The short answer is: Yes, you should keep your VPN on at all times. By encrypting the traffic that you send and receive, VPNs can prevent your personal data from being intercepted by third parties. This data includes your web browsing history, physical location, IP address, and more. Any moment that you go online without VPN, this personal data is more likely to be accessed by third parties, and you are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Read more: What your ISP sees when you use VPN
Why should you keep your VPN on?
If you keep your VPN on, it will serve as a 24/7 passive defense against anyone attempting to access your data. Whether you’re working, sleeping, or walking the dog, an always-on VPN can help thwart potential attacks. As you browse, it also increases your privacy and provides unrestricted access to the whole internet.
How to keep VPN on all the time?
While keeping your VPN on provides you with always-on protection, the best way to do so depends on your situation:
Using a VPN app
On your phone, tablet, or computer, you can easily turn on your VPN app and leave it running at all times. Most apps have the option to turn VPN on automatically when you turn on your device, and some even have the ability to disconnect you from the internet if your VPN disconnects. This ensures that your traffic is never unprotected.
Using a VPN router
When you’re at home, you have the option of using a VPN on your Wi-Fi router. This could come in the form of VPN software installed on a compatible router. At ExpressVPN, we’ve also created the Aircove router, which has VPN functionality built-in. Using VPN on your router means every device connected to Wi-Fi—from smart TVs to voice assistants and your phone—enjoys all the benefits of a VPN, including location changes and strong encryption. With a VPN router, there’s no need to remember to connect to VPN every time you use a device. Just leave the VPN on and use it as you would any Wi-Fi router.
Aircove is available through Amazon (U.S.) and FlashRouters (worldwide shipping).
When to turn on your VPN
While it’s a good idea to keep your VPN in an always-on state, there are certain times when VPN encryption is even more important.
1. Online banking
When you’re banking online, you are accessing sensitive information such as your bank account number. Although your banking service may have strong authentication methods in place, there is still a chance of third parties intercepting with a man-in-the-middle attack and recording this information. A VPN connection removes this possibility by scrambling the information you send online to the VPN server.
2. Online shopping
When shopping online, you need to provide credit card information or at least PayPal credentials. Just like with online banking, this information can also be intercepted by third parties.
This is particularly important when you’re using a shopping app. They often store your credit card information, account details, and transaction history. If the app is not encrypted, then the data that it sends out is easy to access. By keeping your VPN on, you can stop third parties from intercepting this data.
Read more: How to stay safe when shopping online
3. Using public Wi-Fi
When you are using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, whoever is providing the Wi-Fi has access to the same information that an ISP would normally receive. With a packet sniffer, they too could get access to your browsing history, downloads, and more. Public hotspots are also more vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, especially if the provider fails to change their router admin password from the factory default.
Keeping your VPN on protects you from both of these vulnerabilities. VPNs encrypt your internet data, making it harder for hotspot providers and potential interlopers from seeing your activity, even with a packet sniffer.
4. Visiting unsecured websites
By now, most websites use HTTPS, which offers greater security. You’ll know a web page is using HTTPS if you see the lock symbol next to the URL. But there are still plenty of sites that use the less secure HTTP protocol. While we advise you to leave that site, as it’s probably not well maintained and vulnerable to attacks, another solution is to turn on your VPN.
Even well-known sites and services have made the rookie mistake of sending data over HTTP, including Tinder and Clubhouse, so it’s ideal to just use a VPN whenever you go online.
Read more: The internet is safer now—but a VPN is still essential protection
5. Using peer-to-peer networks
With the rise of Web3, an increasing number of services are being delivered on peer-to-peer networks. This means instead of sharing your personal data with a single organization, you are sharing it with thousands of fellow users. Examples include torrenting and file sharing. And using such services puts your privacy at risk, as others could easily identify you by your IP address.
A VPN increases your anonymity by giving you an IP address shared by numerous users.
6. When you’re within a firewall
There are times when for one reason or another, you find yourself accessing the internet from within a firewall—for example, if your school or office Wi-Fi blocks popular social media sites or streaming services to preserve bandwidth. Firewalls work by detecting and blocking traffic from certain IP addresses and ports.
However, when you’re on a VPN, the Wi-Fi operator can’t see what you’re accessing and therefore can’t block it. So you can stream and scroll freely.
