One of the downsides of an increasingly connected digital world is that online tracking, data breaches and surveillance have become a daily part of our lives. Many people and organizations are looking for tools that can protect their digital privacy. The two most common solutions to these problems are VPNs and privacy software. They both can be used to improve anonymity and security online, but they work in distinct ways and they are designed to meet differing needs. So, it is important to understand the functionality, advantages and disadvantages to help you evaluate which is the best option for you.
What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
In a discussion about VPNs and privacy software, it’s likely that most people will have a passing familiarity with the former and less understanding about the latter. A VPN is a service that takes the internet traffic of the user and encrypts it via a secure server.
This masks the IP address of the user and it prevents online activity tracking from websites, hackers and your internet service provider (ISP). This improves your online safety and you can use a VPN when you’re using public WiFi hotspots. This allows you to circumvent online censorship and region specific access to services and information. File sharing is secure at home or work and you can use a home network from anywhere.
How Does a VPN Work?
The user connects to the VPN, the internet connection is encrypted and then directed to a remote server. The new server assigns an IP address that makes the real IP address anonymous. The most common uses for VPNs can include the following.
- Data protection on public WiFi networks.
- Preventing third-party tracking to improve online security.
- Bypassing geographic restrictions to circumvent censorship and restrictions.
- Allowing employees to securely access company networks.
There are free VPNs with paid upgrade options and there are key differences between paid and free services. A free VPN can be used to collect user data, the speeds tend to be slower and the access to remote servers is limited. A paid VPN will be faster, the encryption is better and comprehensive privacy policies will be in-place.
What are the Advantages of VPNs?
- Hiding IP Addresses: Anonymity online is improved when the real location (IP address) of the user is hidden.
- Internet Traffic Encryption: This is one of the best ways to stay safe online.
- Data Protection on Public WiFi Networks: Users that like to use WiFi on the go have less protection when they’re using an unsecured network.
- Bypassing Restrictions: Censorship and geo-locked access to services and content can be circumvented using a VPN service.
What are the Disadvantages of VPNs?
- Subscription Fees: Access to the best VPN services will incur paid subscription fees.
- Keeping VPN logs: Certain VPN’s can compromise the privacy of the user which renders them useless for serious users.
- Slower Internet Speeds: When internet traffic is rerouted and encrypted, it can reduce the connection speeds.
How Do I Choose a VPN Service?
A casual internet user can benefit from a VPN that’s focused on internet connection privacy and security. Choosing a VPN service that has plenty of remote servers and connections for multiple devices using an easy-to-use operating system is advisable.
But, for others that have more specific needs there may be other features that you may want to consider. Frequent travelers may need more services for secure streaming on the road and gamers may want faster VPN services for improved gaming speeds. Those working from home may want the best encryption and service that has a strict no-logs policy for extra peace of mind.
Let’s take a look at seven things that you may want to consider when you’re evaluating a VPN service.
Privacy and Security
The main reason why people need to use VPNs is to protect their privacy and security when they’re online. So, you need a VPN that will mask your IP address and make your presence online invisible. But, VPN server drops can cause rare connection interruptions that can leak data.
This means that you need a VPN that has security features in-place that are reliable with zero tolerance for data leakage. Those that are already using a free VPN should bear in mind that they may be selling data to third parties.
There is no such thing as a free ride. When you choose a paid VPN service look for a company that’s regularly audited by independent privacy specialists. This will ensure that the company can keep any promises they make to protect your privacy and security online.
Connection Speeds
Gamers need fast connection speeds, but even casual users can become frustrated with buffering if the VPN service is slow. Although every VPN will slow the internet connection, the best services are barely noticeable.
Look for a VPN service that has a proven track record and plenty of remote services to choose from. When connection speeds are compromised the ISP may be attempting to regulate your internet traffic. This can be done to evenly distribute traffic or it could be to direct the user to a partner website. A good VPN will help you to safeguard against this type of behavior, but if problems persist you may want to change your ISP.
Server Locations and Connections
The best VPN services have high numbers of VPN servers with fast web connections and speeds. When there are more servers there’s less load on each of them and this can significantly improve the bandwidth. Access to more servers will increase global coverage and ensure that you can find a reliable connection.
