Are VPNs safe? (2023)

The Virtual Private Network, commonly known as a VPN, is a popular tool that promises enhanced online safety. But just how safe are VPNs? Are they the digital shield they claim to be, or do they come with their own vulnerabilities? 

In this article, we answer the question of whether or not a VPN is safe. Here, you can find assessments of VPN safety, potential risks, and even guides on making informed decisions when deciding to use a VPN. 

What is the purpose of a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) was initially conceived as a solution for businesses to provide remote access to their local networks. However, as the digital age has grown, so too have the uses and demands for VPNs among everyday consumers. In essence, a VPN acts as a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. This tunnel ensures that any data travelling through it is encrypted and shielded from prying eyes.

One of the primary uses of a VPN is to protect user privacy. With increasing concerns about cyber threats, surveillance, and data harvesting, a VPN can provide a layer of anonymity by masking your real IP address. By rerouting your internet connection through a server located elsewhere, it makes it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from a different location. This has the added advantage of bypassing geographic content restrictions, allowing users to access content that may be blocked or restricted in their region.

Another significant use is in safeguarding data, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. These networks, found in places like airports, coffee shops, and hotels, are notorious for their lack of security. By using a VPN on such networks, one can reduce the risk of data interception by malicious parties.

Are VPNs safe?

VPNs, when chosen and used correctly, are generally safe and offer a significant boost in online privacy and security. However, it’s crucial to do your research, choose a reputable provider, and always combine VPN use with other security measures like updated antivirus software, secure passwords, and safe browsing practices.

The safety of a VPN largely depends on the provider you choose. 

Not all VPNs are created equal. Some free or less-reputable VPN services might log your data or offer inadequate encryption. This defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. There have been instances where so-called VPNs turned out to be malicious software in disguise, harvesting user data instead of protecting it.

Additionally, while a VPN can protect your data from being intercepted on public networks and can hide your online activities from your ISP, it can’t shield you from all online threats. For instance, if you download a malicious file while using a VPN, the VPN won’t protect your device from that malware.

Important VPN safety features

When it comes to VPN safety, certain features stand out as paramount. These features are what distinguish a trustworthy VPN service from a mediocre or potentially hazardous one:

• Encryption Standards: One of the primary functions of a VPN is to encrypt your data, making it unreadable to any unintended recipient. A reputable VPN will employ strong encryption protocols, with AES-256-bit encryption being the gold standard in the industry. This ensures that even if someone were to intercept your data, decrypting it would be virtually impossible with current technology.
• Kill Switch: An essential safety feature, the kill switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This ensures that your real IP address and potentially vulnerable data aren’t inadvertently exposed.
• Zero-logs Policy: While a VPN hides your activity from your ISP and potential eavesdroppers, the VPN service itself can see what you’re up to unless it commits to a strict no-logs policy. Such a policy ensures that the VPN does not keep records of your online activities, making it impossible for them to hand over or sell your data since they don’t possess it in the first place.
• DNS Leak Protection: Sometimes, even when connected to a VPN, DNS queries can accidentally be sent outside the VPN tunnel, revealing your browsing habits to your ISP. A VPN with DNS leak protection ensures that all DNS requests are routed securely through the VPN, maintaining your privacy.
• Server Security and Ownership: Reputable VPNs maintain a secure, often RAM-based server infrastructure. Some go a step further by owning their server hardware, minimizing the risk of third-party interference or data access.

In the context of VPN safety, it’s crucial to understand that while these features enhance security and privacy, they are not a solution for all difficulties and issues. However, it’s important to look for a VPN that supports these features to ensure your online safety.

The location of the VPN matters (Jurisdiction and Data Retention laws)

While the technical features of a VPN are crucial, its jurisdiction offers a backdrop against which these features operate. A VPN might have the best encryption and policies in place, but if it’s located in a high-risk jurisdiction, some of its guarantees might be inherently compromised. This makes the provider’s location a pivotal factor for users who prioritize privacy and security.