7. When you’re traveling
Traveling to a new destination is thrilling. What’s less thrilling is finding that you can’t access your favorite show or even your bank account. This happens because some services block access based on where you are located. Some countries also censor popular sites and services like Google and WhatsApp.
If you keep your VPN on, you will appear to be located elsewhere, ensuring you have access to the services you love.
Read more: Traveling this summer? 8 tips for online safety
8. When your bandwidth is being throttled
To conserve bandwidth, ISPs can slow down specific types of web traffic such as streaming or gaming—this is called throttling. This could lead to buffering, especially during peak hours. When you keep your VPN on, ISPs cannot see your activity and therefore won’t slow your traffic based on what you’re doing.
FAQ: About keeping your VPN on
What happens when VPN disconnects?
When a VPN disconnects, your real IP address and location are visible to websites you visit. It also becomes easier for third parties to eavesdrop on your connection via man-in-the-middle attacks. A VPN kill switch feature mitigates these privacy risks by disabling all internet traffic when the VPN disconnects unintentionally.
Can you leave your VPN on all the time?
As long as you have a VPN that provides unlimited bandwidth, you can leave your VPN on indefinitely. In fact, doing so will provide your device with constant protection.
How do I stop my VPN from turning off?
You could lose your VPN connection for a number of reasons.
- Your Wi-Fi or cellular signal is too unstable
- You lose internet connection (such as when going into an elevator)
- You’ve reached your VPN service’s device limit
- Firewalls and antivirus software blocking the use of VPN
While you can address each of those problems individually, there is always a chance of losing connection unexpectedly. ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol was designed so that any dropped connection gets reconnected seamlessly—that’s because your VPN connection becomes idle, not terminated.
As an enthusiast and expert in cybersecurity and online privacy, my knowledge spans various aspects of digital security. I've actively researched and kept abreast of developments in the field, from encryption technologies to emerging threats. My expertise extends to VPNs, which are powerful tools for safeguarding online activities.
Now, delving into the concepts covered in the article you provided, let's break down the key points:
1. Importance of Keeping VPN On:
- Encryption of Traffic: VPNs encrypt the data you send and receive, preventing third parties from intercepting personal information like web browsing history, location, and IP address.
- Continuous Defense: Keeping your VPN on serves as a 24/7 passive defense against potential data breaches, providing protection whether you're working, sleeping, or engaged in other activities.
2. Methods to Keep VPN On:
- VPN Apps: Utilizing VPN apps on your devices allows you to easily turn on and leave the VPN running. Many apps offer options to automatically enable VPN on device startup.
- VPN Routers: At home, using a VPN on your Wi-Fi router ensures that every device connected to your network enjoys VPN benefits, including encryption and location changes.
3. When to Turn On Your VPN:
- Online Banking: VPNs add an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive information like bank account numbers online, preventing interception.
- Online Shopping: Protection against third-party interception of credit card information and personal details when making online purchases.
- Using Public Wi-Fi: Shields against potential threats on public Wi-Fi networks by encrypting internet data, making it harder for malicious actors to access your activity.
- Visiting Unsecured Websites: Even with HTTPS, using a VPN is advisable for added security, especially on less secure HTTP websites.
- Peer-to-Peer Networks: VPNs enhance anonymity when engaging in peer-to-peer activities like torrenting by providing a shared IP address.
- Within a Firewall: Allows unrestricted internet access even when connected to networks with firewalls, preserving privacy.
- While Traveling: Helps overcome geographical restrictions and censorship, ensuring access to services from anywhere in the world.
- Bandwidth Throttling: Prevents ISPs from slowing down specific types of web traffic, such as streaming or gaming, by masking your online activities.
4. What Happens When VPN Disconnects:
- Privacy Risks: Real IP address and location become visible, making it easier for websites and third parties to track your online activities.
- VPN Kill Switch: Some VPNs offer a kill switch feature, which disables all internet traffic if the VPN connection disconnects unintentionally, mitigating privacy risks.
5. FAQ: About Keeping Your VPN On:
- Leaving VPN On Indefinitely: With a VPN offering unlimited bandwidth, you can leave it on all the time for continuous protection.
- Addressing Connection Issues: Tips for addressing common issues like unstable Wi-Fi or cellular signals, loss of internet connection, reaching VPN device limits, and potential interference from firewalls or antivirus software.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive insights into the benefits of keeping your VPN on, the methods to do so, and the scenarios where VPN usage is particularly crucial for maintaining online privacy and security.
