How Secure am I if I'M Using a VPN?

CyberSecurity

Many people think that using a VPN is the ultimate solution against cyberattacks and hackers, this could be true in some situations, but we need to know that a hacker's job is to find a way to reach you even if you are using a VPN service. So, hackers are aware there is a chance you are using a VPN to choose the best way to hack into your device.

VPN refers to (a virtual private network). This service protects your privacy by securing your connection to the internet and encrypting your traffic using many encrypting algorithms depending on your VPN service provider. However, there are a lot of VPN service providers out there, and every single one has its pros and cons, but this is a different story to search for.

This article will discuss when VPN can protect you, the limits of using only a VPN for protection, and how hackers can reach you even if you are using a VPN. Also, if you're looking for the best VPN services here's a list.

How can VPN protect you?

The main job of using a VPN is securing your connection and hiding your identity by encrypting your sensitive data and preventing any hacker from collecting any helpful information about you, especially when using public networks. Also, VPN services hide your real location by using a different IP address from another region. Moreover, you can use a VPN service for non-security reasons like watching restricted content on streaming services. You can also avoid any connection throttling caused by your internet service provider.

There are many protocols that VPN could use, like OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP. Also, it encrypts your traffic using many algorithms, such as the 256-bit (AES) algorithm, which will keep your passwords safe.

Using a VPN service is a must when connected to a public WI-FI. Also, if you have fears and trust issues with your ISP, a VPN will help you hide your online activity from your ISP, and if you work from home, you can use a VPN service as an extra layer of protection.

Risks of using the wrong VPN

Unfortunately, VPN won't protect you from many attacks a hacker could use, and it's the wrong idea that a VPN keeps you safe from hackers. Using a VPN is just adding a protective layer that protects you from cyberattacks.

Some VPN service providers may not provide the right protection, especially free ones. It could happen for many reasons, like DNS leaking or a bad connection to the VPN server, which will expose your identity.

Also, a free VPN service provider collects your online activities and sell them to third party's, and your government may have access to these collected data, so it's bad news for you if you are using a free VPN service.

VPN won't protect you from these hacking attacks

There are many ways a hacker could use to access your device, even if you are using a premium VPN. We will list below the most common attacks a hacker could use:

HID Attacks

HID refers to (human interface device). In this attack, the hacker will try to plug in a malicious USB flash into your laptop, which could steal all your passwords, install viruses, install malware, or even keylogger depending on what the hacker wants to do. However, it doesn't need any further action from you because it will do the task automatically.

VPN can't prevent this kind of attack, so you need to prepare yourself before it happens.

Phishing attacks

A Hacker can reach your device using phishing attacks, which depends on tricky email with a malicious attachment or fake URL. This could lead to stealing your credentials or even getting malware on your device. Also, it can happen via SMS and many other ways you might not know, and there is no way VPN can protect you from that.

Old system vulnerabilities

If you are using an old operating system, you have to take it seriously and get the last updates whether you have Linux, Mac, or Windows. VPN is almost useless if your operating system is outdated because this old OS has no more security updates, leaving you at risk of being hacked easily.

Ransomware attacks

A VPN won't protect your sensitive data from being encrypted by ransomware, so if you are using cracked software or downloading any suspicious apps, there is a big chance of losing your data to ransomware.

Conclusion

VPN has become well known worldwide, and more people are using it every day, but many of them think that VPNs will make them invincible with a single button. However, it's essential to know that not all VPNs can keep your identity safe, so make sure to learn more about VPN services to choose the one that meets your needs. Also, it's critical to know that using a VPN is just one step to secure your device, and you need to take more steps.