In today’s digital age, ensuring online privacy and security is more critical than ever. Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have become popular tools for safeguarding one’s personal information online. However, along with their growing use, numerous myths about VPN have emerged, leading to misconceptions about their capabilities and limitations.
In this quick guide, we separate fact from fiction and debunk some of the most common VPN myths out there. Only then can you make an informed decision about whether a VPN is right for you.
Let’s get right to it!
Common VPN myths and the truth behind them
Myth 1: VPNs slow down your Internet connection
While not entirely a VPN myth, this misconception is often exaggerated. Yes, it’s true that using a VPN may slow down your internet speed slightly, but the difference is usually negligible and barely noticeable for most users.
Nowadays, with advancements in technology and infrastructure, premium VPN services can offer fast and reliable connections with minimal impact on internet speed. Some even have optimized servers and advanced protocols which can improve your connection speed.
In fact, in certain situations like ISP (Internet Service Provider) throttling (the intentional slowing down of internet speeds), using a VPN can actually improve your internet speed by bypassing the restrictions imposed by your ISP.
Of course, this is not true for all VPNs. Free services in particular may significantly slow down your internet speed due to overcrowded servers and limited bandwidth. That’s why it’s essential to choose a reputable and reliable VPN service, which should offer optimized servers for fast connections.
If you are facing some speed decrease while using a VPN, read our guide on how to speed up a VPN connection speed.
Myth 2: VPNs require technical knowledge and too complex for average users
While this may have been true in the past, modern VPN services have made it incredibly easy for anyone to use a VPN. Many providers offer user-friendly platforms which require no technical knowledge to set up and use.
For instance, with ClearVPN — a simple and intuitive premium VPN service — all you have to do is install and run the VPN app on your device (Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS), and click/tap on the quick connect button.
That’s it! You’re now connected to a secure VPN server, and all of your online activities are encrypted and protected. Of course, there are more advanced features on the app for those who want more control over their VPN connection, but it’s entirely optional and not necessary if you just want to secure your connection and browse the web anonymously.
Myth 3: VPNs are only for people that have something to hide
Perhaps the most popular VPN myth out there is the belief that it’s only used by individuals with questionable online activities. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While VPNs are indeed commonly used by people who want to hide their online activity, they also offer numerous benefits for everyday internet users.
For instance, if you’re browsing the web on a public Wi-Fi network, a VPN can encrypt your connection and protect your sensitive information from potential hackers or eavesdroppers. It can also prevent marketers from tracking your online activities and creating targeted ads.
Myth 4: VPNs are only for people who engage in illegal activities
A follow up from the above myth is the misconception that only cybercriminals or individuals engaged in illegal activities need a VPN. However, just like any other security tool, VPNs are for anyone who values their online privacy and wants to avoid potential cyber threats.
Moreover, using a VPN does not make you invincible on the internet. It simply adds an extra layer of protection and anonymity to your browsing experience. What you do online remains subject to the laws and regulations of your country.
Myth 5: VPNs are only for unblocking streaming sites
While it’s true that some VPNs specialize in unblocking streaming sites like Netflix or Hulu, this is not their only purpose. As mentioned earlier, a VPN can also provide enhanced security and privacy when browsing online. It can also be used to access region-blocked websites and services while traveling abroad.
For example, if you’re traveling to a country with strict internet censorship, using a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access the websites and services that may be blocked. Similarly, if you work remotely, a VPN can allow you to securely access your company’s intranet or files from anywhere in the world.
Myth 6: All VPNs are the same so it doesn’t matter which one you choose
This is a dangerous myth about VPN that everyone should be aware of. Not all VPNs are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can compromise your online security and privacy. It’s essential to do thorough research before selecting a VPN service.
Some important factors to consider when choosing a VPN include its server locations, logging policy, encryption protocols used, and customer support. Make sure to read reviews and compare different options before making a decision.
As a rule of thumb, you should avoid using free VPNs because most of them have questionable privacy policies and may even sell your data to third parties. It’s always better to invest in a reputable and trustworthy VPN service, which places a high value on user privacy. Otherwise, you’re better off not using a VPN at all.
Myth 7: A VPN makes you completely anonymous online
Another typical myth about VPN is the belief that it makes you completely anonymous online. While a VPN can certainly keep your identity and personal information safe from prying eyes, it does not make you 100% anonymous.
To clarify, a VPN encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, but it cannot hide your online activities from the VPN provider itself. This explains why it’s essential to choose a reputable VPN service that has a strict no-logging policy (meaning they do not keep records of your online activities).
Myth 8: VPNs don’t keep logs of user activities
As a follow up to the previous myth, while some VPNs do have no-logging policies, not all of them can be trusted. In fact, there have been cases where supposed “no-log” VPN providers handed over user data to authorities when requested.
One recent example is the case of PureVPN in 2017, where the company’s logs were used to identify a cyberstalker. This is why it’s crucial to research and choose a VPN service that has a proven track record of protecting user privacy and not keeping any logs.
Myth 9: VPNs can protect you against phishing and malware
While a VPN can certainly add an extra layer of protection to your online activities, it’s not a foolproof solution for protecting against phishing and malware. These threats can still find their way onto your device through other means, such as through email attachments or malicious websites.
To fully protect yourself from these types of cyber threats, you should also have reliable antivirus software installed on your devices and practice safe browsing habits, such as not clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources.
FAQs
Is there any risk using VPN?
Yes, but only if you choose a VPN service with questionable privacy practices. It’s crucial to research and select a reputable VPN provider that values user privacy and has a strict no-logging policy.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the VPN provider is located in a country with strict data retention laws. If it is, there’s a possibility that your data may be requested and handed over to authorities.
Is it ok to leave your VPN on?
Yes, it’s generally safe to leave your VPN on. It ensures continuous encryption and privacy, protecting your data from potential threats. However, some apps or websites may not function correctly when a VPN is turned on (Google maps, banking apps, etc.), so you can just turn it off for those specific activities.
One alternative is to use a VPN with split tunneling capabilities. This feature allows you to choose which apps or websites will go through the VPN and which ones won’t, giving you more control over your online activities.
Do all VPNs work the same?
While the basic functionality of a VPN is to encrypt your internet connection and mask your IP address, not all VPNs are created equal. Some may offer additional features like split tunneling, malware protection, or ad-blocking. Additionally, different VPN providers may use different encryption protocols, which can affect the speed and security of your connection.