Are VPNs safe?
Yes, VPNs are mostly safe, legal, and available to anyone who wants to protect the data they send over the internet — but only if you use a reliable VPN provider.
When you use a VPN, your data travels through the VPN server, where it gets encrypted before heading to its final destination. This encryption ensures your information stays private and away from prying eyes. A premium VPN provider encrypts your data securely, sends it swiftly so you don’t notice any slowdown, and doesn’t keep logs of your online activity.
NordVPN is known as one of the most secure VPN services because it not only meets all of the above standards but also offers advanced tools for extra protection. Strong NordVPN security has been proven by independent assessments, including the most recent ones like the NordVPN app security test by Cure53 and the AV-Comparatives anti-phishing test that assessed NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ solution.
These external audits serve as essential validation, but in reality, they just confirm what we have already established internally. Audits don't create security — they only confirm it. True safety comes from the architecture itself, meaning it must be built into the code from day one, not fixed later.
That is why at NordVPN, we don't just release a feature because it sounds good on paper. We only launch technology after it has survived our own rigorous internal stress-testing. If the engineering doesn't hold up, the product doesn't go out to the public.
So what can you do? Don't just take a company’s word for it — verify. I encourage every user to actually look for these public audit summaries. If a VPN provider claims to be secure but isn't willing to show you independent proof, you shouldn't trust it with your data.
What makes a VPN secure?
Choosing the right VPN requires understanding the specific features that make it trustworthy.
1. Strong encryption
A high-quality service uses VPN encryption like AES-256, known for its virtually unbreakable level of protection. This technology provides a secure connection even on public networks.
2. Secure VPN protocols
Security-conscious VPNs use secure protocols to ensure a stable and safe connection. The WireGuard VPN protocol has become the new industry standard because it strikes a great balance between speed and security. NordVPN has even developed a protocol called NordLynx based on it.
However, the standard version had privacy limitations we weren’t comfortable with, which is why we engineered NordLynx to deliver WireGuard’s benefits without compromising our customers’ privacy.
3. Key management
Effective management of encryption keys is crucial for security, and one of the best approaches is a system called perfect forward secrecy. It ensures that each session creates a unique key, so even if one key is compromised, it won’t impact past or future sessions.
4. No tracking of your online activities
A trustworthy service shouldn’t track what you do online, meaning it doesn’t store information about your online activity.
5. Account security
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) gives your account an extra layer of protection. Reliable VPNs also take server security and authentication seriously to keep your credentials and information safe.
6. Secure server infrastructure
A dependable VPN relies on a solid server setup to keep user data secure. Key elements of this include:
- RAM-only servers. These servers don’t use traditional hard drives. Instead, all data is stored in volatile memory that wipes clean when powered off, reducing data retention risks.
- Colocated servers. VPN providers that own and fully control their server hardware (rather than renting from third parties) have tighter oversight of server security, limiting vulnerabilities from external access or tampering.
7. Third-party security audits
Regular audits from third-party firms confirm that the provider adheres to its privacy policies and has strong security practices. Reputable providers share audit reports publicly, building trust with users.
8. Code audits
Some VPNs encourage penetration testers, cybersecurity researchers, or even advanced users to test for vulnerabilities. For example, you’ll find Nord Security on the HackerOne platform, where any expert can help identify potential security issues.
What VPN benefits keep you safe and private online?
Using a VPN helps secure your entire digital experience. Here’s how the benefits of a VPN can keep you safe and private whenever you go online.
- Data encryption. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it, including hackers, your ISP, or even government agencies.
- IP address protection. VPNs change your real IP address, creating a layer of privacy that stops sites and trackers from identifying your virtual location and ISP. When you connect to a VPN, they see only the IP of the VPN server.
- Secure public Wi-Fi. VPNs are invaluable for public Wi-Fi use. Networks at cafes, airports, and hotels are vulnerable and often lack adequate protection. VPNs protect you from hackers who might be lurking on these networks. With the rise in remote work, VPNs also provide an essential security layer for accessing company networks for remote users.
- Secure access to content. A VPN masks your real IP address and routes your connection through a secure server, letting you access websites and information as if you’re browsing from another location. This encrypted tunnel keeps your activity private and protects your data from snooping or blocking by networks and third parties.
- Protection from online tracking. VPNs help prevent tracking by websites, advertisers, and search engines by masking your IP address and using encryption to obscure your online activity. NordVPN also offers an advanced online protection solution Threat Protection Pro™ that includes a tracker blocker that prevents third parties from tracking your browsing activity.
- Connection drop protection. A VPN Kill Switch automatically cuts off your internet if the secure VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing your data from leaking and keeping your information safe until the connection is restored.
- Protection against DDoS attacks. A DDoS attack floods your IP address with fake traffic to slow down or crash your connection. When you use a VPN, your real IP stays hidden because your traffic goes through a secure VPN server — so attackers hit the VPN server instead of you, keeping your connection stable.
- Safer online transactions. While a VPN doesn’t directly secure the payment systems of banks or online services, it does encrypt your internet connection, which can protect you from hackers when using public Wi-Fi. It also shields your IP address, reducing the risk of attacks or fraud while you're browsing or making purchases. However, the key to secure transactions still lies in using trusted services with strong security measures.
- Protection from cybersecurity threats. Some VPNs offer built-in malware protection, which can block access to known malicious websites or prevent downloads of harmful files. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ includes a whole set of security and privacy tools like an ad blocker, tracker blocker, and malware protection. According to internal research, Threat Protection Pro™ stops as many as 43.2 billion trackers per month.
Are there any dangers in using a VPN?
While VPNs are generally safe, some free VPNs, compared to paid VPN providers, may lack certain key features that premium VPNs offer for better security and privacy. Here are a few potential concerns:
- 1.Log your data or even sell it to third parties. If a service is free, don't expect any privacy at all. No service provider has the incentive to maintain secure infrastructure and get nothing in exchange.
- 2.Potential data leaks. Some free VPN services may have weak security that could expose your data during your connection.
- 3.Outdated protocols. Free VPNs might use outdated encryption methods, which makes it easier for hackers to crack your security.
- 4.Legal consequences. Using a VPN to bypass government restrictions or access prohibited content can have legal repercussions, especially in countries where VPN use is restricted or monitored. This could result in fines or other legal issues.
- 5.Data interception by VPN provider. While VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, your data still passes through the provider’s servers. If the provider is untrustworthy, logs user activity, or uses weak encryption protocols, your data could be accessed, logged, or exposed during transmission, compromising your privacy.
When shouldn’t I use a VPN? When it violates local laws or regulations in countries like China, Russia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran, Turkey, Oman, North Korea, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Ethiopia, using a VPN could have legal consequences. Always check local laws to ensure you're compliant.
Even though VPNs are legal to use in most countries, we recommend visiting this guide on VPN bans to learn more.
Online security starts with a click.
Stay safe with the world’s leading VPN
