When choosing the most secure VPN provider, security is of utmost importance. After all, you’re entrusting your data to this company; you might want to look into how good they are at securing it! But, which is the best, most secure VPN provider? While searching for the question, you might come across several VPN providers claiming to be the best and boasting of strong encryption and other privacy features, but only a handful are living up to their claims.
Amidst the massive numbers of VPNs available online, most VPN providers come with shady log policies or share your data. Besides this, they even lack essential security-enhancing features or use outdated encryption protocols with known security vulnerabilities. Therefore, this article is a compilation of some of the best tried and tested VPN providers, the most secure VPNs for you!
10 best and most secure VPN providers in 2023
Among the horde of several VPN providers merely boasting of the privacy they offer, a handful of VPNs are living up to their claims. These VPNs have strong privacy and security features and follow a strict no-logs and anti-data sharing policy.
NordVPN: its top-ranked VPN provider, 5000+ servers, all security features, works with Netflix, Torrenting, Tor, and ISP throttling – 30-day Free trial www.nordvpn.com.
ExpressVPN: it has 3000 servers around the world and works great with Torrenting, Netflix, and special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available www.expressvpn.com
CyberGhost: it offers 7500+ servers around the world, works with torrenting, Netflix and also provides great privacy features. 45-day Free trial available www.cyberghost.com
ExtremeVPN: It has 6500 servers in 96+ loction around the world and works great with Torrenting, Netflix, and special features for Tor. Offer 7-day Free trial available www.ExtremeVPN.com
Surfhark: It’s great with Netflix and torrenting, can bypass ISP throttling, and has great privacy features. 3500+ servers and come with a 30-day free trial www.surfshark.com
Proton VPN: it has 1400+ servers and is loaded with all privacy features. Works with Netflix, Torrenting, Tor, and bypassing the ISP throttling. Free Version available www.protonvpn.com
VyprVPN: it has 700+ servers in over 70 Countries, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available www.vyprvpn.com
Private internet Access (PIA): It has 121 locations in 84 countries around the world and works great with Torrenting, Netflix, and special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available www.PIA.com
IPVanish: It has over 2,200 servers in more than 75 countries around the world and works great with Torrenting, Netflix, and special features for Tor. Offer 7-day Free trial available www.IPVanish.com
Hotspot Shield: It has 3,200 servers in 80+ countries around the world and works great with Torrenting, Netflix, and special features for Tor. Offer 45-day Free trial available www.Hotspotshield.com
Why you need a secure VPN
- Security when working remotely: A VPN is essential for the company and remote employees. It encrypts all the traffic from the employee’s device to the company servers and vice versa ensuring no one can intercept the company data.
- Bypass censorship and access geo-restricted content: A VPN allows you to spoof your location and access restricted content.
- Data privacy from your government and ISP: A VPN encrypts your connection, routes your traffic to a remote server, and masks your identity to prevent you from government and ISP surveillance.
- Data privacy from the services and apps you use: Some privacy-intrusive apps and websites store data about browsing habits, which is used to create tailored advertisements. A VPN can help you avoid such profiling.
- Security on Public Wi-Fi: With a VPN, you don’t need to worry about connecting to unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks when traveling. The encryption premium VPNs provide ensures your connection is safe.
- Access blocked websites: Just use a VPN if the network administrator in your school or workplace has blocked your favorite website.
The most secure VPN providers – Detailed list
While a short description of these VPNs is enough to give you a glimpse of their privacy and security, it is best to read these reviews to grasp their security better!
1. NordVPN
NordVPN: its top-ranked VPN provider, 5000+ servers, all security features, works with Netflix, Torrenting, Tor, and ISP throttling – 30-day Free trial.
