Most people will sign up for a VPN to prevent Internet Service Providers (ISPs), cybercriminals and unreliable Wi-Fi networks from monitoring their online movements. Yes, it’s a smart move. But now, all of that traffic has to go somewhere, right?

Every website you visit and every search you run now flows through another company’s servers instead. And you actually know who’s sitting on the other end of that tunnel?

What A VPN Actually Does – And What It Doesn’t

There is often some degree of confusion around VPNs. It’s a misunderstanding that VPNs can give you some sort of invisible cloak online like something out of Harry Potter. They simply shift who can see your data.

When you don’t have a VPN, your ISP can see which sites you visit and advertisers can track you for marketing purposes. And public Wi-Fi networks? They are literally an open window for everyone to see what you’re up to.

A VPN encrypts the data and your traffic gets routed through its servers instead. Meaning, your ISP and anyone else can only see the IP address of the VPN, not yours.

It does protect you from outside threats but it also means, in theory, that the VPN provider can now see everything that your ISP used to be able to. Whether that’s a good move depends entirely on which VPN you use.

Not Every VPN Is On Your Side

Here’s where the conversation around VPNs may get a little uncomfortable. Some VPN companies – in most cases, the free ones – actively sell your data to advertisers. Even though you downloaded a tool for privacy, it’s actually doing the complete opposite.

In 2021, research was conducted on hundreds of free VPNs and it was discovered that almost all of them contained trackers and requested excessive access to your device controls. Additionally, some of them even redirected your traffic through third-party servers with no transparency regarding where your data was ending up. Alarm bells should be going off at this point.

Why do they do that? Simply because free VPNs need to make money. If users aren’t paying money for subscriptions, they’re generally paying with their data. Not really ideal.

Does that mean every paid VPN is automatically a saint? Not quite, but they at least have a business model that doesn’t require monetising your browsing habits.

What Does A “No-Logs” Claim Really Mean?

A lot of VPNs will advertise a “no-logs policy” which means that the provider will not keep records of your online activity. If the VPN servers were to ever get hacked, your data would essentially be safe.

It sound reassuring, yes. However in practice, the term is thrown around so loosely that it’s practically meaningless without verification.

The gold standard in this case is to choose a VPN provider with an independently audited no-logs policy. The more reputable companies have undergone third-party audits regarding their infrastructure and policies. Of course nothing is guaranteed, but it’s a meaningful step beyond just taking the provider’s word for it.

Things To Check Before You Commit To A VPN

The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to determine whether a VPN provider is trustworthy or not. You just need to know what to look for – and what to run from.

Pay For One

There are naturally some exceptions but free VPNs are almost always a red flag when it comes to privacy. A reputable VPN provider can cost you between £2 and £8 per month. That’s cheaper than a latte at a high-street café. Your security is worth it.

Confirm Who Owns It

There are VPNs out there who market themselves as these guardians of your privacy when they are actually owned by massive advertising conglomerates. Finding out who the parent company is of a VPN provider can tell you a lot about what they may do with your data.

Look For Audited No-Logs Policies

Don’t just look for the claim, look for real evidence. It’s very easy for a provider to claim that they have a no-logs policy and ordinary users wouldn’t generally question it. If the company has published independent security audits, they are usually a safe option.

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You have most likely seen the little shield icons or padlock logos, promising “military-grade encryption” in a free browser add-on. They make online privacy feel easy, you just need to click it, it turns green and then you’re safe.

The question is, are they actually safe to use? It depends. Some are genuinely useful. Others are little more than wolves in sheep’s clothing. The problem is, most people using them right now don’t know which category theirs falls into.

Are Browser Extensions Real VPNs?

The first thing you need to know is that a VPN browser extension and a full VPN app are not even remotely the same thing. Real VPNs route your traffic through an encrypted tunnel, including every app, every browser and every background process on your device.

A browser extension, on the other hand, only covers what happens inside that one browser window. Everything else, whether it be an email, your Spotify account or other browsers, all remain unprotected.

What most of these browser extensions are doing is called a proxy. Your visible IP address is changed, so the website thinks you are in a different location. They don’t always encrypt your Internet connection in the same way that a VPN does. Having the word “VPN” in it can naturally throw you off a bit, and it doesn’t guarantee full protection.