The location of a VPN provider, specifically its legal jurisdiction, is intricately linked to the degree of privacy and security it can assure its users. When you opt for a VPN service, you’re entrusting it with your online activity, so understanding the laws that bind it becomes essential.

Data Retention Laws vary by country. Some nations mandate that internet service providers, which can include VPN services, maintain detailed logs of user activities for extended periods. If a VPN is headquartered in one of these countries, even if it has a no-logs policy, it might be legally compelled to store and, if requested, hand over data to local authorities.

Then there’s the issue of International Surveillance Alliances, like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. These are coalitions of countries that have agreed to share intelligence and conduct joint surveillance efforts. A VPN located within the jurisdiction of these alliances might be more susceptible to government requests for data sharing or surveillance directives.

What is a zero-logs policy?

A VPN zero-logs policy is essentially a firm commitment from a VPN provider that it will not keep any records of a user’s internet activity. This means that when you use their service, the provider doesn’t track or store information like the websites you visit, your original and destination IP addresses, the duration of your VPN sessions, or which of their servers you connect to.

The essence of a zero-logs policy is to ensure the utmost privacy for the user. If a VPN doesn’t keep logs, it cannot provide any data about user activities to third parties, be it advertisers, government agencies, or malicious entities, even if it’s compelled by law. It’s particularly important in scenarios where a VPN provider might be approached by authorities to hand over user data. If they don’t have the logs, there’s nothing to hand over.

For users who prioritize their online privacy and security, understanding and choosing a VPN that genuinely adheres to a zero-logs policy is critical. However, it’s essential to read the terms and understand them fully, as the specifics of what constitutes “logs” can vary between providers. A genuine commitment to not logging user activity is a hallmark of a VPN provider that takes user privacy seriously.

Server security and ownership is important

The security and ownership of VPN servers are central aspects when considering the overall safety and reliability of a VPN service. Here’s why:

When you use a VPN, your data travels through the VPN provider’s servers. This means that the server becomes a critical link in ensuring your data remains private and uncompromised. If the servers are not secure, there’s a potential risk that your data could be accessed, intercepted, or manipulated by unauthorized parties.

Server security refers to the measures and protocols a VPN provider puts in place to protect its server infrastructure. Secure servers should be resistant to various cyber threats, from hacks to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. If a server is compromised, user data and their online activities can be exposed, negating the entire purpose of using a VPN.

Ownership of servers ties closely with server security. Many VPN providers rent servers from third parties, which can introduce risks if those third parties don’t have stringent security measures or if they have access to the data passing through. VPN providers that own their server infrastructure have direct control over both the physical and digital security of those servers. This direct control can, in many cases, lead to better protection against external threats, and it reduces the number of entities that might access the data flow.

Furthermore, owning servers usually means the VPN provider can implement RAM-based servers, which don’t store data on physical hard drives. Instead, they operate entirely using Random Access Memory (RAM). This ensures that no user data remains on the server after a session ends or the server restarts. It’s an added layer of security that prevents long-term retention of potentially sensitive data.

Potential risks when using a VPN

While VPNs are tools designed to enhance your online privacy and security, they are not devoid of potential risks. Here are some safety concerns to be aware of when using a VPN:

1. Untrustworthy VPN Providers: Not all VPNs are created equal. Some may claim to offer enhanced privacy but might log user data, which can then be sold to third parties or provided to law enforcement. Others might come with built-in malware, especially free or less-known VPN services.
2. Incomplete Protection: A VPN secures your internet traffic, but it doesn’t protect you from all online threats. If you download malicious software or fall for a phishing scam while using a VPN, the VPN won’t safeguard you from the repercussions of those actions.
3. Jurisdiction and Data Retention Laws: Depending on where the VPN provider is based, they may be subject to laws that require them to store user data or turn it over to government agencies upon request. Even with a no-logs policy, some companies might be legally compelled to collect and share certain information.
4. Potential Data Leaks: While a VPN should encrypt and secure your data, software imperfections or misconfigurations can lead to data leaks. For instance, DNS leaks can expose your browsing habits even when you’re connected to a VPN.
5. Slower Connection Speeds: A VPN routes your traffic through another server, which can decrease your connection speed. In situations where speed is crucial, such as during emergency communications, this delay might pose a risk.
6. Blocked Services: Some online services detect and block VPN traffic. For example, streaming platforms might restrict content access when they identify that you’re using a VPN, limiting your online experience.
7. Reliance on a Single Encryption Point: If a hacker manages to compromise the VPN server you’re connected to, they could potentially access your data. This is why choosing a VPN with robust security protocols and server defences is crucial.
8. Overconfidence in Privacy: Believing that a VPN makes you completely anonymous can lead to risky online behaviour. A VPN is just one tool in the privacy toolbox and should be used in conjunction with other safety measures, like updated antivirus software and safe browsing practices.