- DoubleVPN
- Automatic Kill Switch
- Split Tunneling
- Dedicated IP
- Next-Generation Encryption
- Onion Over VPN
- SOCKS5 Proxy
- Dark Web Monitoring
- Threat Protection
- Meshnet
- Browser Proxy Extensions
- Up to six devices
- 24/7 live chat support
- Windows
- Apple (Mac, iOS)
- Android
- Router
- Linux
- PSP4 and Xbox
- Streaming devices
- Netflix
- Torrenting
- SmartPlay
- HBO Max
- DisneyPlus
- Amazon Prime
- Games
NordVPN, a Panama-based provider founded in 2008, is one of the best secure VPN providers. It is one of the few VPN providers that use state-of-the-art 256-bit AES encryption and the latest NordLynx and OpenVPN protocol. Moreover, it doesn’t leak your IP address and DNS requests and maintains higher levels of online security.
The VPN provider also has CyberSec, double VPN, and P2P-optimized servers. These specialized servers help in the safe torrent downloading process. Another impressive feature that NordVPN offers is the SmartPlay feature, which makes it a secure VPN for a fast and reliable streaming experience. With NordVPN, you can easily access blocked websites and content like Facebook, Netflix, and YouTube from anywhere.
Apart from this, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy with a verified log audit report. Moreover, the obfuscated servers allow you to bypass censorship and even use the internet freely in countries with restrictive governments without sacrificing your digital privacy and security.
It has over 5200 servers in 60 countries so that you can connect anywhere globally. You can use it on almost any device and operating system, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, with just one app available for download for free. Also, it allows up to six simultaneous device connections and comes with a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee offer.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN: it has 3000 servers around the world and works great with Torrenting, Netflix, and special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available.
- Network lock
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- Threat manager
- Split tunneling
- Tor over VPN
- IP Leak Protection
- Private DNS
- Trusted Server Technology
- Stealth Mode
- Lightway protocol
- Live chat support
- Email support
- Windows
- Apple
- Android
- Linux
- Router
- Gaming consoles
- Up to five device support
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- BBC iPlayer
- HBO Max
- Disney Plus
- Hulu
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and secure VPN providers. With its split tunneling, network lock, and Private DNS feature, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for online privacy and security. Moreover, it is the first VPN with trusted server technology, making it the best among other VPN providers. All your data is stored on the RAM-only servers and deleted after each session.
The VPN provider uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data from prying eyes. It also offers support to both OpenVPN UDP and TCP protocols, respectively. You can choose any of them, and they can improve your user experience. Besides this, ExpressVPN uses the proprietary light way protocol that uses strong encryption ciphers and is best for boosting security and browsing speed.
It belongs to the safe jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands and is among the VPN providers that follow a strict no-log policy. This means it is strictly against collecting users’ IP addresses and browsing data and guarantees that your online activities remain private.
It also has one of the best Netflix unblocking capabilities, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stream Netflix and other streaming services easily. Finally, ExpressVPN offers both routers and custom VPN software. This means you can install ExpressVPN on all popular devices and operating systems like Android, iOS, MacOS, Linux, Windows, and routers and secure up to five multiple devices with a single subscription account.
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost: it offers 7500+ servers around the world, works with torrenting, Netflix and also provides great privacy features. 45-day Free trial.
- Dedicated IP
- P2P Allowed
- Ad Blocker
- Wi-Fi Secured
- Ad Blocker
- kill switch
- Strict No Logs Policy
- Up to 7 devices
- 24/7 Live Support
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
- Netflix
- Hulu Plus
- Torrenting
- Sports Streaming
CyberGhost is a highly respected VPN provider thanks to its security features, ease of use, and wide range of compatibility. It has over 7000 servers in 91 countries, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a VPN service with global coverage.
The VPN provider uses secure AES-256-bit encryption and tunneling protocols, i.e., OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, to maintain your data security online. Also, it comes with a malware blocker that keeps you safe from malicious websites. Its specialized streaming, gaming, and torrenting servers make it an ideal choice for users who want to enjoy those activities without compromising privacy.
Moreover, it doesn’t store any of its users’ details on its servers, ensuring that your internet browsing data won’t be available. You can benefit from CyberGhost’s kill switch, dedicated IP address, and split tunneling features to enhance your online security further.