What You Actually Need To Be Worried About

If your browser extension is only a proxy, it’s not necessarily dangerous. Annoying, slightly. But not dangerous. What is dangerous is who is running the extension and what they are doing with your data while it’s happening.

It’s an unsettling thought, but an important one to know – browser extensions have access to a ton of information. They can see very URL you visit, what you type into online forms and the content you are looking at. In a way, it’s basically a surveillance tool that you installed yourself and are actively routing your traffic through.

Research carried out in 2019 revealed that a number of free VPN extensions on the Chrome Web Store were actually harvesting user data and selling it for profit. Most of them had millions of users. One extension, which marketed itself as a privacy tool, was actually owned by a data broker. One can see the irony there.

What Are The Red Flags To Watch Out For?

If you’re unsure of whether or not you can trust your current VPN browser extension, there are some things to look out for which will give you a good indication.

If it’s completely free with no paid option at all, it’s never a good sign. With no visible business model, you can assume that you are the product and your data is likely being sold.

There should be a published privacy policy and if there isn’t – or one with very vague language – there is a good chance they aren’t being entirely honest.

If you notice that the extension has millions of users but hardly any reviews, or far too many suspiciously glowing ones, it might be worth checking their history for verification.

Is It Worth Using VPN Browser Extensions?

By now, you are probably wondering if there is any point in using a VPN browser extension. They don’t need to be written off entirely. When used correctly, they do have real and legitimate uses.

They are ideal if say, you wanted to watch a show on a streaming platform that isn’t available yet in your country. Using a browser extension is a quick and hassle-free way to do that.

It’s also quite handy if you are using a public Wi-Fi network at a restaurant or airport and you don’t want anyone to monitor your online activities.

However, there are browser extensions from reputable VPN providers which are legitimate. These extensions have been built by companies with established reputations and proper no-log policies. That’s what you want.

Don’t Fall Into The “Free” VPN Trap

Running a VPN service costs money. The servers and bandwidth cost money. So if a VPN extension is completely free with no premium plan options, you have to ask yourself how the company is making a profit.

In most cases, it’s usually by using your data. Things like your browsing history and location are very valuable to marketers or data brokers, and all the extension company needs to is package it nicely and hand it over to them for a fee. What started as you trying to protect your online privacy ended up in you handing over your information – just more efficiently.

Of course, there are legitimate free tiers which come from the trustworthy providers. But these are the exception, not the rule. While you can generally trust the reputable providers and their free extensions, it’s the majority of the “100% free” VPN extensions that need to be avoided.

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What a lot of people don’t realise is that using a public Wi-Fi is actually one of the least secure ways to connect to the Internet. This is because public Wi-Fi is a shared or open network, meaning virtually anyone can connect just as easily as you can – even hackers and cybercriminals.

One of the ways to get around this exposure is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It keeps your online activity private, even if the network itself isn’t 100% safe.

Why Is It Risky To Use Public Wi-Fi?

The reality is that these networks are there for convenience, not security. Businesses like coffee shops and malls or airports and hotels want you to connect quickly and without hassle.

This generally – not always – means that the networks have very weak encryption, if any at all and there is minimal network monitoring happening on a regular basis. And if this is the case, it creates several risks.

Any cyber criminal with the right tools can listen in on the traffic moving between the networks, leaving your login credentials, emails or messages wide open to hear.

Fake Wi-Fi hotspots are also on the rise, a more sophisticated method that most people don’t see coming. It involves creating a fake network that appears real, such as “Free Airport Wi-Fi” and when you unknowingly connect to it, you’re handing your information right over to them.

What Does A VPN Do?

VPNs are designed to create an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. Network traffic then flows securely through this tunnel and no one can see what it is. If anyone were to be on the same Wi-Fi network as you, it would only appear as unreadable data to them.

They also hide your real IP address by using a different one, usually in another country. This adds another layer of anonymity to your online activity.

How To Securely Use Public Wi-Fi With A VPN

VPNs have proven to be one of the most secure ways to stay safe online, especially if you work online or travel frequently and can’t rely on public Wi-Fi networks.

Here is a step by step guide on how you can safely connect to a public network using a VPN.

