When it comes to VPN security and privacy you can look at it from different angles – are VPNs safe to use and is VPN safe from a feature and technological perspective? To provide complete protection while browsing, torrenting, and shopping online, you might choose the one that covers both. You can trust your internet activity and personal info with a trusted VPN service. But there are others that you might want to avoid. Let’s take a look at what makes a VPN safe.
Are VPNs safe to use?
VPNs can be used safely, but it all depends on where you are located, what features they offer, and how reliable the VPN provider is. VPNs that are the most secure have strong encryption and strict no-logs policies to protect you. Some VPNs have even done a public audit to ensure transparency.
Your country of origin will determine how secure you are when you use VPNs. Certain countries, such as China, UAE and Turkey, have banned consumer-based VPNs. Although you may be protected by one, there is a greater chance of being fined in these countries. VPNs can still be used in certain countries like the United States, Australia, or most European countries.
A VPN is how safe are you?
A VPN’s features and the VPN itself are important. A VPN must protect you no matter what you do online – either you are torrenting, browsing online, streaming, or using it for online banking. Here’s what you should look for in a trustworthy VPN:
- Strict no-logs policy: A safe VPN must keep zero logs of your connections, times and visited websites. Clear and easy-to-reach the no logs policy, For your privacy, a strict no-logs policy is vital.
- Strong encryptionStrong encryption is essential to protect your personal information when using VPNs. Every VPN kit must include the most secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and AES256.
- No DNS or IP leaks A VPN connection must not leak your true IP address, or send DNS requests. VPNs are secure because they protect your IP address at all times.
- Internet Kill Switch It is a crucial VPN feature, especially when torrenting. It protects against accidental VPN connection drops and protects you from exposing your true IP address.
- Good reputation: A VPN that is well-known in the industry will be your best bet. Reputable VPNs will be transparenter and more trustworthy.
- Jurisdiction It is important to know where VPN providers are located. The country’s laws on user data retention and log policies are important. It’s best to pick a VPN in a jurisdiction outside the 14-eyes data-sharing alliance and where user data is protected by law.
Which VPNs can you use safely?
NordVPN
NordVPN, another well-known and trusted provider, is also available. It is located in Panama, which is a great place to operate a VPN. It doesn’t keep any logs.
It has great security which was proven by an external PricewaterhouseCoopers audit that also proved their zero log policy. OpenVPN protocols are used with AES256 encryption and their new WireGuard-based protocol NordLynx.
Although there is a possibility that their server was hacked recently due to issues with the datacenter hosting, it was not a concern as no data was lost due to strict no-logging policies.
NordVPN offers extra security with CyberSec, which blocks advertisements and malicious websites. The VPN also includes an App Kill Switch as well as an Internet Kill Switch.
Their apps were safe because they did not contain any DNS or IP leaks.
NordVPN is the best VPN service, offering a 30-day money back guarantee on all plans.
- 5200+ Global Servers in 59+ Countries
- CyberSec malware protection and ad blocking
- Next-generation encryption with two VPN servers
- VPN traffic can be disguised with obfuscation tech
- Strict no-logs policy
- It works with Netflix and is great for streaming
- Lightning fast with P2P Support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark
Surfshark VPN is a very affordable VPN packed with security features. It is not part of the 14-eyes alliance, which means it is not based in The British Virgin Islands. It doesn’t log anything, so your browsing is completely private.
CleanWeb is a security feature that blocks malware, trackers, ads and trackers. Camouflage, which helps bypass VPN restrictions, hides VPN traffic.
It is a strong AES256 encryption with no DNS or IP leaks, making it a secure choice. It has an Internet Kill Switch, advanced multi-hop VPN and a Multi-hop VPN to provide greater privacy.
Surfshark offers a low-cost VPN. You can use it for torrenting or safe browsing. It also offers a 30-day money back guarantee.
- Over 3200+ global server locations in 60+ countries
- CleanWeb Ad-blocking feature
- OpenVPN provides strong encryption for secure and private communications
- Whitelister, Multihop VPN and Kill Switch
- No-logs policy
- It works with Netflix and is great for streaming
- Amazing speeds
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one the most secure VPNs on the market. ExpressVPN is located in The British Virgin Islands, which is an ideal jurisdiction for data retention because it doesn’t keep logs.
