Things a VPN Hides and Protects And What it Doesn't

Cybercriminals won't stand a chance at deciphering your sensitive information or pinpointing your location because a virtual private network (VPN) works diligently to cloak your internal protocol address (IP address) and obscure your online habits. As you navigate the vast world of the internet, sharing and receiving data on various platforms, a VPN intercedes to create a private and secure channel within the bustling public network. This invaluable digital tool provides users with the freedom and confidence to explore the internet without the persistent worry of prying eyes monitoring their every move. So, before you embark on your next online adventure, remember that a VPN can be your trusty guardian, ensuring your privacy and security in the ever-expanding digital universe. It hides a lot, but still, VPN is not omnipotent. Some things he can hide, some things he can't. It's important to know about this.

source: cloudfront.ne

What Does a VPN Hide?

Here is a list of everything your VPN can and should hide. In fact, a lot also depends on the service itself. Less functional services may not provide even everything from the list below, but good VPN applications are definitely capable of this.

IP address

The significance of your IP address cannot be understated, as it serves as a unique identifier for your device in the complex world of the internet and local networks. The connection between your online presence and your real-life identity is fine, and some may not realize the extent to which one's IP address can reveal sensitive details about an individual. From disclosing your physical whereabouts - narrowing down to your city, state, and even your ZIP code - to leaving an imprint of your search history, your IP address can potentially aid in unearthing your network provider. This, in turn, could lead to the exposure of your personal information such as your name, contact information, and even financial records. However, employing a VPN service can mitigate these risks by masking your true IP address and assigning the IP address of the VPN server to your online activities.

If you want maximum anonymity on the Internet, you should look for VPN services that use the latest security technologies. Those looking for a VPN in Argentina should take a look at VeePN. This provider has reliable VPN extensions that are stable and completely anonymous. Also, all of the numerous VPN servers do not store user logs, so they provide maximum privacy on the network.

Search History

While it may appear like you've wiped your cookies and search history clean from your browser, the truth is your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has likely recorded every website you've visited. Thankfully, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can make all the difference in the world. By utilizing a VPN each time you surf the web, not only does it encrypt your browsing activity - including search terms, links clicked, and websites visited - but it also masks your IP address. Through the use of a VPN, you can hide your search history.

Geolocation

Imagine a world where your online experience is tailored to your specific location, all thanks to the power of geolocation. As you browse the internet or navigate through various applications, your IP address serves as a digital anchor, providing websites with valuable information about where you are, down to specific cities, states, and even countries. This data is particularly useful for services like Google Maps, which relies on your smartphone's ability to pinpoint your location in order to provide you with accurate directions and real-time traffic updates.

Interestingly, the same technology can be employed by VPNs to achieve a phenomenon known as geo-spoofing, effectively tricking websites into believing you are located elsewhere. This clever tactic can grant access to geo-restricted content, unlock better deals during online shopping sprees, and generally make your digital life more flexible. However, it's essential to stay mindful of service agreements, government laws, and regulations in order to maintain a smooth and enjoyable online experience.

Personally Identifiable Material

Cybercriminals continually search for opportunities to exploit any weaknesses and gain unauthorized access to our personally identifiable information (PII). Such data not only includes our banking details but also our internet security and driver's license numbers. Hackers may even infiltrate our devices to steal audio files, messages, and passwords—leaving us exposed and vulnerable, even on seemingly secure websites. This growing concern emphasizes the importance of utilizing a VPN, which protects our online identity by concealing our IP address and encrypting our location and data transmissions. By employing a VPN network, we can significantly bolster our security and make it substantially more difficult for cyber trespassers to take advantage of our personal information.

Torrenting Activity

While torrenting and P2P file-sharing provide an efficient means of obtaining digital files or distributing them, this high-bandwidth activity often experiences throttling or even blocking from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to manage network resources. However, employing a good VPN for these activities offers an effective solution, as its data encryption conceals your downloading habits, ensuring seamless ISP monitoring bypass and unhindered access to optimal upload and download speeds. Moreover, by using a VPN, your torrenting activities remain concealed from law enforcement agencies and copyright holders who may impose sanctions or legal consequences when copyrighted material is inadvertently downloaded. Consequently, VPN encryption prevents your ISP from tracking your P2P activity or relaying relevant information to these authorities.

source: kinsta.com

What VPN can't hide?

Cybersecurity is important and a VPN clearly helps, but you can't always protect your data just by using one. This does not mean that there are areas that cannot be anonymized. You just need to do one more thing to remain completely anonymous on the Internet.

VPN influence does not allow you to hide:

 

 

  • Account activity. Although a VPN connection can provide a sense of security by hiding your IP address and spoofing your location, it's important to remember that it doesn't extend to concealing your account activity on various platforms. When you're logged into websites, apps, or online services, these platforms will still have access to records of your activity and significant personal information you've shared.
  • Online threats, viruses, and infections. Relying solely on a VPN for protection leaves your device vulnerable to potential risks, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. To truly ensure your virtual safety, the implementation of robust antivirus software in conjunction with a VPN acts as a virtual guardian, tirelessly watching over your device and safeguarding it from any malicious attempts that attempt to sneak into your digital fortress.

Conclusion

A VPN is a powerful tool for protecting your online security and privacy. Its data encryption and IP masking capabilities safeguard your identity while torrenting, grant you access to geo-restricted content, and unlock better deals during online shopping sprees. However, it's important to remember that VPNs cannot completely protect your account activity and prevent viruses from infecting the device itself.