VPN Providers in Jamaica

[Weathermon & Mi Lady]

Does anyone use a VPN while in Jamaica? Any issues with connectivity or internet speed? Would I have to purchase it in Jamaica or can I buy it in the US before we reach? Appreciate.

[CosmicMoose]

A VPN typically goes thru/over whatever internet connection you are using, thus providing an extra layer of security. That being said, I would recommend you find a reputable VPN provider ahead of time and then use it over whatever connection you have in Jamaica (typically WiFi). Symantec has a nice mobile vpn solution if you intend to use a cellphone to access bank accounts or something of that sort.

~Moose

[Rob]

Here are some good free vpns, as Moose says it is more of a software solution not a service you buy from a provider.


https://www.bestvpn.com/blog/18736/5-best-free-vpn-2/

Be sure to read the other articles linked as the provide good warnings about VPN.

If you are connecting to a machine at work, they should have some software that they recommend.

[craigandjen]

I personally use Privateinternetaccess.com. Very good vpn service for a yearly fee and has many access points across the globe. As someone has already mentioned.... it all depends on your internet connection and wifi at the best of times in Jam is pretty lacking. I carry an external usb adapter and antenna to boost the signal a bit. If you are planning on streaming netflix or something like that you could have challenges with signal. If this is merely to encrypt your data while on a bank site or something like that and its a secure site you already have SSL encryption and likely wont need much more than that.

[Weathermon & Mi Lady]

Thanks for the info CM, Rob, and craigandjen. I am only looking into it due to the open wifi where we are staying and perhaps having to access financial sites when down there for our 5 weeks. I can set us up so I shouldn't have to; but, as my mother used to always say, "You never know". So, I have been researching VPNs. Thanks again.

[craigandjen]

Thanks for the info CM, Rob, and craigandjen. I am only looking into it due to the open wifi where we are staying and perhaps having to access financial sites when down there for our 5 weeks. I can set us up so I shouldn't have to; but, as my mother used to always say, "You never know". So, I have been researching VPNs. Thanks again.

So if all you are doing is banking sites you really dont need a vpn. As long as your bank or financial institute adheres to Secure Socket Layer encryption you are good to go. Any data you send through a secure bank website is encrypted . People sniffing out your wifi data in reality takes more skill and tecnno chops than they make you believe on TV. The most likely scenario of someone stealing data would be stealing your actual laptop. In that vein dont store any bank info or passwords. Especially on websites where you can save your log in data. Even with a VPN. I have seen people who believe they have taken all measure and got a VPN but they saved the password to log into the VPN on the computer (that check box that says save log in details).

[Rob]

craigandjen,

GREAT advice!!! Checking your financial services here should be fine as they all probably use the SSL encryption which is shown in your address bar as an https:// address (not just http://). Your banking here should be no problem! And never have the software or site "remember" important passwords like your financial passwords on any device or on a piece of paper with that device. That is great advice at home as well as on travel. People often dont think about home break-ins and that ramification...

VPNs are usually used here to bypass the copyright restrictions that are placed on Jamaica by sites like Hulu.com and major broadcasting networks (we couldnt watch Tessanne on The Voice live on NBC - it was blocked) or when connecting to your company network so it is as if you are sitting at your computer in the office (which sucks on vacation)... (grin)

[captaind & Linston]

I use my cell data on Zion Hill. Good 3G @ about 8Mbs.

I have remote software (used to be called telnet) that allows me to access a computer in the states and take control. Even if my keystrokes were being hijacked all it would record is clicks and cut and paste inside the remote system.

I imagine "Go To MY PC" over the net would work the same way.

Of course a locked door never stopped a dedicated thief but......

I sit up on Zion Hill and take phone calls forwarded from my business phone to my Digicel phone, send and recieve email, post on Negril.com etc. And most have no idea that I'm not in my office in St. Augustine..........

But I do tell some of them LOL

Cap

[Lola]

GoToMyPC works great for me, but that's to access a host workstation.

Don't know if this helps but using Internet Explorer you can click on 'InPrivate Browsing': InPrivate Browsing helps prevent Internet Explorer from storing data about your browsing session. This includes cookies, temporary Internet files, history, and other data. Toolbars and extensions are disabled by default. See Help for more information. To turn off InPrivate Browsing, close this browser window.

[captaind & Linston]

GoToMyPC works great for me, but that's to access a host workstation.

That's the point. You need a secure host workstation at home with all the real stuff.

Cap