DiamondDoctor wrote So, in light of the recent NSA whistleblower, the scares, what they do, etc, i purchased a VPN from privateinternetaccess.com. I'm secure on this front now, but what else can i do to secure my data from not just Uncle Sam, but others who may try to steal it, viruses, etc?

I'm using Avast, and Microsoft security essentials, but i've heard good things about some free and open source anti-viruses.

What else can i do on these fronts?

Thanks, and, as always, i'll rep anyone who helps!

-DD

The free AVG is good. I use it all the time. Honestly, even if you have a VPN the government can still obtain access to your computer. A VPN just fakes where your internet is connecting from. (Basically) They can still find you. What is there to be worried about? Unless you have plans to be a terrorist or something , they will just mark you as unimportant and move on. This "NSA" has only been around for a short amount of time in the public sense. They have been around since the 60s. None of this should effect you if you aren't a criminal. Even if you make the "Oh, what about my privacy" argument, all of this has been in play since before you were born. You live in the country, you play by the rules. Even the underlining bylaws and fine print.

A VPN doesn't just fake where you computer is from, it encrypts all your data end-to-end then drops it off somewhere else in the world. So it isn't making it seem like you are there, for all intents and purposes, your computer is there and there would not be a way to find otherwise unless they knew that end point was from a VPN provider.

For AV I use the free six month BitDefender trial that they offer online.

What the hell are you looking at to be this worried about being seen what you are browsing

eels wrote What the hell are you looking at to be this worried about being seen what you are browsing

Well if theres nothing illegal in your residence or place of business why wouldn't you allow law enforcement in without a warrant?

I have avast and it seems to be working fine. AVG is okay but i prefer using malwarebytes thats a really good virus protector.

Stop using Windows and use only FOSS software (including drivers, BIOS, everything).

Use a GNU-approved ("ethical") distro: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Use a Lemote Yeelong: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Live the GNU/Life: [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]