Is Using A VPN Safe? What You Need To Know About VPN Security (2024)

As technology advances, so does cybercriminal activity. Hackers are continuously finding new and smarter ways to target sensitive data, putting your privacy at risk. Although VPNs are often brought up as a solution for keeping your online activities from prying eyes, some doubt remains.

Is using a VPN safe? When you research and find the best service, you will find the answer is usually yes. Read on for more insight into how VPNs work and choose the right one.

What Is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that guards your online privacy by creating a sort of digital tunnel that encrypts your data so that third parties cannot understand it. This prevents other users on your network from seeing and stealing your personal information.

How a VPN Works

When you use a VPN service, it essentially encodes and reroutes your personal data. Your information is sent to its servers first and then transmitted to the intended destination. The data is scrambled to the point that anyone who attempts accessing it will see gibberish instead. This process keeps information such as browsing behavior and app activity from prying eyes.

Benefits of Using a VPN

Regardless of how or why you access the Internet, there is a very good chance you would like to avoid strangers browsing your personal or business information, particularly for nefarious purposes. Whether you wish to guard against a data breach or companies selling your data, there are various reasons to consider investing in a quality VPN service.

Using a VPN at Home

There are several sensible reasons to set up a VPN service for online browsing in your downtime, including but not limited to:

• Preventing hackers from accessing and stealing your personal data
• Empowering yourself with essential information otherwise blocked by the government
• Avoiding getting your information abused by services, such as Facebook
• Making it harder for companies to sell your data to third parties

Many rational motives exist for using a VPN on your mobile device, but the most popular reasons are privacy, security and avoiding censorship. Just as you feel more at ease at home when your doors are locked, VPNs are a way to add a similar level of protection and confidence while browsing the web.

VPN Use While Traveling

Travel, especially overseas, often makes VPN usage necessary. You may not always be able to connect to a trustworthy network, which means prying eyes may be able to access the data you transmit. And if you want to access the streaming platforms you use at home, note that are only available within the U.S. to a single household. If you attempt to log in and the service detects that you’re in another country, you could find yourself locked out of your account and unable to cancel payments.

Whether you are vacationing with family or a globetrotting businessperson, signing up for a VPN service could help you maintain access to benefits that you already pay for but would otherwise be unavailable.

VPNs in a Business Setting

At a glance, business owners and employees use VPNs for reasons similar to the average person, such as a need for security and privacy. However, you may find that the stakes are considerably higher in a professional setting.

Think about all the confidential data a business holds. It may be trade secrets or client credit card information. This block of data could be for a few dozen people or millions at a time over a period of years. Compared to the personal information of a single household, businesses will have much more to safeguard.

Using a VPN server for your business can help cut back on the risk of hackers or nonemployees accessing sensitive materials. You can let workers access company resources or send out information and know that it will be encrypted, better reducing the risk of a breach.

How To Choose a VPN

It is vital to note that not all VPN services are created equal. We previously published an article on the best VPN services, which we strongly recommend reading to help choose the right option for your personal or business needs.

When selecting a VPN to use, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Is it reliable? VPNs should include strong safety features, such as IP address encryption and two-factor authentication. Unfortunately, some companies will claim that their product is a VPN, but these services ultimately lack the encryption abilities that VPNs are known for. Before signing up for a service or buying a subscription, do your research to ensure it will actually protect your data.

• How fast is it? A famous and often unavoidable part of VPN usage is that your Internet speed might visibly suffer. That is because sending your data through a VPN server adds a step to your online browsing experience. If speed is a top concern for you, consider testing your internet speed and how it gets impacted by various VPNs that offer free trials.

• How do reviewers and customers feel? Find out how popular or well-recommended a VPN is before using it. Some services are highly recommended because they work well and have a long track record of protecting their customers’ information without suffering security breaches.

• Is it a good value for the money? Think about what you want and need from a VPN service and be sure the service provider you settle on checks everything off your list. You do not want to pay for a subpar product.

How To Set Up a VPN

Setting up a VPN on your device is relatively simple. You can download the service through the provider’s website, through an app store or incorporate it into your web browser. VPN setup may require you to alter system preferences and create a brand-new network. The steps often differ depending on the device or VPN.

For instance, setting up on a PC requires going to “Settings” and then “Network,” followed by “VPN.” These steps will be different for Mac or Android devices, and on each device the number of steps needed before adding your VPN network may vary.

If you need help setting up your VPN, we created a helpful guide to walk you through how to set up a VPN.

VPN Limitations

One of the reasons some worry about whether using a VPN is safe is because of a misunderstanding about the purpose of the service and its limitations.

Virus Protection

Although a VPN can protect your privacy, it is not a substitute for antivirus software. Viruses are often used to steal information, damaging your computer. As long as your device cannot identify, block or remove dangerous viruses, it is needlessly vulnerable. Fortunately, there are some antivirus platforms that also provide VPN services. Some free antivirus solutions like Bitdefender offer both options.

Anonymity

While VPNs can guard your privacy, they do not make you completely invisible online. Some VPN service providers have access to your data, so someone will see what you have been up to. Additionally, a VPN does not keep a website from remembering you. Maintaining realistic expectations regarding your online activity is essential, even as you seek the best services to protect your privacy. Check the company’s log encryption policy so that you know what to expect.

Untrustworthy VPN Service Providers

One reason some VPN services are available for free is that the company makes its money by selling your data. As you likely signed up for a VPN to avoid this type of issue, it can feel like the ultimate betrayal. Before you sign up for service, be sure to double-check how the company treats your information. You may need to check with reviews or customer complaints for a clear answer if the service provider does not readily make this clear. It’s often better to pay for a cheap VPN than to go with a free option that won’t offer strong protection.

Frequently Asked Questions