Choose A Well-Known Provider

There are a ton of VPN providers on the market and while it’s tempting to go with the first one you find, it’s important to do your research first.

Free VPNs may appear enticing, but they usually come with a fair amount of trade-offs. Again, not all of them are bad, but generally free VPNs have very weak encryptions with limited speeds and sell your data to third parties to make a profit.

A paid, well-reviewed provider will have a no-logs policy with tight encryptions and automatic Wi-Fi protection. These are the ones that you want to go for.

Pre-Install The VPN Ahead Of Time

You shouldn’t wait until you are already connected to the public Wi-Fi network before setting up your VPN. Make sure it’s already installed on all your devices, including smartphones and laptops, before you travel.

It’s also a good idea to test it out first so that you are familiar with how it works when the time comes where you need to use it.

Connect To The VPN Before You Do Anything Else

If you need to join a public Wi-Fi, connect to the network and then immediately turn on your VPN. Once the connection has been confirmed, only then can you start securely browsing or working online.

Depending on who your provider is, you may have an auto-connect feature. It enables your VPN to turn on automatically on an untrusted network. If you do have this feature available, it’s recommended to turn it on.

Verify That The VPN Is Active

As a precautionary measure, you can check that your IP address has, in fact, changed and that your connection hasn’t dropped before you continue browsing.

This will make sure that your traffic is fully protected, especially if you are working with sensitive information.

Extra Security Tips For When You Use Public Wi-Fi

VPNs are secure in their own right, but you can always pair them with good digital habits for additional safety.

On banking apps or ones with your private information, always enable two-factor authentication which adds an additional layer of security. This comes in handy if your passwords are ever leaked.

When using a public network, turn off any file sharing settings or AirDrop on Apple devices. If they are left on, the public network can expose them and their contents.

After you have finished using the public Wi-Fi, forget the network in your Wi-Fi settings. This will prevent your device from connecting automatically without you noticing should you ever visit that area again.

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What’s a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is designed to establish a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server owned by the service provider through the internet. Thus, it ensures that every piece of information which passes through your device, going into or out of the VPN server, cannot be seen by any third party.

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What Types of Businesses Need a VPN?

Various types of organisations require virtual private networks (VPNs), especially if they are focused on securing data, privacy, and enabling smooth remote access. For example:

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Remote Work Teams

Companies having employees working remotely or groups needing safe access to company resources from various places largely rely on VPNs. Through this, sensitive information can be transmitted securely, as it is encrypted over public networks.

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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Small businesses usually have no security teams specifically assigned to handle any IT issues that arise, as well as infrastructure facilities for such purposes. Therefore, through using VPNs, it becomes easier to protect information that is transmitted within business premises and those sent outside.

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Financial Institutions

Financial institutions deal with customers’ financial details, meaning they must take care of their safety and abide by stringent laws and regulations that protect sensitive information. Therefore, the use of a VPN can be ideal, as financial transactions are encrypted when carried via virtual private networks, keeping confidential matters safe from unlawful entry.

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Healthcare Providers

Various medical facilities like hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare service providers in the UK have private patient records and confidential medical data. VPNs can assist healthcare providers in ensuring compliance with data protection laws such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR by keeping patient information secure during transmission.

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Legal Firms

When companies, such as law firms, that are often dealing with delicate legal papers, client correspondence, and case documents, can make good use of VPNs to uphold solicitor-client privilege.

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Consulting Firms

Using a VPN allows secure communication with clients and protects proprietary business information because consulting firms usually work on proprietary data, strategic plans, or intellectual property.

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Startups

As startups often are faced with limited budgets, VPNs provide a relatively inexpensive way to implement robust security measures. Furthermore, with remote teams becoming more prominent within the startup world, a VPN allows employees to securely access company resources from anywhere, ensuring that data is encrypted and secure even when using public or unsecured networks.

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Benefits of Using a VPN

Business owners who opt to use a VPN to help secure their data can see benefits, including creating unreadable data through data encryption, a hidden IP address and therefore ensuring secure cloud-network storage, among a plethora of other benefits:

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Data Encryption

To make sure nobody understands what is being transmitted apart from the intended recipient, strong encryption protocols are used by VPNs while encrypting data. In other words, if anyone tries to intercept your business’s secure information without using a decryption key but fails, then it remains unreadable.

