The virtual private network (VPN) can be the ideal solution to many issues you might face on the Internet, for example, accessing blocked sites blocking your browsing activity and removing Internet throttles, finding better deals and many more.
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However, does the VPN safeguard your data from hackers? Are your personal data and files securely online with the help of a VPN? What kind of difference will it make in the protection of your personal information?
To answer these kinds of questions isn’t an easy either-or.
Does a VPN stop hackers from gaining access?
It is recommended to use a VPN for your public Wi-Fi or home network since it is a significant safeguard for your privacy. However, the VPN doesn’t safeguard you from every kind of cyber-attacks. Some attacks are highly complex and sophisticated and even a VPN isn’t able to stop these types of attacks.
Let’s look at some kinds of cyberattacks that VPNs VPN can stop.
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MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) attack
A MITM attack occurs, an attack where a hacker is able to get into the user or the web server that you’re trying to connect with via the Internet. Similar to eavesdropping, it is in hackers steal information from communication or from a data connection.
If hackers know which network you’re on they are able to exploit common encryption weaknesses to steal the information. The most frightening part is that you will not even be aware of it. With this technique, hackers are able to easily take sensitive data such as credit card information as well as login information.
Wi-Fi networks in general, and especially public ones, utilize their WPA2 security standard which is a vulnerable encryption standard and prone to MITM attacks. The WPA3 standard isn’t 100% secure.
How can a VPN aid in this scenario?
A VPN protects your entire internet activity. VPN security is secure that it’s nearly impossible to crack. With the help of a VPN, your IP address is able to travel to various locations. Hackers will not even be aware of your actual IP address on the internet, nor do they be aware of the websites you’re visiting and therefore they are unable to interfere with any of your internet connections, or redirect you towards fake websites. -
Remote Hacking
One of the most effective and oldest techniques employed by hackers is to access your computer via an IP address. Every website you visit has an IP address. In the event that one of those websites is hacked by hackers who be able to access your IP address, which means you have to utilize it to install an access point to your system. It’s your phone, computer TV, television, or everything that is connected to Wi-Fi.
A VPN hides your real IP address, which blocks cybercriminals from accessing your IP. If you’re connected to a VPN while browsing the Internet, the websites you visit are unable to track your IP address and hackers won’t be able to figure it out by any means.
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DDoS attacks
A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack occurs in the time when hackers flood your network with unwelcome requests and data. The goal is to cause your network unresponsive for a certain amount of time or to block the service or website you’re looking to use.
DDoS attacks can be very irritating, and nearly any beginner hacker can now use these attacks. Imagine trying to complete a deadline for an assignment, only to find that you are constantly being dropped from the internet!
With the help of a VPN, you don’t need to be concerned regarding DDoS attacks. In order for the attack to be successful, the hacker must be aware of the IP of your computer. If he doesn’t know your IP address, what is the location he will use to direct his attack?
By hiding your actual address by hiding your real address, VPNs hide your real address. VPN shields you from such attacks and allows you to enjoy an uninterrupted connection.
It is crucial to remember that a VPN cannot shield you from anyone who already knows your IP address. In such instances, the best way to protect yourself is to call your ISP
What kind of attack can a VPN block?
A VPN cannot protect you from threats that don’t have access to your IP address of yours. For instance, malware and attacks involving phishing.
A few attackers are able to get control over your device through the injection of malware, scripts, and files into your computer. It is possible to be a victim of malware while visiting websites that are not trusted or when trying to download unlicensed software.
Sometimes, hackers will send fake emails with malicious files, which could cause harm to your system when downloaded or opened. In such instances, the VPN isn’t in a position to assist you. To better protect yourself from malware, it is recommended to install an antivirus program on your system.
Similar to that, similarly, the VPN will not protect you from attacks from phishing. What it does is block domains with suspicious names which are obvious for example, “site1.con”. However, it can’t shield you from emails that are phishing. Hackers design greater than 1.4 million fake websites each month, and many of them are difficult to differentiate from legitimate ones. You can install anti-phishing extensions in your browser to have greater protection from phishing attacks.
What cyber threats won’t a VPN help to protect against?
VPNs are extremely beneficial, however, it is important to be aware of their limitations. They are able to protect your data when it’s being moved from your phone to the VPN server, and then back to the VPN. They can’t defend against hackers if they have gained access to your mobile or are waiting on your information to be delivered at the end of the road.
