<p>First, hello to any old-timers who might recognize this long-ago user. Haven’t been around much lately. But also haven’t forgotten that CC Parent Cafe is the go-to place for quality info on just about anything.</p>
<p>I’ve been thinking about getting a VPN service such as pureVPN or strongVPN for a while. One reason, we spend a reasonable amount of time outside of the US in a location where certain sites are unavailable (think streaming movies etc). Second, I just heard a piece on NPR talking about the increased likelihood of being a hacking victim when using free wifi. I certainly don’t sit around a Starbucks doing online banking, but I DO use free hotel wifi, airport wifi etc… and sometimes need to go to financial sites when there. The NPR piece recommended VPN as a layer of protection against that type of hacking.</p>
<p>So… thoughts on VPN? Recommended vendor? Issues? I use gmail 2-step verification and an iPhone 5s, and that is a bit of a hassle (because of Apple Mail’s need for app specific passwords), but I guess I’ll just push through that. I suppose I’d put my MacBook Pro and the iPhone on the VPN account. I’m a neophyte about this. All thoughts appreciated.</p>
<p>Hello, JMM, I use a VPN to access European newspapers and channels. I would not use a free service. I pay 4 bucks a month and this site has been great. They bill paypal from Cyprus and are very efficient. </p>
<p>It is very easy to set it up on the iPad. And seamless after that. </p>
<p>Lastly, check a company named Transtelco in the big city to your North. They might have expanded their fiber network to your location and offer you a US IP number for streaming purposes. It is a GREAT company … owned by friends! I have been running all my communications through them for more than 12 years. </p>
<p>Gracias, amigo. I should have gone straight to you!
I’m not thinking of a free service, so good to hear you agree with that. I will check on the two things you mention. </p>
<p>When you say that your friend’s co might offer “a US IP number for streaming purposes”, does that mean it is a more limited option than using a VPN? If it provides a US IP, would I be able to access the sites that might not be streaming sites, but don’t allow access from outside the US, whatever sites they might be? Would using that accomplish this layer of protection against some types of hacking when using free public wifi at various locations?</p>
<p>My ignorance/age is showing. That’s why we need you young 'uns.</p>
<p>The Transtelco solution is different from using a VPN. If they expanded their network, the company might simply rerout your internet via a US IP number as part of their package. It works for most streaming, except for VUDU since it is offered in Mexico. For some reason, Walmart recognizes the location of the connection. But again, I am not certain how deep they have gone in Baja. Your internet connection for all intents and purposes would be US based. That is what my parents have in Mexico. </p>
<p>The VPN is an added product and you would have worldwide choices such as the BBC or Canada. Setting up multiple proxies is very easy. </p>
<p>Your security is still at your computer and router level. It would not be a public system. </p>