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IP Address Hiding

One of the most common reasons why many people opt to use a VPN is that it has the ability to hide their location, assuring anonymity. The way that this works is that it makes it seem like you may be using a different device or located elsewhere, meaning that websites are unable to track your identity from website tracking cookies, etc.Ìý

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Improved Security for Cloud Services

VPN adds an additional layer of security for startups and SMEs that use cloud services for data storage and collaboration. The transmission of information between devices that occur when working on the cloud is usually encrypted, which means any sensitive corporate information saved can be kept away from potential data intruders.

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Bypassing Geographic Restrictions

Another benefit of VPNs is their ability to bypass geographic restrictions. By connecting to a VPN server located in a different country, users can access websites and online services that are geo-blocked or restricted in their own region due to censorship or licensing agreements.

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It’s easy to see the draw of free VPNs. Who wouldn’t want the online privacy and security without having to pay a single cent? But the uncomfortable truth, or what a lot of people might not realise, is that running a VPN costs money. A fair amount of it.

Developing the infrastructure, maintaining the servers and even customer support are all costly expenses. So if a VPN provider is offering the service at no cost, who is really paying the price?

Why “Free” VPNs Aren’t Always Free

Free VPN services often come with quite a few trade-offs, some of which aren’t so obvious when you first install the app. The bottom line is that these service providers still have to make a profit in some way and if they aren’t getting it from you directly, there are other ways to do so.

The most common way to make money is to sell your data to third parties, usually for advertising purposes. Or, they are full of ads which can be infected with malware, putting you and your information at risk.

The irony is that the very tool you’re using to protect yourself online could actually be doing the complete opposite of what it’s designed to do.

What Are The Risks Of Using Free VPNs?

Whether you use a VPN for casual streaming or for work purposes, it’s still necessary to know the risks that come with using a free one. It’s not to say that all free VPNs will put you at risk or that all are bad. But this information is still good to know, especially if you are debating between using a paid or free service.

Your Data Can Become The Product

The reality of most free VPNs is that your data is how they make their money. They still need revenue and since they don’t get it from user subscriptions like paid providers, they get a bit more creative.

This often means tracking your browser activity (which, yes, is a contradiction in itself), monitoring your timestamps and locations as well as logging the websites that you visit.

The level of transparency around this is generally quite blurry. Some providers may openly admit it in their privacy policy while others attempt to hide it with legal jargon that most users won’t bother reading.

And if privacy alone is your main reason for using a VPN, this is a major red flag.

Logging Policies May Be Misleading

A lot of VPNs will claim that they have a no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track what you do, but it’s another grey area for free ones.

Some free VPNs will log your IP address and track the apps and websites you visit. And because they may not prioritise transparency or audits, there’s really no way to tell what they actually do with those logs. They could be selling them to advertisers, shared with other third parties or leaked in data breaches.

Weaker Encryptions

In theory, VPNs are supposed to encrypt your traffic so that hackers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can’t see what you’re up to. But just like not all VPNs are the same, neither is encryption.

A lot of the free VPNs out there either use outdated encryption standards with weak protocols. Or, no proper encryption at all. This leaves your data vulnerable and exposed, especially when you use public Wi-Fi in airports or shopping malls.

The worst part is that some of these VPNs have frequent IP leaks, meaning your real location and activity is very visible even when you think it isn’t.

Plenty Of Pop-Ups And Ads

Since free VPNs make their money from advertising, you’ll likely encounter constant ads and pop-ups while you’re trying to browse online. Or worse, you could be redirected to sponsored websites.

And to serve you targeted ads, the VPNs have to monitor your browsing habits which defeats the whole pint of using a VPN in the first place.

Yes, ads are annoying, but they can also be risky if they contain viruses or phishing scams.

Limited Customer Support

It’s common for free VPNs to have very limited customer support – or none at all. That means no live chat or email support to help you troubleshoot issues and you’re pretty much on your own.

It can be incredibly frustrating especially if your VPN is having connection issues or interfering with other services. On the other hand, paid VPNS usually have 24/7 support and active troubleshooting.

Are Free VPNs Worth Using?