It is an excellent choice to access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services from anywhere in the world. It is also compatible with Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows platforms. You can enjoy up to seven multiple-device connections with CyberGhost VPN. It offers a free trial and a money-back guarantee, so decide which suits you best.
4. ExtremeVPN
ExtremeVPN: It has 6500 servers in 96+ loction, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 7-day Free trial available.
- AES-256 bit encryption
- Automatic Kill switch
- Strict no-logs policy
- DDoS protection
- 24/7 Live chat support
- Split tunneling
- IPv6 and DNS leak protection
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Live chat
- Android
- iOS
- Linux
- Windows
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Disney Plus
ExtremeVPN is a relatively new VPN with reliable privacy and security features at an affordable price. The VPN has an extensive server network of over 6,500 servers in more than 78 countries, ensuring you can find a server near your location to improve connection speeds.
The provider uses military-grade AES-256 encryption to protect your data against interception while ensuring ultra-fast transmissions with its OpenVPN tunneling protocol. It does not store user data and has an automatic kill switch that disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops.
ExtremeVPN is supported by all major devices and operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Mac, Playstation, Chrome, and Android. On top of its low price, the service has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can test it risk-free.
The VPN has a DNS/IPv6 leak protection feature that protects your identity by preventing your IP address and DNS from leaking. Also, it has a split tunneling feature that allows you to choose which applications or websites can use the VPN service. Additionally, the VPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections to share the account with family and friends. The customer support team is superb, and they offer 24/7 live chat support to assist in case you have connection problems.
5. Surfshark
Surfhark: It’s great with Netflix and torrenting, can bypass ISP throttling, and has great privacy features. 3500+ servers and come with a 30-day free trial.
- RAM-only servers
- GPS spoof
- Clean Web
- No borders
- Camouflage mode
- Multihop
- Device invisibility
- Two-factor authentication
- Bypasser
- Perfect forward secrecy
- Auto Connect
- Tor over VPN
- 24/7 live chat support
- Email and online resources
- Windows
- Android
- MacOS
- iOS
- Linux
- Routers
- Gaming consoles
- Unlimited device connections
- Streaming devices
- Torrenting allowed
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney Plus
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- BBC iPlayer
With over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark can provide fast and reliable service to users. The VPN provider employs the latest encryption technology, such as AES-256-bit encryption. It also uses the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols that hide your data from privacy invaders. If you are worried about malware or ads, Surfshark features a CleanWeb Malware Ad Blocker. It blocks out all malicious ads before they load and minimizes the risk of malware infecting your devices.
Most users are accustomed to using VPNs to access TV stations, but Surfshark takes it one step further with its IPTV service. Another unique aspect of Surfshark is its ‘Bypasser.’ Most VPN providers allow users to select which apps they want to use through their VPN, but Surfshark’s ‘Bypasser’ goes further and lets users select which apps bypass the VPN. This feature is pretty helpful during torrenting as well.
Moreover, it offers a ‘no-logs’ feature, a kill switch, and DNS Leak Protection. Most VPN providers are not allowed in China, but Surfshark is one of the few that can still offer its service. It provides a camouflage mode that pretends your traffic looks like regular internet traffic and helps bypass internet restrictions. Also, by enabling the no-borders mode, you can circumvent geographically imposed censorship and browse the web as you want.
Most VPN providers have a monthly or yearly subscription plan, but Surfshark allows users to pay for its service weekly. If you first want to test out Surfshark’s services, you can avail yourself of the free trial period or the 30-day money-back guarantee offer.
6. Proton VPN
Proton VPN: it has 1400+ servers and is loaded with all privacy features. Works with Netflix, Torrenting, Tor, and bypassing the ISP throttling. Free Version available.
- Kill switch
- Split Tunneling
- Alternate Routing technology
- NetShield Ad Blocker
- VPN Accelerator
- Secure core servers
- Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Full disk encryption
- Up to ten devices support
- Email support
- Online resources
- Android
- Apple
- Linux
- Streaming devices
- Gaming consoles
- Windows
- P2P/BitTorrent support
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney Plus
- HBO Max
- Youtube
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN providers on the market. It uses state-of-the-art security and AES-256-bit encryption, 4096-bit RSA key, and SHA 384 authentication, protecting your data from even the most advanced attackers. With 1441 servers in 61 countries, a strict no-logs policy, and a horde of security features, Proton VPN is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to protect their privacy.
