Connecting to a virtual private network (VPN) is a great way to increase your online privacy.
When you use a VPN, you connect to the VPN server directly and then your Internet traffic is routed through the VPN. This effectively hides your IP address and helps to mask your location. Additionally, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) (such as Comcast, AT&T, etc) is unable to see your Internet traffic. This is important as ISPs collect vast amounts of data about their customers.
VPNs can also add security if you access public WiFi. A VPN can prevent Man In The Middle (MITM) attacks where a hacker intercepts traffic between your machine and the router. It can also prevent hackers from targeting you using malicious hot spots and WiFi sniffing.
A VPN may also help you access geo-restricted content.
Note: A VPN does not make you anonymous online. Your traffic could potentially be seen by your VPN provider. For anonymity, you will want to use Tor.
Additional Resources on VPNs
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Recommended VPN Providers
You should never use a free VPN or a random VPN app. You are entrusting the VPN provider with your web traffic, so it is important to pick a reputable provider with a strict no logging policy.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is our recommended VPN provider for most users. They have been operating a VPN for several years now and they have significant trust.
Ease of Use
ProtonVPN is easy to set up using the default apps. In testing, the speeds are fast and the service is reliable.
No Logging
ProtonVPN has a strict no logs policy.
ProtonVPN maintains a warrant canary where they list law enforcement requests. As of this writing, the only request stated that they could not provide information.
Privacy Policy
Their full privacy policy.
Open Source Clients
ProtonVPN apps are open source. Additionally, the apps have been audited by a third party.
Apps
ProtonVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mobile apps are available for Android and iOS.
ProtonVPN can also be setup at the router level.
Private Internet Access
If you are looking for a cheaper VPN service Private Internet Access (PIA) is another good option. Its plans are very low cost. PIA is a good option if you need a large number of devices.
Ease of Use
Using PIA requires only purchasing a plan and downloading and installing the respective app for your device. In testing, PIA is reliable and does not drop connections.
Logging
PIA has a strict no logging policy. Their “Transparency Report” shows that they are unable to produce logs as they do not have them. This has been documented in a court case as well.
Privacy Policy
Their full privacy policy.
Open Source Clients
The clients for PIA VPN are open source.
Apps
PIA has apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mobile apps are available for Android and iOS.
PIA can also be setup on the router level.
Recommended VPN Settings
Regardless of which provider you use, you should make sure these settings are configured.
Enable Always On VPN
We recommend that you use a VPN on all devices at all times. This will have the effect of always securing and protecting your Internet traffic.
Enable Kill Switch
You should enable the “kill switch” on your VPN. This will prevent your machine from accessing the Internet without routing traffic through the VPN.