Yes, some data needs to be protected. Police, fire, and EMS use VPNs to protect their networks, especially since each vehicle has a computer, is always connected to the Internet, gets dispatch information on that computer, and gets a lot of private information that should not be public knowledge. [spoiler]Another example, we have HIPAA laws. Basically, under that law, it is illegal for your doctor or any medical care provider to discuss your personal information with anyone not directly involved in your care. Now, if you go to the emergency room, there are several different entities that get your information. If you call an ambulance, that service has your information. They transmit it to the hospital, where you also give more information. Within the hospital, there may be different companies running the various services. Where I live, several of the hospitals share doctors through a network. So you might get a separate bill from them. Radiology might be run by a separate company through the hospital. It's confusing as hell when you get 3-5 different bills for one visit. All that being said, that's a lot of places for your information to be floating around. If that information got out, not only would your personal information be compromised (address, birthday, social security number, medical history), but the agency that was breached could be held liable as well. [/spoiler]