One notably impressive feature of Proton VPN is the secure core. The feature is designed to protect users from network-based attacks and ensure protection by routing your traffic through multiple servers before leaving Proton VPN’s network, ensuring online privacy. Proton VPN has tactfully placed these remote secure core servers within Iceland and Switzerland, the countries known for their most robust privacy and data security laws.
Apart from that, Proton VPN is also careful not to store any personally identifiable information on its servers. As an extra step to security, it deploys full-disk encryption on all its servers, protecting them from resourceful man-in-the-middle attacks.
It also offers built-in protection that detects security issues and disables unsecured connections, such as the “always-on” VPN kill switch to protect your data in case of a dropped connection. Moreover, it also offers an alternate routing technology feature that helps bypass censorship worldwide.
The VPN offers free and premium plans, but using the premium version concerning security is always a great idea. You can connect up to ten devices in the Plus plan and enjoy unlimited streaming and torrenting.
7. VyprVPN
VyprVPN: it has 700+ servers in over 70 Countries, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available.
- Kill switch
- Connection per-app
- VyprDNS
- Public Wi-Fi protection
- AnonoBox router
- Site blocker
- NAT firewall
- DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection
- Split Tunneling
- No-Log Policy
- Up to ten devices support
- Email support
- Live chat support
- Android
- iOS
- MacOS
- Windows
- QNAP
- Routers
- Torrenting allowed
- Amazon Prime
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- Netflix
- WatchESPN
- ESPNPlus
- Sky sports
VyprVPN is a reliable and secure VPN provider available in the market that has more than 700 servers in Asia, Africa, America, and Europe. That means there are plenty of opportunities to find a server near where your internet traffic needs to go. It uses the industry’s highest AES-256 bit encryption and OpenVPN and WireGuard protocol.
Besides this, VyprVPN uses the Chameleon protocol that relies on solid ciphers and enables VyprVPN to bypass VPN blocks using obfuscation techniques. Most importantly, it is a verified no-log service and doesn’t log or share your browsing data with the government or any third party. It comes with essential security-boosting features like a kill switch and DNS protection with the super-fast, safe (not available at Google Play) Chameleon protocol and NAT firewall.
That’s all great, but VyprVPN’s cloud security sets it apart. It’s a little different from other VPN services because it protects your privacy in three ways. Your encrypted internet traffic never touches the default DNS servers. Most ISPs use them, and they can result in third parties learning about your location and browsing habits. Vypr’s cloud lets you use its fast and safe DNS servers to browse the internet securely.
Furthermore, it also offers a business plan and helps organizations protect their sensitive data from competitors and threat actors. Secure your activities and data with VyprVPN now by availing of the 30-day money-back guarantee offer.
8. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private internet Access: it has 121 location and 84 countries, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available.
- Split Tunneling feature
- Ad-blocker
- AES-256 bit encryption
- Fully supports P2P
- No-logs policy
- Automatic Kill switch
- Automatic Kill switch
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Live chat
- Android
- iOS
- Linux
- Routers
- Windows
- Gaming consoles
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Disney Plus
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reputable VPN that started in 2010. It is popular due to its customizable security options and extensive network of over 20,000 servers in 84 countries. The extensive server network ensures you can find a server near you to reduce latency and server overload cases.
It protects your privacy and security using AES-256 Encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, OpenVPN protocol, and IP masking. It also maintains a strict no-logs policy and has applications for all major platforms and devices. PIA has a 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free and allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
The VPN’s Wireguard transmission protocol ensures fast and reliable connection speeds, which boosts performance. In addition, it supports torrenting on all its servers and has an automatic kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection fails. PIA can unblock all major streaming platforms, and it has a split tunneling feature that allows you to choose the services that should always connect to the internet via a VPN.