There are some reputable VPN providers who do offer limited free versions that you can either use as a basic option or a trial and these are generally fine to use for occasional browsing. This is because they will have strong privacy policies with no ads or the selling of your data.

However, if you want peace of mind that your online activities are secured, it is worth opting for a paid VPN. It doesn’t mean that you need to choose the most expensive option but a provider should be secure, accountable and transparent. In most cases, free VPNs will rarely tick all three of these boxes.

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You may notice the video quality decline significantly during peak viewing hours. Or some content isn’t even available in your region. It’s frustrating but that’s where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come in.

A VPN connects you to the Internet through servers in another location, often a different country, instead of where you actually are at that time. For streaming, it means two things. You can access content that may otherwise be geographically restricted and the streaming experience becomes much smoother, even during peak hours.

What Actually Matters In A VPN For Streaming?

Most VPN providers position themselves as ones that offer advanced security features and tight encryptions. While these things are important, streaming has its own set of requirements.

If you want to choose a VPN for streaming specifically, here’s what you need to look out for.

Speeds for HD and 4k: Streaming can be absolutely painful if your VPN’s speeds can’t accommodate it. You’ll likely experience constant buffering, issues with the sound and it could even disconnect mid-episode, which nobody wants.

Consistent access to streaming platforms: Streaming services are known to actively block VPNs but a reputable VPN will regularly update its IP addresses and constantly make sure that users can access the popular platforms.

Compatibility with multiple devices: You can stream from just about any device nowadays and a good VPN should be able to accommodate this whether you want to watch on your smartphone while travelling, a smart TV or even a game console.

Can VPNs Prevent Internet Throttling?

During busy hours when the Internet is flooded with users, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will often intentionally slow down certain types of traffic. Unfortunately for those who stream often, streaming is one of the first things to be affected.

When your connection gets throttled, the video quality can drop significantly or buffer constantly which will disrupt your streaming.

One of the things that a VPN does is encrypt your traffic, forcing it into a private tunnel. Nobody, not even your ISP, can see what you’re doing online. And if that happens to be streaming, your ISP can’t see that you’re doing it and it makes it that much harder to throttle it.

It won’t necessarily increase the speed of your broadband but it does help to keep your streaming more consistent, especially if you live in a densely-populated area or in a multi-person household.

The Best VPNs For Streaming

Not every VPN is good for streaming. Some are slower than others and some aren’t worth what you pay for. If one works today, there’s no guarantee that it will work tomorrow. So which ones are worth considering if you regularly want to use one for streaming purposes? Let’s get into it.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN has a reputation for consistently performing across all of the major streaming platforms out there. This is because they often update their IP addresses and optimise their servers for streaming specifically. It’s fast and supports 4K streaming, even during those busy hours when everyone is online.

While some of their advanced features may not be necessary for the casual viewers, they are ideal for users who want reliability for their overall streaming experience.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN focuses on their speeds and reliability across devices, both of which are pretty consistent particularly for streaming live sports or in 4K. It’s known to be one of the fastest VPNs on the market, especially on fibre connections and offers access to platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Sky Go.

While they are pricier than some of their competitors, it suits customers who don’t mind paying a little extra for premium performance and no setup hassles.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs with premium service and it certainly doesn’t feel cheap at all. Their biggest selling point is that they offer unlimited device connections meaning you pay only one subscription but all of your devices are covered, including phones, laptops, tablets and TVs.

While their servers can occasionally get congested, they are a perfect option for families or budget-conscious users who still want strong performance without the price tag.

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a little different to its competitors, developed by the same team who created Proton Mail, known for its secure email privacy. While they emphasise privacy and security first and foremost, their paid plans still offer a solid streaming performance.

However, their free version does not unblock UK streaming but if you are a privacy-conscious user who doesn’t mind upgrading for streaming, it’s a solid option.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost takes a whole new approach to streaming, labelling its servers by streaming platform. When you connect, you’ll actually see options like “Netflix UK” or “Disney+” which does help if you are new to VPNs and they can support most HD and 4K streaming.

While the more advanced users may find it a bit limiting, it’s great for the VPN beginners who just want the simplest, easiest path to stream content.

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And the statistics are quite alarming. Cloudflare reported over 10.3 million DDoS attacks up until the third quarter of 2025. It’s a sharp increase from the 21.3 million attacks in 2024. So why the increase? It’s because launching these attacks have become much easier and cheaper, with no elite hacking skills required.