A VPN that offers multiple device connections should be a must if you have a large household or business. This will ensure that you can switch between devices for leisure and work.
Easy to Setup and Use
A VPN that has a user-friendly interface that’s easy to set up can be a priority for people that are not tech-savvy. Many VPNs have pre-configured setups to meet specific user needs and connection within a few seconds is simple. Router configuration is another useful function that can encrypt and protect all online activity within your home or business. Picking a VPN that has a dedicated app can make this process easier and you won’t need an app for every device used on your network.
Strong Encryption
Encryption is the conversion of the online data you’re sending and receiving into a format that only you can understand and access. This is how you attain online invisibility and you need a VPN with next-generation encryption to keep you safe and anonymous online.
A good example of this is the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) that uses a 256-bit key that’s used by many governments to protect sensitive traffic and data. The number shown in the encryption key is the length of the encryption that’s used to code a file or data stream. The aforementioned AES supports: 128-bit, 192-bit and 256-bit encryption keys and the higher numbers offer higher levels of encryption.
To put this into some perspective, breaking a 256-bit encryption would require 2^256 code combinations which at this time would be virtually impossible even using the fastest computer.
VPN Protocol Support
The best way to think about a VPN protocol is a set of guidelines that state how data is enclosed and delivered via a private network. The protocols create virtual VPN tunnels that the data is sent through to reach its destination.
Certain protocols are designed to increase your safety using heavy encryption that may slow the data delivery speeds. Other VPN protocols can deliver data faster, but the encryption is less complex and this reduces the security of the online traffic.
Most Popular VPN Protocols
- OpenVPN: This is regarded as the most secure protocol.
- IKEv2/IPSec: This protocol can handle fast network changes which makes it well suited to the needs of mobile users.
- WireGuard: This is a popular protocol because it’s fast and easy to use.
Many seasoned VPN users will choose a protocol to meet a specific need. They may change their protocol based on how they plan to use it. This is why many of the best VPN service providers offer a choice of VPN protocols
Check the Logging Policy
This is the data that the VPN collects and stores about its users and there are four data logging policies to check.
- No-Logs: The VPN doesn’t collect or store user data which makes the user completely anonymous.
- Connection Logs: Certain VPN’s record sessions, but not your activity. This can sound sinister, but in reality this is typically done for troubleshooting purposes.
- Aggregated or Anonymous Logs: Again, these are limited data collections that can’t be linked to the user and they are usually gathered to improve the VPN service.
- Activity or Usage Logs: These are intrusive logs that contain key details about the users activity online and most reputable VPN providers will not keep them.
Understanding the logging policies is important and you should avoid any VPN provider that tracks your activity or usage data.
What is Privacy Software?
This is a range of software tools that can be used to promote and maintain online anonymity to limit third-party access and protect your data. Privacy software can serve a number of purposes, such as preventing tracking, blocking ads, secure communication channels and more. Let’s take a look at some of these functions in more detail and some of the products that meet these specific needs.
- Operating Systems: These are OS privacy tools that are built for users that value privacy and a more secure environment for computing. The two notable examples are: Qubes OS and Tails OS.
- Ad Blockers: These are typically anti-tracking tools too and they block trackers that may be used to collect your data. Some popular examples include: Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin and Ghostery.
- Encrypted Email Services: These can provide secure email using encryption to protect your date. Two popular examples are: Tutanota and ProtonMail.
- Secure Messaging Apps: These can be used to encrypt your messages for more secure communication. Three popular choices are: Telegram, Signal and WhatsApp (if the end-to-end encryption is enabled).
- Password Managers: These tools are used to generate and store strong passwords for the various accounts you want to use. Three popular choices are: Bitwarden, 1Password and LastPass.
- Browsers: These are privacy-focused to improve anonymity and prevent tracking. Three of the best examples are: Brave, Tor Browser and Firefox using the enhanced privacy features.
What are the Advantages of Privacy Software Tools?
A full breakdown of every type of privacy software tool is beyond the scope of this article. But, there are some clear advantages to using these tools that you may want to consider.
- Customization: When you choose to use privacy software tools you can create your own unique software suite that is tailored to meet your specific security needs.