9. IPVanish
IPVanish: It has over 2,200 servers in more than 75 countries, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 30-day Free trial available.
- SugarSync cloud storage
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Has P2P-friendly servers
- AES-265 bit robust encryption
- Live chat
- Android
- iOS
- Linux
- Routers
- Windows
- Gaming consoles
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Disney Plus
IPVanish is a classic VPN that started in 2012 with only 32 servers. Currently, it has 2000+ servers in more than 75 locations which offer fast-speed connections and robust security features at an affordable price. It is registered in the USA, which is not a privacy-friendly country. However, despite its country of origin, it does not store identifying user data in its servers.
The VPN is user-friendly, and the installation process is simple. It supports various payment methods except for crypto. IPVanish comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test their services risk-free. However, it does not work in China.
The service can unblock all major streaming platforms, including Netflix US and other services such as DAZN, ESPN, and HBO Max. It guarantees to offer consistent connections and the best streaming quality. Moreover, it has a SugarSync cloud storage feature where you can securely store and access up to 500 GB of files. However, you have to pay more for this. Recently, the provider adjusted its policy to allow unlimited simultaneous connections. In addition, since it supports all major platforms, you can protect all your devices simultaneously. Also, the VPN supports unlimited P2P sharing, letting you torrent securely and privately. While your download speeds might drop when torrenting, you will not notice a significant change.
10. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot shield: It has 3,200 servers in 80+ countries, works great with Torrenting, Netflix, special features for Tor. Offer 45-day Free trial available.
- Catapult Hydra protocol
- DNS/IP leak protection
- Supports P2P sharing on all servers
- Up to five simultaneous connections
- Live chat
- Android
- iOS
- Linux
- Routers
- Windows
- Gaming consoles
- Streaming/P22
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- BBC iPlayer
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Disney Plus
Hotspot Shield is another privacy-centered VPN with over 3200 servers in 70 countries. It is registered in the US, a country known for intrusive surveillance. Despite this, the provider has enforced a strict no-logs policy and has released transparency reports every year since 2017.
The VPN has excellent unblocking abilities, enabling you to bypass censorships, geo-restrictions, and blocked websites without detection. Also, it unblocks all the popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.
It ensures fast and secure connections through its proprietary catapult Hydra tunneling protocol and encrypts your connection using AES-128 encryption. The VPN app is compatible with all major devices, including macOS, Android, Windows, and iOS. Recently, it also added support for Android TV and routers.
Besides unblocking geo-blocked content, Hotspot Shield supports torrenting. You can seamlessly download and share torrent files with unlimited bandwidth and fast-speed servers. Although it only allows you to connect five simultaneous devices, you can install it on your router to add more connections. Hotspot Shield offers a free version that has some limitations. For instance, it has a 500 Mb data cap that allows you to access only one server with slow speeds. The free version also has many ads and does not support Live Chat. However, it provides a generous 45-day money-back guarantee to let you try the paid services risk-free.
How we tested these secure VPNs
A secure VPN must fulfill all the expectations of a secure and private network. We tested all the VPNs featured in this article based on the following aspects;
- Does it use RAM-only servers: The most secure servers should be RAM-only servers to ensure they do not store user data permanently.
- Does it leak: Leaking DNS and IP address can expose your true identity. To boost your privacy, a secure VPN should protect you against IPv6 and DNS leaks.
- Is the logs policy Independently audited? Secure VPN providers invite independent auditing bodies to verify whether they store user data. The VPN must be verified and certified by independent organizations that it enforces a strict no-logs policy.
- Do the privacy and security features work? Some VPNs claim to support many security features to attract customers. However, some of these features do not work and can expose you to online threats. Therefore, we verify that all the features of the VPNs are featured in this article.
- Does it bypass VPN blocks: Various governments and organizations have implemented sophisticated technologies to restrict access to content. A secure VPN should be able to bypass all restrictions and even help you access geo-restricted content without detection.
Which VPN is best for privacy
All the VPN providers mentioned above are the top-most secure VPN providers, but if you ask for one particular VPN that is best for privacy, go for Proton VPN.
