Quick question regarding VPN.

[IhazHedont]

Hi,

 

I've just read the FAQ section but couldn't find the answer I was looking for. Let's say I rent a VPN like VyprVPN, and I want to buy something from a website not well protected, do I understand the following traffic correctly:

 

Me sending encrypted request to the VPN => VPN => VPN sending the unencrypted request (my card info for the payment for instance) => Website => Unencrypted response=> VPN => encrypted response to Me.

 

If this is correct, what's the purpose of the VPN ? I mean, if I just sent my card info, what does prevent anybody to get these numbers as soon as it is between the VPN and the internet ?

 

As far as I understand, the encryption is only between you and the VPN provider, because every websites do not have the keys to "read" the encrypted datas/requests.

 

I'm really bad when it comes to networks, so if I'm wrong, feel free to tell me why =)

[Skiiwee29]

What a VPN will do is prevent people in the middle who are sniffing packets from being able to capture the data. If a website is unsecure, then its unsecure. No matter what protections you take including using a throw away pre-paid card will you be safe. 

 

VPN's are also a way to hide traffic so when people obtain IP addresses, it doesnt show yours and leave you vulnerable to DDoS style attacks etc should one want to proceed with that. 

[IhazHedont]

Alright so if I want to anonymously browse the internet + protect my card info, VPN + Paypal is a good solution ? (As far as Paypal don't get hacked)

[brwainer]

A VPN handles three types of problems:

-local network/ISP is untrustworthy, and you want to make sure noone in the coffee shop or at your ISP can see your data

-you want to join a private network somewhere, usually your home or business, so that you can use resources that otherwise can only be accessed when physically at that place

-you want your computer to be recognized by services as coming from a different location, say a different country.