It’s no secret that the internet is not safe. Hackers, government surveillance agencies, and ISP’s can easily track your activities and exploit your private data. With so many dangers associated on the World Wide Web, internet security and privacy have become a necessity. 

It is this need for security and privacy on the internet that led to the birth of VPN services that can offer you complete internet privacy, data security and access to geo-restricted content. However, even with their benefits, VPNs still face many myths that have not only brought confusion but also derailed their adoption by the masses.

In this post, we will debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions. Let’s dig in and explore:

Criminals use a VPN service

Yes, VPNs offer anonymity on the web that fraudsters may take advantage of to execute criminal activities, but that doesn’t make them a conduit for criminal activities. Most people know that the internet is not safe, which is why their security and privacy on the web is of utmost importance.

What VPNs offer is internet safety and privacy. With a VPN, individuals and businesses can securely and privately access the web without the fear of losing their data to hackers. VPNs encryption capabilities ensure data coming in and out of your device is safe from prying eyes.

So, yes, the security features offered by VPNs are attractive to criminals, but the services are also great for anyone who values their privacy on the web and data safety.

VPNs are Illegal

If VPNs are for criminal activities, then they must be illegal right? Wrong. VPNs have been around for years on end, and many businesses small and large have used them for decades to secure their online activities. Web anonymity is their greatest arsenal.

While it’s true that VPN services grew to fame due to their capability to bypass geo-restrictions and government censorship; that is not their only purpose of existence. 

The services offer a wide range of advantages that benefit a lot of people and businesses. From offering internet security to helping individuals save some cash on their flight tickets. VPNs do more than just bypass government censorship.

VPNs are Completely Anonymous

Talking about anonymity, sadly, no VPN service provider guarantees 100% complete anonymity.  Note that while most VPNs offer a level of encryption that is hard to break, nothing is impossible on the web. With every tight security development, hackers are finding ways to overcome.  VPNs make it much more difficult for the wrong eyes to access your data.

Unfortunately, some VPN service providers even lie about offering complete web anonymity just to get you on board with their services. By keeping your logs and tracking your use of the internet, such VPN service providers end up with the data you didn’t want in anyone’s hands. 

Most VPNs generally provide the highest levels of privacy and anonymity available on the internet today. Nobody knows about tomorrow.

VPNs offer complete safety on the web

 VPNs protect you from a wide variety of internet threats but not all of them. A VPN doesn't give you the freedom to be careless on the web. Yes, its encryption levels secure your data, and IP address masking hides your identity, but that's all.

You can access blocked site anonymously, but you won't be entirely safe from scams, phishing, malware, or hacking attacks. A VPN is not a firewall or an antivirus so you can go around downloading infected content on your device without a care in the world.

A VPN protects you from outside attacks but the ones you invite in on your own. Those are at your own peril. 

VPNs slow the connection

Many people believe using a VPN will slow down their connection. It is one of the many reasons they refrain from using VPNs in the first place. While it is possible for this to happen, it is not entirely true. Many factors will affect your connection speed.

For instance your connection speeds. The speed of your VPN will depend on the speed of your connection. If your connection speed is slow, your VPN speed will be slow too.  Simply put, your VPN cannot exceed your connection speed.

The distance of the VPN server you are using will also affect your connection speed. Other factors include your VPN protocols, ISP speed limitations, and the performance of your computer.

So, while choosing a VPN service, check the specifications to ensure you get services that suit your needs.

A Free VPN is good enough

Ever heard the saying: If you are using something for free, then you are the product? Well, it’s true. While using a free VPN can save you a buck or two the benefits are limited. Compared to a premium-based VPN service, free VPNs are often a bit of a letdown.

Free VPNs are plagued with shortcomings you don't want infesting your online activities. From slow connection speeds to unreliable privacy and security on the web, free VPN services can be disappointing.

Plus free VPN services also come with the risk of logging your personal information and browsing sessions. After all, how will they make money if their services are free?

All VPNs Are the Same

All VPNs are not the same. They might all offer hundreds of servers and have military grade encryption, but they are not the same. Different VPNs offer different types and levels of encryption to ensure your data safety.

While some VPNs don't retain logs, some do. It's vital you also check the protocols different VPNs offer. While some VPNs offer a single connection protocol, some offer a selection of protocols to choose from. The more protocols you have to choose from, the better for you. 

You can also check the user experience and customer support system to check if the services are great. The truth is that not all VPN services are the same.

With TOR there is no need for VPNs

TOR does indeed provide some features that are similar to VPNs. However, the two anonymity tools do differ when it comes to connection. While TOR encrypts your connection, VPNs encrypt your data. 

So, for example, if you are using TOR to send plaintext information, your data is likely to be accessed by a witty hacker at the exit node where the last layer of encryption is decrypted. With TOR, your data is vulnerable before entering and after exiting the network.

Such vulnerabilities tend to make VPNs better than TOR when it comes to data security. With VPNs, your data is encrypted before leaving your device and when entering your device. You can be sure of your data safety through VPNs. 

VPNs Don’t Log My Information

This is just to reiterate what you already know by now, which is, some VPN services do log your information.

Data buying and selling has become quite a lucrative business over the years. Many big corporations are paying big bucks for data that is critical for marketing purposes.

So, before jumping into a VPN service, check their Terms of Service and understand what the service logs and how long they hold on to such logs and hopefully why. 

VPN is only for advanced users

Well, it used to be, but not anymore. With an increase in need of internet security and privacy, VPN services have become easily available with user-friendly interfaces. Gone are the days when the tech-savvy enjoyed what VPNs offer.

Now all you need to do is download and set up the VPN software to your device, and it will be up and running in a matter of minutes. Plus some VPN service providers such as VPNSecure come with exceptional customer support and tutorials to assist you when you get stuck or need help.

Final word

As you can see, myths hold no stand. Hopefully this information gives you a better understanding of VPNs and why you should be using one. With so many dangers on the internet, VPNs are a viable solution to secure your online activities.

Do you have any questions about VPNs? Would you like to share your thoughts?  Feel free to contact us here.