In fact, in some corners of the dark web, you could actually rent a DDoS attack that costs the same as a takeaway pizza. So is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) the answer for security? Where does its protection actually begin and end? Let’s get into it.

What Are DDoS Attacks?

DDoS attacks happen when thousands of devices, sometimes even millions, send a huge amount of traffic to one target simultaneously. These devices are usually made up of a network of hacked computers and phones that are controlled by the attacker.

It’s not like phishing attempts where the goal is to steal your data. The objective is to overwhelm. Your website or network becomes so flooded with fake traffic that real users can’t actually access it.

As a result, websites slow down and you lose out on sales and revenue – even your reputation is at stake if your downtime takes too long.

Where Do VPNs Come In?

VPNs are used primarily to keep your online activities anonymous. They do this by hiding your real IP address because they use a server in a different location, usually a different country to where you actually are.

In order for DDoS attacks to happen successfully, your IP address is targeted. Attackers need to know where you are in order to be able to send the flood of traffic to that location. But if a VPN is masking your IP address, it makes it much harder for them to find you and disrupt your business.

How VPNs Protect Against DDoS Attacks

Using a VPN is not a foolproof way to protect yourself from DDoS attacks and they usually are just one layer of your security efforts. But here are some of the ways that they can help safeguard you from these kinds of attacks.

They Hide Your IP Address

Concealing your IP address is the biggest form of protection that VPNs can offer. When you use one, hackers can’t see what your real IP is and any traffic they try to send goes straight to the VPN’s server, not yours.

This alone is enough to stop most attacks before they even start. If attackers can’t find your real address, it’s a shot in the dark. For freelancers working remotely or small businesses managing their own servers, it’s incredibly useful to be using a VPN.

VPN Providers Filter Internet Traffic

The reputable VPN providers out there run massive distributed networks that are designed to manage huge volumes of traffic. If a DDoS attack were to hit one of their servers, it would be detected and removed while legitimate traffic would be prioritised.

These kinds of attacks could knock a business offline completely but they likely wouldn’t even register as a problem for the provider because they are better equipped to handle it.

They Add A Layer Of Anonymity

Hackers are often deterred by the anonymity which VPNs give you online. It’s easier for them to go after easy targets with known IPs and predictable network setups.

If they can’t identify that with you, they’re more likely to move onto someone else.

Do VPNs Have Limitations?

VPNs are helpful yes, but they are not truly invincible. They don’t protect servers that you host publicly, whether it be a public website or cloud-hosted service. Your server’s IP is already known to the public so even if you have a VPN on your personal device, it can’t stop a DDoS attack on that server.

To prevent this, you would need either dedicated DDoS protection or use a firewall.

It’s also worth noting that very large attacks can still cause disruptions. Sometimes your VPN server will slow down or the connection gets disrupted temporarily. This is why it’s worth paying for a reliable VPN service because free VPNs don’t have the required infrastructure to handle attack traffic.

So are VPNs worth it for DDoS protection? They can’t stop every attack that happens, no tool can do that alone just yet. But they can reduce your exposure to these attacks, making you a less attractive target.

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But if your VPN can see your traffic, does that mean your VPN provider can actually see what you do online? It’s a bit of a grey area, considering a lot of providers make promises of zero logs and complete privacy.

Put simply, there are things they can see and things they can’t. There are also certain protocols that a reputable provider should follow, which less-reputable ones are not likely to do. Here is what you need to know and how to tell the difference between the two.

The Purpose Of A VPN For Online Privacy

VPNs have three main tasks that all play a role in securing your online browsing. The first thing that they do is encrypt your Internet traffic so that outsiders can’t see which websites you visit.

Then, they hide your real IP address by using their server’s address instead and your true location becomes unknown.

Lastly, your traffic is confined to a secure server, almost like a tunnel, before it reaches its final destination being the website that you want to visit.

Can A VPN See Your Online Activity?

Technically yes, a VPN can see your online activity to a certain extent. But it also depends on who your service provider is. Before you panic, here is a closer look at what specifically they can see, and what they can’t.

