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VPN security: Are VPNs safe and secure?
Reliable VPNs deliver robust online security and give you more digital privacy.
What is VPN security?
A VPN (virtual private network) is an internet security service that enhances your online safety and privacy by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. While antivirus software defends your device from threats, a VPN secures your internet connection from the moment you connect to a VPN server. Your data becomes unreadable to snoopers, hackers, and internet service providers.
How secure is a VPN?
Whether a VPN is secure depends on your chosen provider. Reliable VPNs use strong protocols and don’t track or sell your browsing data to third parties. However, cheap or free VPN services often cut corners to profit at any cost. They have poor security infrastructures, bombard you with ads, and may even sell your data to advertisers.
While a VPN gives you a secure connection and hides your IP for more privacy, it typically can’t prevent cookie tracking, viruses, or malware infections. That said, VPN providers like NordVPN offer additional cybersecurity features like Threat Protection Pro™ that do more to keep you safe. Additionally, NordVPN is trusted by millions of users, including cybersecurity experts, worldwide — so you know you’re in good hands.
What features make a safe and secure VPN?
Here are the most important security features a reliable VPN provider must have.
Robust data encryption
VPN encryption creates a secure “tunnel” that connects your computer to the internet through a remote server. The “tunnel” is protected with something called Advanced Encryption Standard, or AES-256, one of the best encryption algorithms available. What makes it so great? For one, it’s used to defend several government organizations around the world and is highly recommended by several cybersecurity experts.
Is NordVPN safe?
NordVPN is a secure and reliable VPN provider trusted by millions of users worldwide. Let’s look at what makes NordVPN so valued and the security features it offers.
NordVPN uses robust protocols (like OpenVPN and NordLynx) to give you a fast and secure internet connection. OpenVPN is known worldwide for its security and reliability, while WireGuard®-based NordLynx delivers blazing speeds without compromising your online safety.
Threat Protection Pro™ is an additional cybersecurity feature that functions like an ad blocker, tracker blocker, and malware scanner. Threat Protection Pro™ also stops you from accidentally landing on unsafe websites by detecting and blocking malicious URLs.
NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor scans the shadier parts of the internet for leaked credentials that may belong to you. If it comes across a leaked database with your login information, it will alert you so you can change the passwords of your accounts instantly.
Split tunneling allows you to split your VPN connection in a way that works for you. You can choose which apps don’t need VPN protection while keeping an encrypted connection on others. Available on Windows and Android.
NordVPN’s auto-connect feature makes sure you never forget to turn on your VPN protection. It automatically connects to a VPN server whenever you join a Wi-Fi network. So whether you’re using a public hotspot or hopping on your own Wi-Fi, your data stays safe.
Traveling to a more restrictive region? Hide the fact that you’re using VPN protection with obfuscated servers. This action changes your data packets, so tools that are meant to block VPN traffic let it pass.
Browse the net with an extra layer of privacy, thanks to Double VPN servers. Once you connect to a Double VPN server, it reroutes your connection through two VPN servers instead of one. So your data gets encrypted twice and your IP changes two times.
Enjoy the benefits of both a VPN and the Onion network. When you connect to Onion Over VPN, your traffic goes through one of our servers, then passes through an Onion network, and only then reaches the internet. No need for a specialized browser.
Want a lightweight option for online protection? Check out NordVPN’s browser extensions and browse with confidence. Autoconnect, hide your real IP and virtual location, block ads and dangerous websites, and use the split tunneling feature to manage which website’s traffic gets encrypted.
Why do you need a secure VPN?
Online privacy, security, freedom, and so much more.
Your online activities are your business. Don’t let strangers, advertisers, or your ISP snoop on your every online move.
Protect your personal information from criminals with robust encryption. Avoid scams and malware with Threat Protection Pro™.
Travel without leaving your sofa. Connect to one of NordVPN’s 6800+ ultra-fast servers in 111 locations and enjoy more internet freedom.
No more intrusive ads or annoying pop-ups. Enjoy security and speed with a secure and lightning-fast VPN.
What are some VPN security issues and threats?
VPN security issues typically come with cheap or free VPNs. While paid VPNs provide reliable services they charge customers for, free VPNs have to make money in other ways. Some of them collect your data and sell it to third-party advertisers, while others skimp on ensuring secure and functioning infrastructure. This way, they’re prone to IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.
Frequently asked questions
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