Thinking about VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) which I’ve used mainly for accessing institutional resources and databases remotely (probably one of the most common uses among students and academics). Working list follows on sources I’ve been reading to understand them better, as well as other uses, mainly privacy and security.

1. Why You Should Start Using a VPN
2. How VPNs Work
3. How to Make Your VPN More Secure
4. How to Secure and Encrypt Your Web Browsing on Public Networks aka creating your own VPN with Hamachi and Privoxy
5. Build Your Own VPN
6. Which Are the Best Anonymous VPN Providers?

Online security/privacy working list:

How to Protect Your Digital Privacy in the Era of Public Shaming – a short guide from the folks over at ProPublica with nine tips on basic steps to protecting online privacy.

Security Tutorials – “a compilation of the various security tutorials that can be found on several different forums”.

Things To Know About Web Security: A Harm Reductionist Guide – a beginner’s guide, with a focus towards activists.

Secure Your Life Online the Easy Way – easy tips on passwords, HTTPS, password recovery/security questions, plug-ins, and using public wi-fi.