Things They Can See

Your VPN service provider will be able to see what your real IP address is because you have to connect to their server from your physical location. They can also see which VPN server you choose to connect to as well as the timestamp of your connection so every time you log in or out.

If they do keep logs, then they will also be able to see the exact websites that you visit.

Things They Can’t See

VPNs won’t be able to see private information such as your passwords and what you actually do on the websites that you visit or any payment details.

If the website itself is encrypted with HTTPS, which most are nowadays, its content won’t be visible either.

The Issue Of Logging Policies

A lot of VPN service providers will advertise themselves as no-log services. But of course, this can mean wildly different things depending on who the company is.

Reputable providers will not keep track of your search history and websites you visited nor the files you download or your IP address. They wouldn’t even store your timestamps or the amount of bandwidth you used per session.

On the other hand, some companies will keep a record of your IP address, browsing activity, usage patterns and all those things that leave a trail. Typically, these companies are the ones who offer free VPN services.

Why?

Often, they sell this data to third-party companies for advertising purposes in order for them to still make a profit without charging for their VPN services. Remember, if you’re not paying for a product, you become the product.

Choosing A VPN That Won’t Track You

The honest truth is that some VPNs, especially the free and low-budget ones, often do collect your data. Others might store some information like your usage and connection times but these don’t really identify you as a user. The VPNs who are privacy-first will collect nothing that is actually identifiable.

So the question you should really be asking is does yourÌýVPN track your activity?

If you’re unsure or you are still in the processing of choosing a service provider, here’s what you need to know.

Choose a paid VPN: 90% of free VPNs will track you so choosing a paid plan with a legitimate provider will save you most of the stress.

Look for independent no-log audits: If there aren’t any audits available, it’s a sign that they are logging some kind of information.

Read the privacy policy: This will give you a clear indication of what the company does with your data. If there is any mention of sharing it with trusted partners or storing logs for security purposes, that’s a red flag which means they will likely track you.

It all comes down to choosing the right provider to give you peace of mind when securely browsing the Internet. No, VPNs are not magical invisibility cloaks, but they can protect you if they are trustworthy.

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It’s the reason why you can browse online, shop or bank securely without having your information compromised. And since cyber threats are on the rise, using a VPN is your safest option whether you work remotely or want to browse online in your personal time.

So how does the encryption work? Let’s get into what happens from the moment you click to connect your VPN.

Why Do Users Need Encryption?

Security wasn’t really an issue in the early days when the Internet was still new. Certainly not like it is today, with almost 50% of UK businesses being targeted in cyber attacks. So in the past, most of the Internet traffic was sent as plaintext, meaning that it was easily readable.

That is no longer feasible in today’s digital landscape because the chances of interception are so high. When there is confidential information involved, it’s simply not worth the risk.

Instead, the process of encryption happens. An algorithm and an encryption key work together to convert the plaintext into a type of secret code, or ciphertext. If someone were to try intercept the traffic after this process, the data would be a jumbled mess and make no sense.

It also works the reverse way around known as decryption. When you use the correct key, the ciphertext can be converted back to readable plaintext again.

The Encryption Tunnel

VPNs don’t just encrypt your data, they also create a secure tunnel for it. Think of this passage as a link between your device and the VPN server.

When traffic leaves your device, it becomes encrypted and enters the tunnel. As it travels through the public Internet, it stays inside until it gets to its final destination.

Nobody, not even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see what that data is.

Cryptography 101: The Algorithms Behind The Lock

VPNs are heavily reliant on encryption algorithms. These can be divided into two categories of key-based encryption which work together.

Symmetric-Key Encryption

Symmetric encryption is fast and good for encrypting a vast amount of data, which is why it handles the bulk of data protection. It will use the same exact key when it encrypts the plaintext and for decrypting the ciphertext.

Most VPNs use an algorithm called the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). The AES is able to create such a massive key space that it’s virtually impossible for even supercomputers to try and guess the key.

Asymmetric-Key Encryption

The role of asymmetric encryption is to exchange the symmetric key securely. It does this by using two keys, a public key and a private key. The public key, which is shared with everyone, is used to encrypt the data.

On the other hand, the private key remains confidential and is used for decrypting the data.

Because it’s slower than symmetric encryption, it’s not used to encrypt the actual browsing data.

