What is a VPN Kill Switch and How Does it Work?

Last updated: November 1, 2024 Reading time: 3 minutes
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VPN Kill Switch And How Does It Work

Numerous internet users have now observed the possible risk of online data exposure to ISPs or cybercriminals. Thus, a VPN service is a solution for those worried about online security and privacy.

Unfortunately, the most steady and consistent VPN connections can sometimes halt. When this problem arises, the user is, by default, connected to the regular connection. However, this could be unsafe as it shows your IP address.

To avoid this situation, the IT specialist has introduced a feature. It directly turns off the internet connection if it senses disruptions in a VPN connection. This advanced VPN feature is known as a VPN kill switch.

Let’s look at this advanced feature in-depth, ensuring more internet security and privacy.

What is a VPN kill switch?

A VPN kill switch is a significant part of the VPN security solution. It should be ranked as a top feature when you search for the best torrent VPN. This innovative feature is also known as the “Internet Kill Switch.” This feature assures users that their IP address will never be exposed, even if the VPN connection fails.

This feature is for both torrent downloaders and BitTorrent users. No one wants their IP address and location exposed to the torrent group.

The kill switch prevents you from accessing an unsecured and unsafe internet connection, especially when a VPN does not forward online traffic data.

Users with increased demand for stable internet privacy protection value appreciate the kill switch feature. This comprises journalists, bloggers, activists, and business owners who keep business secrets and usually live in authoritarian states. Regular torrent users are concerned about their internet privacy and want to hide their real identities, so they should choose a VPN offering a kill switch.

How does it work?

The Virtual Private Network kill switch works like a tripwire. It continuously observes the internet connection for any change in the status or IP address. For instance, if a VPN connection fails, the kill switch will block your system from connecting to the internet while waiting for the VPN connection to be restored.

It reacts so quickly to block the internet connection and doesn’t allow the computer system to reconnect to the internet again.

How to find out if a VPN has a kill switch

If you want to know whether your VPN has a built-in kill switch, you must carefully read the VPN FAQs. You can also go through their features. However, some VPNs advertise the kill switch feature more profoundly than others. Therefore, if you are having difficulty searching for the automatic kill switch feature, contact the VPN customer support and ask them about it.

Advantages of VPN kill switch

The internet speed was relatively low when the idea of a VPN was fresh and first-hand. Moreover, the connections were unstable. Having a kill switch means you remain disconnected from the internet for several hours.

These problems are now less common. If you use an accessible VPN/proxy server, you may have issues connecting to the Internet. If you use an excellent VPN service, then it will cause a small hiccup when browsing.

The essential advantage of using an automatic Virtual Private Network kill switch is that it provides additional security and protection to users while torrenting. Also, when the VPN connection drops, when a VPN Kill Switch is integrated into the application, there is no chance of your IP address getting exposed.

VPN Killswitch is a valuable feature. It increases your privacy and security by protecting DNS leaks and your IP from exposure.

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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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