VPNs are designed to guard your data during transit between and to your device, however, some hacker attacks go beyond these guidelines. VPNs cannot shield your data from simple human error or hacking of devices.
Human error
Unfortunately, all the security tools on the market can’t help you avoid your own errors. If you happen to click dangerous links or turn off your antivirus while you browse on a risky site, even the top VPN will not be able to safeguard you.
Malware
In particular, hackers make use of exploit kits and malware, which are malicious software that could allow them an access point to the device. However, this kind of software is typically downloaded directly onto your computer or phone in the event that you accidentally click an ad in a pop-up or click an unwelcome link in an email.
Once the malware has been installed present on your device, hackers could track your information directly even if the data is encrypted during the transmission.
Phishing
Hackers frequently send out spam phishing emails that disguise themselves as legitimate companies, like banking institutions or even online payments services. In their emails, they attempt to create the impression of urgency, making their target click the link.
If they do, they’ll immediately download malware, or reveal their login details. The best way to avoid this kind of fraud is to only click on links that come from individuals with that you have confirmed your identity.
Does a VPN protect me from hackers on a public Wi-Fi network?
In certain cases, yes. But let’s go back to this Runescape account for a moment. I have to admit that a VPN wouldn’t have helped in this case. Why? Because I gave away my password for a false promise of in-game currency. If you do that, nothing can protect your account.
However, a VPN would help if someone was looking for my credentials on a public Wi-Fi network.
Yes, a VPN protects you on Wi-Fi networks. Free Wi-Fi may seem like a blessing, but its threats are real.
Wi-Fi is inherently less secure than a cable connection. It operates on radio waves and, as with conventional radio, anyone with the know-how can tune in and catch the signal.
In fact, hackers can intercept the signals as they are transmitted from your device to the router if they are not secure. They can also set up fake routers to steal your data, which is called a fake WAP (Wireless Access Point) attack, and use public Wi-Fi to inject malware onto your device.
A VPN defeats all this with simple encryption. Using algorithms, the VPN encrypts your information, making it unreadable to anyone who wants to eavesdrop on your connection.
Does a VPN protect me from hackers at home?
Yes, and protecting your home from hackers is something that is becoming more and more necessary every day.
As you know, the days when a personal computer was the only home device connected to the internet are long gone. Now we have smartphones (which get hacked quite often), home assistants such as Alexa, smart fridges, Roombas and more. Unfortunately, every open internet connection is an extra chance for hackers to gain access to your home.
Smart baby cameras, radios and even photo frames have vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit them if they know your IP address. They could use it to launch attacks and hack into your devices that protect your personal data, or pinpoint your location in the world.
But what if you could hide your IP? That’s what a VPN does as part of its normal operation. With a VPN turned on, you would no longer share your IP address – the digital equivalent of your home address.
What is can a VPN protect you?
VPNs are extremely useful, although they aren’t able to secure you from all kinds of hacking. Here are a few advantages they provide:
- Stronger security. When your information is secure at the time you leave your gadget, you don’t have to be concerned about man-in-the-middle attacks or Wi-Fi spying. You can connect to public Wi-Fi in cafes or in public transport and ensure a high level of security.
- Improved privacy. Privacy is improved. ISP can earn a significant profit selling data about your online patterns to data brokers, advertisers as well as third party marketers. They may not be in your best interest mind If you’re using VPN, then it’s not a problem. Your ISP won’t be in a position to monitor what you do on the internet or which websites you go to.
- Additional features. Premium VPNs generally offer additional features. For instance, NordVPN provides Threat Protection, an effective security tool that lets users stay away from dangerous websites that are known to propagate malware. It also blocks third-party trackers as well as distracting advertisements to make your internet activity more secure. In order to safeguard your devices from dangerous threats, Threat Protection will scan the downloaded files for malware.
Conclusion
Yes, it is true that a VPN can protect your computer from cyberattacks which require you to access your IP. But, it won’t be effective against more sophisticated attacks, such as malware-related infections. However, it is true that VPNs VPN can offer superior security in protecting your personal information and other information securely online. Therefore, using a VPN lowers the chance of your system becoming easily hackable.
A VPN can also help you experience an unhindered connection and boost your speed on the internet in certain cases.
