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Having the best VPN available is essential if you connect to public Wi-Fi regularly. However, encrypting your internet traffic is smart, even if you’re on a private home network, and using a solid VPN will do just that. So, just what is a secure VPN? How secure are they, and what should you look for in a VPN to lower the risk of investing in one that’s unsecured? Keep reading to find out more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
VPNs, or virtual private networks, are a godsend for those who want to hide their online activities. Everywhere on the internet, danger lurks, and it’s not just hackers you need to worry about. Everyone from government agencies to corporations, even your own internet service provider, would love to get their hands on your personal data. That’s why a good VPN is necessary.
Insider Tip
A secure VPN will always offer a kill switch if the VPN connection is compromised.
There are a few things that you should look for when considering whether you’re looking at a secure VPN or not. While a VPN connection does ensure online privacy, they aren’t all created equal. For example, free versions often lack crucial features and can even be a risk to your privacy because they often sell your data and information to third parties.
Below are some VPN services to consider when looking into a secure VPN. For more information regarding VPNs, look into what P2P VPN is next. Of course, if you’re feeling a little lost, try learning what a VPN is first. After that, exploring what Onion Over VPN is might be a good idea.
An essential feature of any VPN is to hide your true IP address. If this information is leaked, it can be disastrous to your online privacy. A secure VPN will automatically monitor itself and know when a leak occurs. Always check reviews to see if a VPN has a history of IP address leaks. To learn more about technical topics, read up on “What is VPN split tunneling?”
While it might sound a little dramatic, a kill switch is always something to look for. Essentially, when your VPN connection is compromised, you become vulnerable to prying eyes. A secure VPN kill switch will ensure that your information isn’t leaked during this time by automatically exiting applications and blocking connections that could pose a threat.
Warning
Without a VPN, your online activities are displayed for prying eyes to see, so if security is a concern for you, never connect to a public network without a VPN connection in place.
Finally, it’s always nice to have security across all your devices. A secure tunnel doesn’t just benefit your computer. In fact, it’s almost more important to have a VPN on your phone. A trustworthy, secure VPN will also frequently have a mobile version available. This is a sign of a company that values its customer’s overall privacy and takes steps to ensure it extends across platforms.
STAT: California reported a loss of more than 1.2 billion U.S. dollars through cybercrime, making it the state with the largest losses through reported cybercrime in the United States in 2021. (source)
There are several reasons why you should invest in a VPN. Here are a few:
