Reading more about Mysterium (MYST) reminded me of TORopen source browser which encrypts user`s data allowing users surf internet anonymously and similarities they have in common vision of decentralized WEB.
But let`s look at pros and cons of both centralized VS decentralized VPNs first
Decentralized VPNs and centralized VPNs differ in terms of their architecture, operation, and security.
Centralized VPNs are operated by a single entity, which owns the VPN server and manages the network VS decentralized VPNs use a peer-to-peer network of computers to route traffic.
Centralized VPN uses your data and routes through the VPN server before reaching its final destination, making it appear as if your traffic is originating from the VPN server, it (may) help protect privacy by hiding your IP address and encrypting your traffic, would you place so much trust on VPN provider to keep your data secure, and how can we know if your (my) data is not shared with third parties?
dVPN (Mysterium (MYST) relies on a P2P network of computers to route traffic distributing across a network of users who contribute their bandwidth and processing power depending on nodes.
The following video explains differences between TOR- VPN and dVPN giving a pic picture about industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYZ9XU06qRI
Why i am giving this project 5 star rating:
Story
In the following very well written article one of the team members shares background story that led to development of the project that made me read it more, go thru their website and familarize myself with a project, eventually downloading their app and trying it: https://medium.com/mysterium-network/decentralized-and-secure-access-to-the-internet-do-we-need-a-decentralized-vpn-95a432c40cbc
Infrastructure
This is not just a dVPN, but infrastructure, for individuals, businesses and developers designed to compliment one another, if positioned strategically and correctly this project is a shining beacon of decentralization, celebrating true ethos of "from people for people"
Necto Labs
To empower the ecosystem team integrated Necto Labs a humanity-centric R&D fund for Web3, they support projects and protocols which make the web more open, private and fair preserving human agency, restore trust and verifiability, lock systems open and reimagine business models and incentive structures https://www.nectolabs.io/ Show Less