Top Ten VPN Myths Busted
As the World Wide Web evolves, so does the conceptions and myths about it! When the users are being confronted with so many technological innovations related to the Internet, this is but natural. VPN is one such example, and there is no shortage in VPN myths.
A Virtual Private Network lets you connect securely and anonymously to the web using a proxy ID and you can bypass geographical limitations imposed on web content. The remote server that you connect to using a VPN cannot trace your PC’s real id. With time, more users are pressing the key (pun intended) for VPN, but a lot of them believe in certain misconception and myths about it. To make you safer and more educated about the topic, we have listed 10 of the questions we have been asked here on TheVPN Guru over time and compiled them into an article.
Top 10 VPN Myths Exposed
Top 10 VPN Myths Busted
Below listed are top myths surrounding VPNs and the raw truth on those myths:
VPN Myth 1: A VPN is all you need for online security
It is not true. While a VPN gives you online anonymity you cannot really rely blindly on it to safeguard your PC from all types of malware. You still need to use security software to safeguard the PC from malware invasion and phishing attacks. Just look at what happened to the Democrats during the 2016 presidential election. Make sure your password is not password!
VPN Myth 2: A VPN shields you from online threats
Using a VPN does not really make your PC immune to online risks. If you visit a malware infested website when using a VPN, your PC can very well get affected. The threats like keyloggers and malware sent through email attachments can still affect your PC. A lot depends on your online activities and the way you access, browse and download content, with or without VPN does not make much difference.
VPN Myth 3: I don’t shop online or use Internet casually, so I don’t need a VPN
A prevalent concept about VPN is that it is only useful for geeks and network administrators. It is true that tech savvy users can benefit more from using a VPN. But that does not mean average web users should not use it. VPN does offer you online anonymity and adds to the layer of protection to an extent. You may need it to access web content that you cannot avail using the regular method, after all.
VPN Myth 4: VPNs are simply too tough to configure
This depends on what VPN app or software you use. You will find a lot of VPN apps, especially free VPNs that need little or no setup. These days, there is almost no VPN left without free apps and/or browser plugins. They can be used by those who are not adept in web technologies easily. Even if you find configuring a VPN for your home or office network tough, there are so many useful resources available on the web.
VPN Myth 5: All VPNs are essentially the same
While VPNs are based on the same technology and aim, they differ quite a lot. For example, you can find VPNs with varying levels of encryption. It is safe to use those that have 128 bit encryption and higher is better. Then there are VPNs meant for Intranets in corporate setups. These are not like regular VPN apps. Not all VPNS use same connection methods as well. The top methods are OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP.
VPN Myth 6: Using a VPN can slow down my Internet connection
This is possibly the most commonplace myth about VPN. It is true this happens sometimes but you cannot take this as a thumb rule. One important factor is the location of the remote server that you are using to connect to a website. VPNs route the connection through remote and dedicated servers and so sometimes you may experience the connection lagging. Another factor is the quality of the Internet connection on the VPN service provider users. You can overcome such issues by using different VPN providers, or pre-checking reviews.
VPN Myth 7: A free VPN is stellar enough
This depends on your usage needs and what service you use. Some free VPNs are outstanding and they suffice for casual web users. But the same cannot be said about all free VPN service providers. Remember, if you are a heavy web user, a free VPN can seem to be a bottleneck as it may have bandwidth restrictions. MORE importantly, a decent VPN infrastructure does cost quite a lot to maintain, so it wonders me how a free VPN provider can cope with that. I do have my doubts that user info is being sold.
You can try the paid VPN services for free for a trial period and most entities offer this option. Then you can make up your mind on which one to use. It is like choosing between Twizzlers and Red Vines but going with Red Vines is always the smartest move!
VPN Myth 8: TOR is similarly safe as VPN
This can be quite dicey. Tor or BitTorrent is a popular data and file sharing network that has some of the operating principles of VPN. But it is not as safe as VPN. In a VPN, your original Internet ID is masked but in case of Tor, you have to be online in standard method and then access it. So, if you actually want more online anonymity, a VPN is a better bet than using TOR. VPN also provides more stability in network speeds than TOR.
VPN Myth 9: Using a VPN makes you totally untraceable
This may or may not be true, based on certain parameters. Not all VPN service providers refrain from logging user’s data. You should go through the VPN service provider’s privacy policy before signing up for its service. If the VPN entity assigns you a unique ID, tracing you becomes easier. However, if it works by giving multiple users the same ID, the anonymity is greater. More importantly, depending on what you are doing online. If you really want to to hide your trace there are other things to consider :
- Use bitcoins for online transactions
- Use a logless email provider
- Use a browser in incognito mode always
- Use data SIMs that are not traceable to the purchaser
- Do not use main stream browsers
- Use search engines that do not track users such as duckduckgo.com.
VPN Myth 10: All VPN services logging users are bad
It is true that most VPN service providers, notably those come for free, indulge in logging users data to an extent. While you have every reason to be worried about excessive activity and data logging by an online service provider, it is not always for nefarious reasons. Not all VPN service providers log your data to sell it to third party entities, as it is. Sometimes, they may log data to figure out problems in their service and network issues. This in turn helps them in optimizing connection speed and enables seamless access to web resources.
Best VPN Services Reviewed
Based on facts and figures, rather than myths, we have reviewed a wide range of VPN providers. At the top of our priorities where VPN security, privacy, server speed, and online anonymity. Here’s a list of the best VPN services you can use, both in terms of protecting your privacy and bypassing geo-restrictions.
- Best for streaming and privacy
- High speed servers in 160 VPN locations
- Works for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
- 24/7/ live chat support
- 3 extra months free on annual plan
- UltraHD streaming
- Free Smart DNS proxy
- Unblocks all major streaming services
- Limited Time 72% Discount
- Unlimited VPN connections
- Over 1000 servers
- Ad-blocking feature available
- User-friendly application
- Exclusive Smart VPN feature
- Standalone Smart DNS subscription available
- Extra security features
- Extensions for Firefox and Chrome
- Split-tunneling available
Top 10 VPN Myths Busted – The Bottom Line
Using a VPN does boost your security level, but ultimately a lot depends on your online activities. Selecting the right VPN app is also vital, as is using suitable PC security software at all times along with it. Not all VPNs are same, but using a VPN is eventually beneficial for any user. Sort of like watching the movie Blackhat, everyone can take something positive from that movie.
Related Posts
About The Author
William Reeves
A technical wizard of 10 year experience. Certified in Linux, Ethical Hacking and all sorts of technical stuff . I did work on projects around the world worth millions of dollars. My aim is to free you the reader from location restrictions and protect your privacy.
Add a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I use a piece of software , NZ originated, called mailwasher, for eliminating spam. Mailwasher offers ab “incognito” type facility which masks your IP. Have you any views on it?