It uses AES-256-bit encryption, a 4096-bit RSA key, and SHA 384 authentication. It has secure core servers that utilize multiple servers in isolated locations to ensure your data can never be intercepted.
Proton VPN also offers built-in protection that detects security issues and disables unsecured connections, full disk encryption to protect your data at the source, and an “always-on” VPN kill switch to protect your data in case of a dropped connection.
How do VPNs secure your data?
VPNs secure your data by encrypting it before it leaves your device. This prevents anyone from seeing your data or tracking your activity. VPNs also protect your privacy by hiding your IP address and location.
Most people use VPNs to keep their browsing secure and private, but they can also be used for streaming and downloading. Most importantly, by using a VPN, you maintain your right to freedom of expression and can access all the content you want.
Are free VPNs safe?
Some free VPNs are good, but others do more harm than good. So, you should not blatantly trust entirely free VPNs because they can expose you to online threats. They also have many limitations regarding bandwidth, data caps, features, and performance. Below are some of the reasons why you should avoid free VPNs.
- Free VPNs use poor tunneling and encryption technologies that are insufficient to protect your privacy and security compared to premium services.
- Some free VPNs are owned by shady companies which collect your browsing data and sell it to data brokers.
- Some third parties have direct access to accessible VPN networks, and they can inject malware, ads or even hijack your web browser.
However, suppose you can’t afford a full subscription to a premium VPN. In that case, you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee policy many premium VPN providers use to test their services risk-free. Alternatively, you can opt for freemium services offering premium and free versions like Windscribe and TunnelBear.
Are there free and secure VPNs?
Some quality free VPNs offer reliable services and meet the recommended industry standards. However, free VPNs have limited features and server networks, while others impose bandwidth limits and data caps. This can be frustrating, especially if your activities involve sensitive information in large files.
It is rare to find a free privacy-oriented VPN that doesn’t have limitations. Some of them collect user data and sell it to data brokers, while others use it to target you with personalized adverts. Others inject malware and trackers to monitor your browsing activities which can have devastating consequences.
So, subscribe to a premium VPN service for a few bucks, or take advantage of the money-back guarantee to use a premium VPN for 30 days risk-free.
Types of VPN Services
There are four main types of VPN services;
- Site-to-site VPNs: These are used by multiple companies to create a combined single network. The users do not need to run additional software since the network connects.
- Mobile VPNs: They are used when an employee doesn’t have a stable or consistent internet connection. The users must install software on their devices or configure the operating system.
- Remote access VPNs: This VPN is used by organizations to enable remote employees to connect to company servers safely. Users must install the software on their devices or configure the operating system before connecting to a private network.
- Personal VPNs: The most common type of VPN used to create secure connections to the open internet. They are also used to bypass restrictions and firewalls. The users install the VPN service’s software and connect to the internet through a remote server.
Tips to securely use a VPN
- Check for IPv6 and DNS leaks: Make a routine to check whether your VPN leaks your real IP or DNS. Sometimes, your provider may be experiencing downtime or under maintenance which could lead to such leakages.
- Use double VPN servers: Double VPN boosts your privacy and security by ensuring your data remains encrypted even if one server is compromised. You can also enable this feature manually if your provider does not support it by setting up another VPN connection on your router or browser extension.
- Enable auto-start and auto-connect features: These features ensure you can never connect to the internet without VPN protection. They ensure your device is connected to the VPN once it is powered on or when it detects an internet connection.
- Enable Kill switch: This feature protects you against leaks by disconnecting your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops. That way, no one can know your identity or monitor your online activities.
- Use your VPN’s DNS server: This is vital because it ensures that the VPN handles all your requests, and there are no chances of third parties tracking the URLs you visit.
- Enable the most secure tunneling protocol: Always confirm that the VPN uses the most secure protocol, such as WireGuard and OpenVPN.
- Use anonymous methods to sign up: Use crypto methods to pay and burn email addresses that malicious actors can use to track you.
