of this technology: https://www.smartdnsproxy.com/
After a lively discussion we came up with a NEW definition of a VPN .
A VPN is a “Freedom enabler and Geo-unblocker”
Chris Betterton-Jones – Knowledge Junkie – April 22nd 2022