- Low Entry Cost: Many of these software tools are either free or open-source with a low barrier to entry. They are often backed by privacy advocates and supported by a technical and dedicated user base.
- Specialized Security: Those looking for targeted protection for email communication, browsing and passwords can find a lot of utility in privacy software tools.
- The Enhanced Online Experience: Blocking trackers and intrusive ads is easy with privacy tools and you can mix and match to find your favorite tools.
What are the Disadvantages of Privacy Software Tools?
- A Lack of Complete Anonymity: Unlike a VPN service, even the best privacy software tools cannot mask your IP address or encrypt the entirety of your internet traffic.
- Technical Knowledge: Some privacy software tools are not user-friendly for people that are not tech savvy. A prime example of this is Tor which needs extensive configuration to improve anonymity.
- Limited Utility: Every software privacy tool has a unique function and they are not a good fit if you’re looking for a single comprehensive solution to meet your protection needs.
How Do I Choose the Best Privacy Software Tools?
There are some general features that you may want to consider when you’re choosing a specific privacy software tool.
- The User Interface: Some privacy tools can be tricky to set up and use if you don’t have much technical knowledge to draw upon. So, look for companies that have intuitive user interfaces and dashboards that offer analytical feedback and multi-user support.
- Cookie Consent Tools: The new data privacy laws are geared towards user consent and cookie management should be a core feature.
- Customization: Some privacy tools have customization options to improve integration with your other software or to add or remove certain features. This can be extremely helpful if you want to streamline your workflow.
- The Cost: Many of these tools are free or open-source, but there are paid upgrades to consider that may offer more.
- Customer Support: This can be informal with free or open source tools or it could be more comprehensive support if you’re using a paid service. Look for training resources and reliable support options if you’re looking for a tool you can rely on.
- Multi-Language Support: If you need compliance across multiple markets using different regulatory environments with remote team members this may be an important consideration.
Privacy Software vs. VPN Service: Which is Best?
This is an impossible question to answer because everyone has their unique security and privacy needs to consider. That said, there are times when you may want to use privacy software, but a VPN may be the better choice and vice versa.
Quick Overview of Privacy Software vs. VPNs
| Feature | Privacy Software | VPN (Virtual Private Network) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protects personal data, enhances online privacy | Masks IP address, encrypts internet connection |
| Data Protection | Uses encryption to secure data on devices | Encrypts internet traffic between device and server |
| Location Spoofing | Limited or no location masking | Masks your real IP address by connecting to servers globally |
| Trackers and Ads | Blocks online trackers and intrusive ads | Does not typically block ads or trackers |
| Device Coverage | May be specific to certain devices (e.g., browsers) | Covers all internet traffic on devices with VPN enabled |
| Internet Speed | Usually has minimal impact on speed | May slightly reduce internet speed due to encryption |
| Suitability | Best for protecting personal data and privacy in specific apps or browsing | Best for masking location and securing internet connections on all apps |
| Examples | Privacy tools like antivirus, anti-tracking software | VPN services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN |
Privacy Software Scenarios
- You need a free or open-source solution.
- The priority is protection in very specific situations, such as: browsing, creating and storing passwords, messaging and others.
- You need to block ads and stop trackers from collecting your data.
VPN Scenarios
- Your priority is fully internet traffic encryption and access to geo-restricted content.
- You need to prevent your ISP from tracking your browsing activity.
- You use public WiFi regularly and you’re concerned about your security.
The Ideal Scenario
We believe that the best approach is to use privacy software tools and a VPN service together. This can give you the best of both worlds and it’s pretty easy to setup and use these tools together.
- Install your favorite ad blocker and anti-tracking tool to prevent data collection from websites you visit.
- Encrypt your traffic with a VPN for anonymous web browsing.
- Use an encrypted messaging app to hold private conversations.
- Install a password manager to generate and store passwords for all your online accounts to improve security.
Privacy software tools and VPNs can be used to improve your online security, but they are designed for different tasks. The privacy software can provide protection in a specialized manner to deal with communication encryption, to block ads, secure passwords and more. But, the VPN service you choose will mask your IP address and encrypt internet traffic for anonymity and security. Learning how to combine both approaches is the best way to minimize your digital footprint to keep your online activities secure and private.