PwC, a well-known IT audit company, audited the service to verify compliance with their privacy policies. Auditors confirmed the authenticity of the claim that they did not collect connection logs or activity logs.
ExpressVPN offers the industry-standard AES256 bit key encryption algorithm and essential IP leak and DNS protections. It supports OpenVPN and other secure protocols like L2TP and IKEv2.
It supports P2P traffic as well as torrenting-optimized servers. The Network Lock Feature protects you from IP leaks.
ExpressVPN, a reliable and trusted VPN provider, is for those who are concerned about privacy and quality. It’s a bit more pricey than the other VPNs on a market, but to try it out it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 160+ Locations and 3000+ Servers
- Strict No-Log policy
- Unlimited streaming (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer)
- Strong military-grade AES256-bit key encryption
- Split tunneling, Kill Switch, and RAM-disk servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Support for Windows, MacOS and Linux
- Reliable connections and fast speeds
CyberGhost
The Romania-based VPN service is well-known in VPN industry. It boasts the largest server network, including 6300+ servers in 89 different countries and more than 110 locations.
It has excellent security features like access to the No Spy servers and IP address as well DNS leak protection and Internet Kill Switch. Additional safety features include malware protection and ad blocker.
Romanian law permits this provider to keep no logs. It is also great for torrenters, as it supports P2P traffic. It allows you to unblock Netflix and other streaming sites.
Cyberghost has amazing deals on their yearly packages that include a long 45-day money back guarantee.
- More than 90 countries and more than 6000 servers
- Access to NoSpy Servers
- No-logs policy
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Unblock streaming services
- Option for dedicated IP
- Strong AES 256-bit encryption
- IKEv2, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec protocol support
PrivateVPN
With 60 worldwide locations available PrivateVPN stands to its name – it’s really private. Even though they are a Swedish VPN provider, their no-logging policy is still true. This VPN maintains zero logs, even though Sweden is part of the 14 eye alliance.
This service supports multiple VPN protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, L2TP or PPTP. It also encrypts all traffic using an industry-standard AES256 algorithm.
PrivateVPN allows torrenting anonymization on their servers. It also has a kill switch that makes it even more secure. Once connected to their servers there is no IP or DNS leak detection.
You can choose from flexible pricing plans that offer great savings. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.
- Server locations in more than 60 countries
- Zero data logging policy
- 2048-bit encryption with AES256
- Unlimited bandwidth and amazing speeds
- Supports anonym torrenting / P2P friendly
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Allows port forwarding
Conclusion
A VPN can provide privacy and security. It hides your browsing activity and allows you to access restricted content. While VPNs are allowed in many countries, there are very few countries (e.g. China and UAE) that prohibit VPNs for consumers. VPNs that are safest include ExpressVPNMany businesses have no log policies, operate in data-retention friendly jurisdictions and use the strongest encryption algorithms. VPN is a powerful tool that can help you protect your privacy online.
FAQs
VPN is it safe to torrent?
VPNs are the best way to keep torrenting from being detected by your ISP. A VPN protects your files with strong AES256 encryption, so that no third parties can access them online. You can torrent whatever you want securely by using a VPN that has a kill switch. This feature is standard in all VPNs.
Is it safe to use VPN over public WiFi?
A VPN is recommended for public Wi-Fi as it is the most dangerous network. A VPN will protect you from being monitored and logged as well as prevent personal data being stolen or snooped on. You can hide your browsing activity by using a VPN when you use public Wi-Fi.
VPN security for online banking
A VPN adds an extra layer of security when you use your online banking. All payment information would be protected from hackers and snoopers. Online shopping is also safe with a VNP.
Is it safe to use free VPNs?
You could be at risk by using a free VPN. Many free VPNs collect your data and then sell it to advertisers and third parties. These VPNs only offer a false sense privacy and security, but they expose you to more harmful ads. Some VPNs can install malware. VPNs that are free of charge are not secure to use.
Is VPN connection secure?
Security of a VPN connection is dependent on the VPN protocol used and encryption used. VPN services typically use the most secure protocols, such as OpenVPN and IKEv2, WireGuard. VPNs that use the industry-standard AES256 bit encryption algorithms are unbreakable.
