Why don't "VPNs don't protect you like they think you do."?
Quoting from an older thread [KT] "Using a VPN to access the Internet is counterproductive. It does NOT provide you with any additional security. It routes all of your Internet traffic through a single point, the VPN provider, who then has access to all of your data traffic.
VPNs are intended to provide a secure connection from your computer or device to a private network, such as your employer or school.
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Yes, there is your own private VPN (home or work) and then there would be the more public shared VPN services. There is an element of trust required in your VPN provider. Using a 3rd party VPN provider routes traffic through shared VPN ports. All your traffic is routed through a single point w/everyone else using that location/port/protocol. Is it bulletproof, no. Is it better than your broadband and/or cell data providers having it (to me, absolutely.) VPNs also let you switch that around so you can pick different locations and ports - no something yo can do w/your personal data provider.
VPNS also minimize countless number of hidden trackers that track not just your IP but also through your apps (browsers and such.) They offer ad blockers. Virus protection. Lot of extra value beyond simply masking an IP. I don't think companies should be allowed to track, manage, sell/share your behavior outside their own domain - but they are allowed and the do.
Yes, many services actively pursue blocking VPNs (in particular by subscribing to IP blacklists) to minimize VPN usage. While true bad actors often use VPNs, bad actors also use cars yet banks still support parking - because vehicles are good for everyone, not just bad actors. Same for VPN - VPNs are good for everyone.
So yes, VPNs require futzing w/settings for certain services, knowing which locations work for certain banks and such...and while a pain well worth the extra bit of effort.
One point to share - when using VPN on an iPhone keep in mind that the VPN protects ONE data source, not multiple...so lets say you are on your home wifi AND have your cellular data on - VPN will protect one (which I think is the wifi) and your cellular IP would be fully exposed. That is a tricky undocumented feature.
Here on the Apple Forums, VPN is a four-letter word. I would like to learn more around how VPNs do not protect us like we think they do....w/o the presumption that everyone using a VPN thinks a VPN is an easy bullet proof solution for privacy. It is a tool, not a single solution. It is a valid useful tool.
MacBook Pro (M4)
