7 VPN Mistakes You Need to Avoid Making
A VPN can boost your online privacy, but there are some key pitfalls you need to avoid when using this kind of security tool.
1. Using a Free, Unreliable VPN Service
A popular myth about VPN services is that they’re all created equal. Many first-time VPN users, in particular, will pick a free service to save money. The idea of not spending anything on a valuable service can seem enticing to many, but this often comes at another cost: compromised privacy.
Some free VPN service providers are notorious for collecting and selling your data, which negates the benefit of using a VPN for anonymity. What’s more, most free VPN service providers are only able to provide you with slow or limited bandwidth, as they don't have big budgets to spend on a premium service.
So, if you’re considering opting for a free VPN, it’s important that you consider what you may have to trade for the cost of not paying a dime for the service. If you really value your privacy, it’s best to opt for a reliable VPN service provider that offers robust security features and good performance, even if it comes at a cost.
2. Ignoring Server Locations
Although the purpose of a VPN is to mask your IP address and encrypt your data and traffic, the fact is that the location of the server that you connect to through your VPN can affect your online experience. Connecting to a server that is geographically distant from your actual location can lead to slower performance and connection speeds. This can get in the way of your browsing experience.
To leverage the benefits of your VPN, make sure to evaluate and determine whether a provider’s server locations align with your needs and preferences. Prioritize VPNs with server locations that are in proximity to yours for efficient data transmission and better speeds.
3. Overestimating VPN Privacy Safeguards
VPNs can enhance your online privacy by masking your IP address and encrypting any outgoing traffic. That said, there are limitations to what a secure VPN can achieve. Not recognizing this and relying excessively on the privacy safeguards of a VPN can leave you exposed to potential cybersecurity threats.
Cookies, browser fingerprinting, and any malware that you accidentally download while on a VPN can all cause your activity to be tracked back to you. Given this, it’s important that you practice safe browsing and practices like regular cookie clearing and steering clear of potential phishing attempts.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with your VPN’s capabilities and what it can and can’t hide, so you’re able to make informed decisions about your browsing behavior and integrate better cybersecurity habits.
4. Not Using a No-Log VPN
If you’re using a VPN, it’s safe to assume that you’re looking to keep your online activity private. But what you may not know is that some VPN servers log all your internet activity. This is why it’s important to use a no-log VPN.
But a lot of VPN providers now offer no-log networks, which means your IP address or data is not collected when transmitted through the network. This keeps your browsing activity private, and it also ensures that malicious actors are unable to exploit any saved data in the event of a breach.
Ensure that a VPN service claiming to be no-log has been independently audited. This ensures that their no-log status has been verified by a third-party assessor.
5. Torrenting Without Precautions
A common reason for people to use VPN services is to access geo-restricted content. If you are using a VPN for torrenting, you can’t just connect to any server of your choice. It’s, in fact, vital that you connect to a VPN server located outside the United States to avoid complications related to DMCA notices.
If you torrent through a server located in the US, you could unintentionally fall within the purview of copyright enforcement regulations. Selecting a server in a location with more lenient laws regarding torrenting can help you avoid legal repercussions while still being able to enjoy the privacy offered by a VPN.
6. Not Using a Kill Switch
A VPN kill switch is essentially an advanced security feature that some VPN providers employ to protect your IP address from exposure in the event of your connection dropping. No matter how secure the VPN server is, there is a possibility of a connection failure. While this happens more often with low-cost or free VPNs, even secure VPNs can disconnect if you have an unstable internet connection or there is software interference.
When your connection drops, you can be disconnected from the VPN server and connected back to your home server. Both from a privacy and legal standpoint, this can have negative repercussions and pose serious cybersecurity risks. A kill switch, however, automatically detects such a change if it were to happen and blocks your device from accessing the internet. When you’ve reestablished a connection to the VPN server, the kill switch disables and restores your access to the internet.
7. Overlooking the VPN Provider’s Privacy Policy
The privacy policy is usually where the provider puts down its practices and commitments regarding data logging, storage, and sharing. Even just skimming through the document will tell you if the provider has a strict no-log policy and if there’s any chance of your data getting sold to third parties. All reputable VPN providers have a privacy policy (usually located at the bottom of their websites).
Testing Your VPN’s Security Is Crucial
The fundamental purpose of a VPN is to serve as a secure access point to a remote network. If the VPN isn’t secure, its utility and your privacy may be greatly compromised. In particular, data leaks could leave you vulnerable to exposure and various online threats and attacks.
Given this, if you are looking to use a VPN, it’s important that you take the time to test the performance of different networks and are aware of what mistakes can lead to a less secure browsing experience.
