I am using NextDNS and like it a lot but am wondering if I still need a VPN? Some background, my connections are either T-Mobile Home Internet which I understand does not retain data, as well as a business FTTN (Fiber to the node) based line which I understand also does not retain data due to the fact that it is a business rated line. (The company I work for pays for this and requires this connection when I log in to work). They have their own Tailscale VPN that I use when working. I’m mostly asking about for the times I’m not logged in to work, because I don’t want to use work’s VPN for private stuff, otherwise work can see my private traffic.
I also use my iPhone on Verizon when not at home and Verizon does retain data I think for a year.
I never need to access any servers remotely or anything like that.
All this being said, even if they all say they don’t retain data, they still could be, right?
Most all website are https these days. Is just using NextDNS enough?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) and DNS (Domain Name System) serve different purposes:
VPN (Virtual Private Network):
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, routing it through a secure server before reaching its destination.
It provides privacy and security by hiding your IP address and encrypting your online activities, making it difficult for hackers, ISPs, or governments to monitor your online activities.
It can be used to access region-restricted content by masking your IP address with one from the VPN server’s location.
VPNs are commonly used for secure remote access to a private network, such as a corporate network, or for accessing the internet securely on public Wi-Fi networks.
DNS (Domain Name System):
DNS is like the internet’s address book. It translates domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses (like 172.217.164.78), allowing your device to locate and connect to websites, servers, and other online services.
DNS servers are provided by your ISP by default, but you can also use third-party DNS servers (like Google DNS or OpenDNS) for faster performance, better security, or to bypass censorship.
While DNS itself doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic, DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT) protocols can encrypt DNS queries for added privacy and security.
In summary, a VPN encrypts and secures your entire internet connection, while DNS is primarily responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses to help your device locate resources on the internet.
Thanks this is helpful. Although where I work, we are all Mac based. Mainly I just am wondering if I should get a VPN for personal use. It sounds like I probably don’t need it if I’m using NextDNS.