There are many VPN myths circulating in the world, which are almost wrong. If we test and vet them sincerely, we can separate truth from falsehood. This will make VPNs elementary to understand, and everyone can get out of this confusion. Here are 10 common myths about VPNs and the reality behind them.
1. Criminals use VPNs
The Myth
Most people think that criminals use VPNs. Because they hide their criminal activities. An ordinary citizen has nothing to do with a VPN.
The truth
Countless people want to protect their privacy if we talk about the majority. Notably, this thinking is not from today.
Even 200 years ago, people used to keep their privacy, and if someone leaked that privacy, he was punished. Whatever we do on the internet, it’s best to hide it from someone else. Why should I tell everyone what I’m doing? Maintaining privacy is a fundamental right for everyone.
2. Only technical people use VPNs
The myth
VPN is such a complex technology that every ordinary person cannot use it easily unless one has an excellent technical course or a degree to use it. People believe skipping the VPN hassles and exploring the Internet is better.
The truth
Nowadays, VPN technology is developing very quickly. There are VPNs on the market that work with just one click. Many companies seek Internet users to use their products. Most VPNs have many features that provide complete self-explanatory guidance, meaning you will hardly need to contact their support to use the tool, even for advanced tasks. We think now we should end this stereotyped thinking.
3. It’s better to use a proxy than a VPN
The myth
If you want to reach a website you don’t have access to, we can use a proxy server instead of a VPN, which is very convenient. Just copy and paste your URL address to reach your favorite website.
The truth
You will find many options for proxy servers that appear in pop-ups. You can also access blocked websites using it, but it is no substitute for a VPN. That’s because a VPN provides you with security.
A VPN encrypts internet traffic so that no third party can access your real IP. If we return to reality, a proxy leaves such traces that intruders can track your hidden IP. You may also face legal action when using free proxies./
4. TOR browser is a substitute for a VPN
The myth
It is better to use an open-source TOR browser than a VPN. It hides your internet connection through a decentralized system.
The truth
TOR has a security flaw. This system randomly connects and disconnects your internet traffic to different relays, connecting you to a new relay each time.
Volunteers provide these relays. TOR itself does not provide a connection like a VPN service provider does. TOR volunteers are also not certified by any regulatory authority. This increases the chances of your online session getting hacked. It is true you can use TOR in place of a VPN, but it does not provide you with the security that a VPN does.
5. VPN provides you with a lifejacket of security
The myth
A VPN is a technology that, once installed, makes it almost impossible to track you. Then you don’t need any other security shield to protect your information.
The truth
Using a VPN indeed protects your online traffic and personal information, such as your IP. But if a user provides his information on social networks like Facebook, a VPN cannot hide it.
For example, if a person jumps into the air wearing a parachute but does not control the parachute, he will inevitably have an accident. It is very important to use common sense when using a VPN. Many scammers send scam emails to lure you in. Clicking on which may leak your information. Better decisions should be taken in such a situation.
6. VPN can boost browsing speed
The myth
One of the advantages of a VPN is that it increases your downloading and uploading speeds and reduces the delay factor in browsing.
The truth
VPN may or may not be related to speed because sometimes it increases browsing speed for unknown reasons.
A speed test should determine how the speed is affected with and without the VPN. If the VPN is actually increasing the speed, it means that your ISP has slowed down your internet speed. A VPN can help in this scenario.
7. VPNs slow down the browsing speed
The myth
Any VPN you use will slow down your browsing speed.
The truth
A VPN is supposed to slow down browsing speed, as it bypasses your internet traffic and connects to another network. If you’ve chosen a VPN that is physically further away from you, the speed also gets reduced. But this is not the case most of the time; VPN quality, protocol, and distance can affect it, but in a normal routine, it doesn’t affect the speed at all.
8. Paid VPNs are scams
The myth
Don’t go for paid VPN services when free VPN options are available.
The truth
A free VPN is good if you are satisfied with its services. If a free VPN doesn’t scam you or steal your data, these are all negative aspects of a free VPN. It is not a good option. Many people who can’t buy a VPN can use a free VPN service at their own risk.
If you can’t afford a paid VPN, there are many options where you can get a discount in the form of monthly or yearly packages. A company needs money to run paid VPN services. So the service reaches the people uninterruptedly and with security. Paid VPNs provide you with a secure and reliable service that everyone wants.
9. No VPN logs your data
The myth
All VPN services claim that they do not log customer data because customers’ privacy is their asset.
The truth
All VPN services claim zero tolerance for the no-log policy, but there are situations where they have to compromise on this policy.
If we read the VPN’s privacy policy, it is written with some conditions. If legally required, they can use logs and information.
Sometimes, even for publicity, VPN companies ignore the no-logs policy. We cannot say with 100% confidence that our privacy is entirely secure with the VPN because it is difficult for a regular customer to guess what is happening with his data.
10. VPNs based in the five-eyes jurisdictions are unsafe
The Myth
It’s unsafe to use if the VPN is located in five-eye countries.
The truth
Five Eyes is an intelligence agreement between five countries: the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, under which these five countries share their information with each other. But it has nothing to do with your VPN.
You don’t need to worry if you are not involved in any hostile activities.
Second, if your VPN follows a strict no-logs policy and they don’t have your log data, no one can get it, no matter who they are.
Conclusion
There are many misconceptions and rumors about VPNs that you should not believe. It is essential to use common sense and critical thinking for your security.
