5 Important Features You Need in a VPN

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network, or VPN is used to add security and privacy to networks used publicly and privately. To make it easier, think public WiFi hotspots. When used, the possibility of having sensitive information compromised quickly increases. With a VPN, sensitive data is protected with VPN features that help hide the IP address being used. VPNs also mask the location, can access blocked websites, and will encrypt data transfers. Encryption makes the data being transferred unreadable, preventing others on the network from reviewing certain internet activity. Additionally, when using a VPN, the search history of the user is hidden.

Privacy in today’s tech space is complicated. Using a VPN as a security measure will assist in offering an additional layer of privacy. It is important to note that a VPN can be infiltrated by certain malware on devices. Having one does prevent the user from becoming a likely target.

What should I look for in a VPN?

That’s a very good question. Although VPNs provide protection, no two VPNs are alike. Each one is different in terms of service, provider and a few other considerations. Knowing the 5 most important features needed in a VPN is key in helping draw conclusions on which one will be the most beneficial for the user.

These 5 features are essential in making that decision:

1. Servers

The VPN should have access to multiple servers in a number of countries. This increases the options of the user, and provides the advantage of having that user appear to be in a different location geographically than they really are. This occurs by encrypting user data with a tunnel created with the device and the VPN server. A good VPN provider will have widespread coverage and provide better performance.

Additionally, having an anonymous DNS server is a good idea. The domain name system (DNS) turns the address typed into the browser into the IP address. The VPN helps protect the user during the DNS translation process to keep data away from the ISP. There are private DNS services available to work with the VPN for added privacy and protection.

2. Mobile apps

As more people become mobile-dependent, having apps that work just as well on a smartphone as they do on a desk or laptop is a must. There is a growing number of individuals who only use their smartphone for online access, which increases the demand for broadband growth. It is vitally important for the VPN to support the platforms where it will be used. According to Techradar.com, some of the top free VPN apps in 2019 include Hotspot Shield Free VPN; TunnelBear, Windscribe and Speedify.

On the other hand, users may want to steer clear of free VPNs due to security and anonymity. A free VPN services may eventually sell the user’s information to the highest bidder. Using a VPN service that you pay for like SurfShark has a responsibility to value your privacy, and has protocols in place to protect it.

3. Kill Switch

Even with the ability to mask location and server, nothing is 100% secure. VPN services can be prone to IP leaks, which will expose the true IP address online. When this occurs, the VPN service is probably overloaded. With a VPN kill switch, the VPN connection is monitored to shut down the connection when it indicates the connection is failing. This way, no data is transferred, and unencrypted data will not be leaked. This may be a feature in the VPN service selected. If so, making sure it is turned on in the VPN app settings is important. This is an added safety feature that continues to enhance the levels of privacy for users.

4. No log policy

As every VPN provider is different, so are their policies. There are some VPNs that may keep some elements of the user’s browsing activity, which could be turned over to the authorities if requested. Having a VPN with a ‘no log’ policy is ideal, but it is best to do research to see if they really honor their no log policy. Some providers still keep session logs and other information without the user’s knowledge which could become a potential problem.

5. Price

There are many different price levels and plans available for VPN service. Most companies want a year’s commitment for lower prices, which could be beneficial. Getting a basic plan will not have the full range of VPN features, which may not provide everything the user needs. With a lower plan, it may be easier to be detected as a VPN connection, which could create blocked access in a number of places. The key in deciding on the right pricing should be correlated with using a solid VPN provider. In most cases, a yearly plan is much cheaper than monthly.

Maintaining User Privacy

With so many people using VPNs, it is easy for the market to become convoluted due to internet usage and traffic. With the traffic going through the ISP, and subsequent data breaches, concerns of data and privacy and brought to the forefront.

There are certain things a VPN will not do. It is no secret that behaviors are already being tracked online through the use of social media, web services, and other internet usage. Although VPNs do help provide anonymity, reading the privacy policy for the VPN service to find out where they are headquartered will provide more information on whether the company is subject to laws that will require it to retain the data of its users. If maintaining privacy and avoiding the possibility of usage being revealed to the authorities, doing the research is key.

Installing the right safety measures to protect user devices, coupled with the use of a strong VPN will help alleviate sensitive data from being compromised. Conducting extensive research will be invaluable in making the right decision on which VPN is best. User-friendly options that remove complications while providing the best protection should be the primary goal.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.