VPN security: Are VPNs safe and secure?

Reliable VPNs deliver robust online security and give you more digital privacy.

A woman uses a VPN to secure the internet connection on her phone.

What is VPN security?

A VPN (virtual private network) is an internet security service that enhances your online safety and privacy by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. While antivirus software defends your device from threats, a VPN secures your internet connection from the moment you connect to a VPN server. Your data becomes unreadable to snoopers, hackers, and internet service providers.

A reliable VPN hides your IP address for more online privacy.

How secure is a VPN?

Whether a VPN is secure depends on your chosen provider. Reliable VPNs use strong protocols and don’t track or sell your browsing data to third parties. However, cheap or free VPN services often cut corners to profit at any cost. They have poor security infrastructures, bombard you with ads, and may even sell your data to advertisers.

While a VPN gives you a secure connection and hides your IP for more privacy, it typically can’t prevent cookie tracking, viruses, or malware infections. That said, VPN providers like NordVPN offer additional cybersecurity features like Threat Protection that do more to keep you safe. Additionally, NordVPN is trusted by millions of users, including cybersecurity experts, worldwide — so you know you’re in good hands.

What features make a safe and secure VPN?

Here are the most important security features a reliable VPN provider must have.

A man uses a VPN on his phone to encrypt his internet traffic on the go.

Robust data encryption

VPN encryption creates a secure “tunnel” that connects your computer to the internet through a remote server. The “tunnel” is protected with something called Advanced Encryption Standard, or AES-256, one of the best encryption algorithms available. What makes it so great? For one, it’s used to defend several government organizations around the world and is highly recommended by several cybersecurity experts.

A man uses a VPN that doesn’t collect, sell, or track his online activity.

No data tracking

What you do online is your business. That’s why picking a VPN that will keep your browsing activities private is crucial. NordVPN doesn’t collect, sell, or track your browsing data – ever. Reclaim your online privacy and security without worrying about snoopers.

A woman uses a VPN on several devices to hide her IP address.

No IP address leaks

One of the main benefits of a VPN service is that it hides your real IP address to give you more online privacy. If a VPN provider were to leak your IP, it would defeat the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. Leaks can happen due to two internet protocols, IPv4 and IPv6, and their incompatibility. To prevent that, NordVPN disables most IPv6 traffic to ensure user traffic is secure.

A man uses NordVPN on his phone to prevent DNS leaks.

No DNS leaks

DNS servers change the plain text url like “nordvpn.com” into an IP address. So even if your IP stays hidden, your DNS could still reveal your location. A good VPN will take extra steps to prevent this from happening. To prevent a DNS leak, NordVPN only uses DNS servers operated by NordVPN. Try a VPN test to make sure it’s working ok.

Kill Switch

Kill Switch is another way to ensure your data stays safe at all times. If you’re doing something highly confidential online (like handling classified information) and your VPN connection drops, exposing your data, you could be in real trouble. A VPN kill switch instantly blocks your device from accessing the internet in these cases. Your internet connection will stay blocked until you disconnect from the server manually or if the VPN connection comes back on.

Multi-factor authentication

If the VPN provider of your choice has multi-factor authentication, you know it cares about user security. No one is completely immune to phishing or malware – that’s why extra caution can go a long way to protect your data. Enable it and enjoy the benefits of multi-factor authentication. It will protect your account even if your password gets leaked.

Is NordVPN safe?

NordVPN is a secure and reliable VPN provider trusted by millions of users worldwide. Let’s look at what makes NordVPN so valued and the security features it offers.

NordVPN uses secure VPN protocols to deliver high speeds and reliable security.

NordVPN’s Threat Protection blocks malicious websites, ads, and trackers.

The Dark Web Monitor feature alerts you if NordVPN finds your credentials on the dark web.

Secure protocols
NordVPN uses robust protocols (like OpenVPN and NordLynx) to give you a fast and secure internet connection. OpenVPN is known worldwide for its security and reliability, while WireGuard®-based NordLynx delivers blazing speeds without compromising your online safety.
Threat Protection
Threat Protection is an additional cybersecurity feature that functions like an ad blocker, tracker blocker, and malware protection. Threat Protection also stops you from accidentally landing on unsafe websites by detecting and blocking malicious URLs.
Dark Web Monitor
NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor scans the shadier parts of the internet for leaked credentials that may belong to you. If it comes across a leaked database with your login information, it will alert you so you can change the passwords of your accounts instantly.

Split tunneling lets you decide which apps need VPN protection and which don’t.

Auto-connect turns on your VPN protection without you having to think about it.

Obfuscated servers hide the fact that you’re using NordVPN.

