A home VPN router setup that lets you safely browse in public

Kirk McElhearn, writing for Intego’s Mac Security Blog:

It is possible — and increasingly common — for malicious people to “sniff” traffic on public Wi-Fi networks, looking for information. They try to catch your user names, passwords, and any other data that may identify you, and then try and access your accounts or even steal your identity.

And:

There’s a better way to set up a VPN: You can buy a router that includes built-in VPN software, and then set it up at your home or office. When you’re on the road, you connect to that router, and the traffic between your laptop computer, iPhone, iPad or Android device is encrypted up to that point. After that, it goes out onto the Internet, but from a location that you know is secure. (And most routers also have firewalls you can activate to enhance their security.)

I’m no expert, but this seems like a pretty good solution. Rather than pay a monthly fee for a VPN service, buy a router that includes the software, leave it at home and VPN in from your local coffee house.