VPN on each end: is it secure for teleconferencing like Zoom.

[francois]

VPN:

What is it? Who should use it? Is it free or cheap? Is it easy to install? What is the limit?

Definition:
Virtual private network
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN is a set of technologies which are used to link computers to create a private network.
It provides: confidentiality, sender authentification, and message integrity.

With the increased use of teleconferencing, there is a concern for security for the user of this type of service. Already wide use of browsers, and the fact that many of us keep their internet wired or wifi connection opened all the time, should expose you to more security breaches.

I am no expert on security and have some ordinary user concerns. So please try to keep with simple answers.

Situations to be taken into account are:
1) using a cellphone or a computer.
2) behind a modem at home with standard basic features.
3) accessing internet thru public wifi hotspots.

If in a communication both users have VPN or virtual private network and use Zoom or any other teleconferencing, but also for surfing on the net? Will other platforms like Hangouts (google time), Skype, facetime or the like will make a difference? Is a VPN necessary?
List of video telecommunication services and product brands

Tell us about your use of VPN.

Thanks.

[donald]

Don't trust VPNs
VPNs don't provide security. They are just a better proxy.
The VPN provider can see all your traffic.
Some diligently log your connection times, dates, IP addresses,
and if they keep their own data, they're the weak link.

But my provider doesn't log!
There is no way for you to verify that,
and of course this is what a malicious VPN provider would claim as well.
In short: the only safe assumption is that every VPN provider logs.
(and keep forever just in case someone comes calling)

There is roughly one use case where you might want to use a VPN:
(if) You are on a known-hostile network (eg. a public WiFi access point).

[francois]

Thanks for that short answer Donald. This is what is said with a little more details in this short video on VPN:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMScV1Mkaok

VPN would not be more secure than ISP (internet service providers).

Where the government forces VPN software by law to provide the information, they will do so.

Once more the best thing is not being online.

There is no escape.

[john4gaming]

VPNs record all data for governments.

[john4gaming]

There are signals in the ethernet light.

[john4gaming]

For something they asked me to connect the system through LAN, right?

[john4gaming]

Your activity might still be visible to:
1. Websites you visit
2. Your employer or school
3. Your internet service provider

[patpat22]

IMHO (or not?) take this under consideration...

There is no such thing as security...

There is only... best practices... "eye balls make bugs shallow"... peer review... brand reputation... hardening... prevention... mitigation and the list of contingencies goes on.

Anyone looking for a guarantee in life is on the road to disappointment which ends in death which the only guarantee in life (along with taxes).

You buy a lock NOT to keep out "everybody"... you buy it to keep out "anybody". So when enough locks are purchased do you have security?

Of course not... that is impossible because this does NOT exist. But what you do end up with is reliability which beats... nothing can be done, therefore do nothing.

For me... choosing a VPN is no different from any product (and none are foolproof). It simply boils down to... credibility=reliability. And if I am not qualified to make that call then... I consult an expert to make that call for me.

Here is an example of the importance of brand reputation and it's impact on a product's "bottom line" (which keeps the lights on and the shareholders happy) ...

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/new ... /83080780/

I know it's an old thread but I've missed it somehow. Thanks for this link. I really want to learn about these VPN companies and how reliable are they.