The Link Between The Two

Once the VPN is in use, its server and your device will determine which cryptographic standard to use – usually the AES. The VPN server then has to send a digital certificate with its public key in order for its identity to be successfully verified.

Your device will use the public key to encrypt a message which is sent back to the server. Using its private key, the server is able to decrypt it and from there, both sides determine which final symmetric key will be used for the remainder of your session.

This process is to ensure that session keys are completely unique and temporary for every VPN connection. So even if a hacker was able to access the server’s private key, they still wouldn’t be able to decode past sessions.

How Is The Protected Data Packaged?

When you connect to your VPN, your device will note your request such as visiting a website, which goes inside a locked box by using AES encryption. This is to make sure that the data inside the box is unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the key.

Then the encapsulation process starts. Your encrypted data is then wrapped in a new layer and given a “label.” This label isn’t the final destination, being the website you want to visit, but rather the address of the VPN server.

The locked box with the VPN server’s address is then transferred over the Internet. Anybody outside the tunnel, including your ISP and network observers, only see that your device is communicating with the VPN server. What they can’t see is the content inside the box that is now private nor the true final destination of where it’s headed.

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They certainly are a tempting alternative to your traditional VPNs which only work with centralised servers. These, on the other hand, connect through a network of other users’ devices. Sure, they do come with faster speeds and most times, free access. But are they completely safe?

Well, when you connect to these networks, you essentially become part of the network. Which means you’re not only sharing your bandwidth with strangers, but also your IP address. This doesn’t mean you need to write P2P VPNs off completely, but rather know exactly what happens with your information.

How Do Peer-To-Peer VPNs Work?

With traditional VPNs, the server you connect to is owned by one provider. So when your data travels through that server, it’s encrypted and no one else can see what you do online.

With P2P VPNs, there is no central server. Your data will be routed through someone else’s device and likewise, their traffic will go through yours. It’s almost like crowdfunding but for VPNs. Every user has to contribute bandwidth and it forms a distributed system for everyone.

But when it comes to file sharing specifically, there are definitely some privacy concerns.

Why Do People Use It For File Sharing?

For someone who often has to upload and download files, especially large ones, P2P VPNs are appealing. And there are a couple of good reasons for this.

Speed: With this kind of VPN, traffic is routed through peoples’ devices who are nearby as opposed to a server which could be far away. Because the distance is now significantly reduced, you can have faster speeds compared to an ordinary VPN.

No single control: There is no one company in charge, who could monitor your activity or store your data.

It’s cheaper or free: A lot of these VPNs work on a credit-sharing system instead of you having to pay for a subscription. You can end up paying less, or nothing at all.

Safety Concerns You Should Be Aware Of

In theory, there are advantages to using P2P VPNs for file sharing. But there are also significant risks especially when it comes to your privacy.

Others Can See Your IP Address

Since your devices would be used to route other users’ traffic, this would mean that your IP address is also used. And if you don’t know who is using your IP address, you don’t know what they could be doing online.

If it were anything illegal, it would be traced back to you and not them, leaving you with legal issues even if you weren’t involved.

The Level Of Encryption Can Vary

Ordinary VPNs have to use well-known, approved encryption protocols to ensure proper security and privacy. But for P2P VPNs, the standard of encryption largely depends on how well the system was designed by its developers.

Some of the encryption methods may not even be properly tested by cybersecurity experts so you can’t be certain that you’re getting industry-standard encryption when you use a P2P VPN.

Customer Support Isn’t Available

When you use a traditional VPN, your service provider will offer customer support to help you if things go wrong. Whether your IP is leaked or your account is compromised, they can usually take swift action to resolve it.

With P2P VPNs, you are entirely on your own. There is no team or company who can take responsibility for issues.

Should You Use A P2P VPN For File Sharing?

While this type of VPN sounds great on paper, it’s a bit different in practice. Specifically for file sharing, it’s still a bit too risky given that this technology is still very young and unregulated. Security protocols and trust can definitely be developed over time and in the future, it could very well be a safe option.

Until then, there is no guarantee that your IP address won’t be misused and you have zero control over who routes their data through your devices.

For now, a paid VPN is is ideal for safe and secure file sharing especially if the service provider has a no-logs policy and strong encryptions.

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