Split tunneling
Split tunneling allows you to split your VPN connection in a way that works for you. You can choose which apps don’t need VPN protection while keeping an encrypted connection on others. Available on Windows and Android.
Auto-connect
NordVPN’s auto-connect feature makes sure you never forget to turn on your VPN protection. It automatically connects to a VPN server whenever you join a Wi-Fi network. So whether you’re using a public hotspot or hopping on your own Wi-Fi, your data stays safe.
Obfuscated servers
Traveling to a more restrictive region? Hide the fact that you’re using VPN protection with obfuscated servers. This action changes your data packets, so tools that are meant to block VPN traffic let it pass.

A man uses a double VPN server to encrypt his data twice.

A woman enjoys the benefits of a VPN and the Onion network with Onion Over VPN.

A woman uses NordVPN’s browser extension for lightweight VPN proxy protection.

Double VPN
Browse the net with an extra layer of privacy, thanks to Double VPN servers. Once you connect to a Double VPN server, it reroutes your connection through two VPN servers instead of one. So your data gets encrypted twice and your IP changes two times.
Onion Over VPN
Enjoy the benefits of both a VPN and the Onion network. When you connect to Onion Over VPN, your traffic goes through one of our servers, then passes through an Onion network, and only then reaches the internet. No need for a specialized browser.
Browser extensions
Want a lightweight option for online protection? Check out NordVPN’s browser extensions and browse with confidence. Autoconnect, hide your real IP and virtual location, block ads and dangerous websites, and use the split tunneling feature to manage which website’s traffic gets encrypted.

Why do you need a secure VPN?

Online privacy, security, freedom, and so much more.

A secure VPN gives you more online privacy.

A reliable VPN keeps your online activity safe from cybercriminals.

With over 5,800 VPN servers, NordVPN lets you experience online freedom.

NordVPN blocks intrusive ads and annoying pop-ups for smoother browsing.

For online privacy
Your online activities are your business. Don’t let strangers, advertisers, or your ISP snoop on your every online move.
For digital security
Protect your personal information from criminals with robust encryption. Avoid scams and malware with Threat Protection.
For internet freedom
Travel without leaving your sofa. Connect to one of NordVPN’s 6200+ ultra-fast servers in 110 locations and enjoy more internet freedom.
For smoother browsing
No more intrusive ads or annoying pop-ups. Enjoy security and speed with a secure and lightning-fast VPN.

A man chooses a reliable, paid VPN for his devices to avoid security issues.

What are some VPN security issues and threats?

VPN security issues typically come with cheap or free VPNs. While paid VPNs provide reliable services they charge customers for, free VPNs have to make money in other ways. Some of them collect your data and sell it to third-party advertisers, while others skimp on ensuring secure and functioning infrastructure. This way, they’re prone to IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.

Frequently asked questions

Is a VPN really that safe and secure?

A VPN is only as secure as the company that provides it. Trustworthy VPNs invest in building strong security infrastructures, use robust protocols, and provide advanced encryption. Always choose a reliable VPN provider and avoid free VPNs — they don’t prioritize user security or privacy. Also, remember to use additional online security measures because most VPNs don’t prevent cookie tracking, malware, or virus infections.

What is the risk of using a free VPN?

Free VPNs don’t take the necessary steps to protect your privacy — and may even be a source of malware. They may log what you search for online and sell this information for profit, often to third-party advertisers. You’ll also often have limited server locations and no customer support, meaning getting the help you need will be challenging. Here’s everything you need to know about free VPNs vs. paid VPNs.

How do I make sure my VPN is secure?

Make sure you choose a no-logs VPN — it should never track or sell your browsing data. A VPN should also have robust encryption, function properly, and have generally positive customer reviews.

What will a VPN not protect you from?

A VPN enhances your online security and privacy, but it won’t protect you from malicious infections, viruses, or cyberattacks like phishing. VPNs don’t provide comprehensive antivirus protection, so it’s important to use them in addition to and not instead of antivirus software. Learn more about how a VPN protects you online.

Can you be tracked if you use a VPN?

When using a VPN, your web traffic and IP address can no longer be tracked. However, internet service providers and websites will almost always be able to tell that you’re using a VPN (unless you use obfuscated servers). That said, they still can’t know what you’re doing online since the encryption makes your data unreadable. To anyone but the intended recipient, it looks like gibberish. Learn more about being tracked with a VPN.

Does a VPN protect you from your internet provider?

Though this may surprise some, your ISP can see what you search for online and the websites you visit. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic — both coming in and out of your device — so that even your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online. Your activity remains private because your data is encrypted and routed through a VPN server.

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