How to check if your VPN is leaking?
A VPN is supposed to encrypt your traffic and hide your identity. However, a glitch may lead to a DNS or IP leak and expose your true identity to third parties. If this happens, other people can track and monitor your activities even when using a VPN.
It is essential to regularly check whether your VPN is leaking your DNS or IP address by following the steps below;
- Find your IP address: Disconnect from the VPN and use online tools such as whatsmyip to determine your IP address.
- Connect to the VPN and check the name of your VPN server and the IP address.
- On your browser, open DNSleaktest and check whether the displayed information matches your real data. In case it is, your VPN is leaking.
To get full DNS status click Extended test and check whether the displayed servers belong to your ISP or your VPN provider. If the servers do not belong to your VPN provider, your VPN leaks.
Why are logging policies important?
Any VPN that stores users’ identifiable data is not secure. This is because the organization can be forced to hand over the logs by the government during investigations or court proceedings. This is not something you would want your provider to be doing.
Therefore, ensure your VPN provider enforces a strict no-log policy verified and certified by third-party auditors to ensure your data is not recorded when you connect to their network. This way, government agencies and courts cannot find incriminating data evidence even after accessing the servers.
Can a VPN help me bypass government censorship?
Various governments restrict internet access for different reasons. However, a VPN is crucial to circumvent these restrictions and access your desired website or content. For instance, the Chinese authorities restrict many Western websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, but you can access them with a reliable VPN. In the UAE, people use VPNs to regain access to VoIP and make free calls.
A reliable and trustworthy VPN can help you bypass any kind of internet censorship or restriction imposed by a government. It allows you to spoof your location safely by rerouting your traffic to a remote server.
The VPN you use determines whether you can bypass the restrictions without detection. A VPN with poor encryption and limited features will likely leak your identity, preventing you from accessing restricted content.
Ensure your VPN that has military-grade encryption, does not record your data, and has a kill switch that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops. Obfuscation is another important VPN feature to bypass government censorship, which conceals your VPN traffic to appear like regular HTTPS.
Kill-switch and why it is essential?
A kill switch disconnects your device from the internet when it detects a VPN drop. This protects your privacy by preventing your IP address from being exposed to other internet users. Even the best VPN service can drop connection for various reasons, so secure VPNs must include this feature. There are two main types of kill switches;
- Firewall kill switches: They work by routing all the traffic through the VPN such that, if the VPN is not working, no traffic can enter or leave your device. There are two types of firewall kill switches; one modifies the operating system’s firewall rules to disconnect the internet in the event of VPN failure. The other type is implemented in the client to prevent traffic from entering or leaving your device if the client crashes.
- Reactive kill switches: It called reactive because they react after your internet connection has dropped by disconnecting your device from the internet. This method is risky because an IP leak could occur before the kill switch reacts.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about the most secure VPN providers on the market, it’s time to choose one right for you. All the providers discussed above are excellent choices, but each has unique features that make it perfect for different types of users. If you’re looking for a provider with many servers in other locations, NordVPN is a great choice. ExpressVPN is an excellent option if you’re looking for a provider with solid security features. And if you want a provider with strict no-logs policies and robust customer support, CyberGhost is hard to beat.
No matter which provider you choose, take advantage of their free trials or money-back guarantees to test them out before committing.
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About the Author
Rebecca James is an IT consultant with forward thinking approach toward developing IT infrastructures of SMEs. She writes to engage with individuals and raise awareness of digital security, privacy, and better IT infrastructure.
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6 Best VPNs for Android Smart TV in 2023
Here is A quick list best VPN for Android Smart TV or Smart TV Box After thorough research and testi...
6 Best VPNs for Dark Web in 2023
Quick list After thorough research and reviewing various VPN providers, here’s a quick list of...
6 Best VPNs for Popcorn Time in 2023
Since the Popcorn Time app needs a P2P client, you need to use it with a VPN. here is the quick list...
10 Best VPNs for Torrenting in 2023
Quick list of best torrent VPNs Torrent sometime causes huge financial and identity theft issues. No...
