should i use a vpn?

[misfitkid86]

hey all, i have been thinking of using a vpn for safer surfing, but have a couple questions. i only want this to secure my home network as well as cell phones, i don't torrent or anything less than legal, just want to make sure that when i access bank accounts and the like i'm safer. that said i watched a linus tech tips on vpn's and he said that you might get more tracking from nsa, which creeps me out, is this true? i don't want to feel like a criminal just for some added security! that said if i should use a vpn, which one is best and easiest to use? also can i still use chrome with it? thanks for the input!

 

[adamwinn]

A personal VPN will help for security when on wireless networks primarily.

Personally you can get much the same just by ensuring you are using HTTPS whenever possible. This plugin is great: https/www.eff.org/HTTPS-EVERYWHERE

And yes, constantly running on a VPN will cause your connection to come under additional scrutiny, but that's only if you're being shady anyway

 

[misfitkid86]

A personal VPN will help for security when on wireless networks primarily.

Personally you can get much the same just by ensuring you are using HTTPS whenever possible. This plugin is great: https/www.eff.org/HTTPS-EVERYWHERE

And yes, constantly running on a VPN will cause your connection to come under additional scrutiny, but that's only if you're being shady anyway

ok, so how would i ensure i'm doing this? and thankfully i and the other person in the house are doing nothing illegal, i just don't like the idea that someone is monitoring us.

 

[adamwinn]

Here's comparison of 5 popular VPNs:
http/lifehacker.com/5935863/five-best-vpn-service-providers

 

[misfitkid86]

Here's comparison of 5 popular VPNs:
http/lifehacker.com/5935863/five-best-vpn-service-providers

ok thank you very much, i'll have a look