I'm increasingly wondering whether urging average users to use a VPN when on public WiFi doesn't do more harm than good. Almost all important network traffic is encrypted anyway, and if you don't trust your fellow Starbucks customers, why trust some unknown VPN provider?
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Replying to @martijn_grooten
Why trust Google with your gmail? Why trust your doctor with your medical records? Why trust the IRS with your tax return? We live in a world of constant tradeoffs - I think the risk of a rogue player on the WiFi is greater than a reputable VPN company.
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Replying to @KimZetter @martijn_grooten
Not sure I follow, you have to trust your doctor with your medical records, you don't have to use a VPN. It's more like hiring some shady dude to drop your mail off at the post office two towns over, because you don't trust your local one. I (for once) agree with Martijn
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I think we can all agree that using some type of VPN, even if shady, is better than not using one.
#RiskAcceptance is sometimes necessary in both Kim's & Tavis' example. There is inherent risk of attack/interception in anything, but esp. w/ WiFi.1 reply 0 retweets 0 likes -
No, we do not agree on that.
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The only VPN you can trust is one you operate yourself.
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Replying to @chetwisniewski @KimZetter and
Again, so we're making the assertion that all VPNs are shady & therefore should not be used under any circumstances? I think that is a dangerous proposition to put forth. I don't agree.
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Replying to @z3roTrust @KimZetter and
Yes. If you don't trust your WiFi or internet provider, what makes you think the VPN provider is safer? Certainly they have a target on their back, even if honest. At that point you may as well surf over Tor and embrace your lack of trust.
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Replying to @chetwisniewski @KimZetter and
Tor browser would be better, but its much slower over mobile WiFi hot spots. Believe me, I am huge advocate of digital privacy, so I get it. What I don't agree with is telling users that VPNs are shady. Some VPNs undergo audits & make results public.
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holy moly
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