VPNs Do NOT Hide All Online Activities

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, protecting sensitive data while enabling remote work.  VPNs are also useful for personal browsing, masking your IP address and providing access to region-restricted content or safer public Wi-Fi usage.

However, VPNs aren’t an invisibility cloak. Many people mistakenly believe that using a VPN hides all their online activities, but this isn’t true.  Some VPN services log your data and utilize other tracking methods, like cookies, that can still identify you.  It’s crucial to understand what VPNs can and cannot do to avoid unnecessary risks.

What VPNs Do:

  • Hide your IP address, making it harder for websites and advertisers to track you.
  • Encrypt your internet traffic, protecting sensitive information like passwords.
  • Allow access to geo-restricted content.

 

What VPNs DON’T Do:

  • Make you fully anonymous.  Websites can still track you using cookies.
  • Protect you from malware or phishing attacks.  You’ll still need antivirus software.
  • Prevent all data logging.  Some VPNs may log your data, so choose one with a no-logs policy.

 

Responsible VPN Use:

  • Choose a provider with strong privacy policies.
  • Enable the kill switch feature to protect data if connection drops.
  • Keep VPN software updated.
  • Combine VPN use with other cybersecurity measures like firewalls and antivirus software.
  • Avoid free VPNs

 

Understand VPN limitations to use them responsibly and protect your data effectively.  Contact IT Radix today…we’re here to help!

First published in our January 2025 IT Radix Resource newsletter