How important it’s for an individual to use technologies like VPN/Antivirus?

[Gayle Lynn]

And yet Chrome extensions are one vector for adware to get in. Also playing games with URLs.

 

[Talderon]

And yet Chrome extensions are one vector for adware to get in. Also playing games with URLs.

Google is making a LOT of changes to the extension store. No more paid and no more multiple extensions that do the same thing. They are locking it down a bit and I hope it helps. I use very few as it is, but still scary to install something and not know for sure.

https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/22/21451111/google-paid-chrome-extension-monetize-shut-down-end

 

[N4Newbie]

I use a VPN when at the gym (well, when I *used* to go to the gym...) because the gym's WiFi blocks some sites that I like to visit.

I use the same VPN when I travel internationally (again, back when I was doing that several times per year...) because it allows me to access sites that I would not be able to otherwise. Netflix, Comcast Live Stream, stuff like that.

Having said that, never use free VPNs and always choose your VPN provider carefully. Your VPN provider has direct access to everything you do; this is not the place for a Chinese freebie.

 

[Talderon]

Having said that, never use free VPNs and always choose your VPN provider carefully. Your VPN provider has direct access to everything you do; this is not the place for a Chinese freebie.

Yeah, I agree with you on being careful. I love ProtonVPN as it is opensource and absolutely no logging (Swiss based) and get the privacy protections from there.

Be VERY careful on who you choose too. I NEVER use an Open WiFi network without VPN (well, I try not to ever use open WiFi networks).

 

[fanisk]

I use VPN all times when on public or hotel networks, as well as when I have to use our work access.

 

[Lee_Bo]

About the only time I use a VPN is if I need to access my file server at home. I'm very selective on what wifi network I use and also have unlimited data so I 'm not too worried on that end.

As for anti virus, yes, I believe it's almost a necessity in today's world with all the crap going on. I'm personally using Bitdefender.