**Are VPNs Really Safe? The Security Factors to Consider Before Using One**

Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become an essential tool for online security, but the question remains: are they really safe? The answer is a resounding "it depends." While there's nothing inherently dangerous about using a VPN, whether or not one is safe comes down to who built it and how they're running it.

**Negligence vs. Malice**

There are two main things that can make me call a VPN unsafe: negligence and malice. A negligent VPN doesn't protect against the dangers it's supposed to ward off, leaving you more exposed than if you weren't using a VPN at all. A malicious VPN is designed to make you less safe so the people behind it can profit.

**How Negligent VPNs Can Endanger Their Users**

Some ways a negligent VPN might endanger its users include:

* **Using outdated protocols with cracked encryption**: This exposes your search activity and leaves you vulnerable to cyber threats. * **Allowing leaks by using public DNS servers**: This risks revealing what websites the VPN's users are visiting, putting them at risk of targeted attacks. * **Leaking the user's real location**: Failing to block or properly manage IPv6 can lead to your actual IP address being exposed. * **Leaving its servers in the hands of unvetted third parties**: This can result in compromised security and potential data breaches.

**How Malicious VPNs Can Harm Their Users**

Some ways a malicious VPN can harm its users include:

* **Making money from in-app ads with trackers**: This can compromise your online anonymity and expose you to targeted advertising. * **Harvesting the user's residential IP address and selling it as a proxy**: This can put you at risk of being tracked or compromised by third parties. * **Tracking the user's activity and selling it to advertisers**: This can lead to targeted advertising and compromise your online security. * **Planting malware on the user's device**: This can result in serious cyber threats, including data breaches and identity theft.

**Choosing a Safe VPN**

The good news is that there are easy ways to tell whether you're using a safe VPN. Here are some steps to follow:

1. **Research the VPN before buying it**: Look for reviews from reputable sources and check for any cases of negligence or malice. 2. **Check the VPN's privacy policy**: Ensure that they have a clear policy on logging and data collection, and that it aligns with your needs. 3. **Test the VPN during the refund period**: Check for leaks, test the kill switch, and ensure that the apps are open-source. 4. **Choose a paid subscription**: Avoid free VPNs that may be selling your data to advertisers or using it as residential proxies.

**Conclusion**

VPNs can be a powerful tool for online security, but they're not a magic solution for all cyber threats. By understanding how to choose a safe VPN and what to look out for, you can protect yourself from the dangers of the internet. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you're untouchable just because you use a VPN – stay vigilant and keep your online security in check.

**Recommendations**

* **Proton VPN**: A highly secure and transparent VPN with a strong reputation for protecting user data. * **ExpressVPN**: A reliable and trustworthy VPN that has been tested and reviewed by experts. * **NordVPN**: A secure and feature-rich VPN that has learned from its past mistakes and improved its security measures.

Stay safe online – choose a reputable VPN and stay vigilant.