How to choose a safe VPN provider

It can be easy to get lost in the world of VPNs. Since their meteoric rise in popularity, there has been an influx of VPN providers. The issue is some of them are safe, and some aren’t.

The best way to ensure you’re signing up for a safe VPN is to determine if it’s reputable. Here’s a quick guide on what you should look for when looking for a safe VPN provider:

1. Reputation & Reviews: Begin with a simple search to check user reviews and expert opinions about the VPN service. Established VPNs with a track record of trustworthiness and transparency are generally more reliable. Websites, forums, and platforms like Reddit can offer valuable user feedback.
2. No-Logs Policy: Opt for VPN providers that have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t retain records of your online activities. Some providers undergo independent audits to verify this claim, which adds an extra layer of trust.
3. Strong Encryption & Security Protocols: Ensure the VPN uses robust encryption, like AES-256 bit, and offers a variety of secure connection protocols. Features like a kill switch, which disconnects you from the internet if the VPN fails, and DNS leak protection are also essential.
4. Jurisdiction & Data Retention Laws: The VPN’s base location matters. Some countries have stringent data retention laws or are part of international surveillance alliances. Providers based in such countries might be compelled to share user data. It’s often safer to choose a VPN headquartered in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
5. Server Ownership & Security: Some top-tier VPNs own their server networks, reducing the risk of third-party tampering. Ensure the provider has a history of security, with no past data breaches or leaks.
6. Transparency & Business Ethics: A trustworthy VPN provider should be transparent about its operations, management, and policies. Check if they have a clear privacy policy, terms of service, and whether they’ve ever been involved in controversies or unethical practices.
7. Price & Payment Options: While free VPNs might be tempting, they often come with limitations or risks, such as selling user data. A reasonably priced subscription with a reputable VPN is a safer bet. Additionally, providers that offer anonymous payment options like cryptocurrency show a commitment to user privacy.

Choosing a safe VPN requires a blend of research, understanding key features, and being wary of too-good-to-be-true offers. With the right provider, you can significantly enhance your online privacy and security.

Are free VPNs safe?

Free VPNs are enticing options for those looking to enjoy the benefits of a VPN without the associated costs. However, the safety and trustworthiness of free VPNs can vary widely, and there are some critical concerns to consider.

The old adage, “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product,” often rings true for free VPNs. Many free VPN providers offset their operational costs by employing less transparent revenue streams. For instance, some might log your browsing habits and sell that data to advertisers or other third parties. This is counterintuitive to the primary purpose of a VPN, which is to safeguard your online privacy.

Further complicating the matter, there have been documented instances where free VPNs came bundled with malware or intrusive adware. This not only puts your privacy at risk but also the security of your devices. Some free VPNs might also have weak encryption standards or lack features that would secure your data effectively, like a kill switch or protection against DNS leaks.

Additionally, free VPNs tend to offer limited server options, leading to slower connection speeds and less reliable service. The overcrowded nature of these servers can be a significant impediment if you’re aiming for smooth browsing or streaming.

That said, it’s not to claim that all free VPNs are unsafe or untrustworthy. Some reputable VPN providers offer free versions of their services, often with certain limitations, as a gateway to their premium offerings. These can be considerably more reliable and secure than standalone free options. But it’s crucial to conduct thorough research, read reviews, and scrutinize the provider’s privacy policy and terms of service.