Why do you need a secure VPN?
People use VPN services for many reasons. Some want to bypass geo-restrictions imposed by video streaming services and websites.
Others are interested in downloading files (video, audio, images, etc.) from the Internet without being monitored by their internet service providers or the government. Regardless of why you need a VPN, you should always look for the most secure VPN options.
Security while conducting online activities is one of the most important things you should consider as an Internet user, especially when using a Virtual Private Network.
With the most secure VPN solutions, you will keep hackers and cyber criminals from accessing your personal/sensitive information. Without such security, you will be vulnerable and may become a victim of theft, fraud, or property damage.
It’s not that difficult for hackers to breach sensitive data, intellectual property, or health information when you are unprotected. That’s why you should always look for the most secure VPN service providers.
We reviewed some of the best available options to save you some precious time (and money).
CyberGhost
With almost 8,000 servers in over 90 countries, CyberGhost always grabs the attention of those looking for a robust VPN service. But it’s not just the number of servers that makes this VPN service provider a good option.
They are also to be trusted when you need a secure VPN connection. Of course, the no-log policy is a must for every reputable provider today, and this provider is not an exception. So, your online activity will not be stored and/or shared with anyone, including government bodies or marketing companies.
On top of that, this brand provides an annual report that showcases its transparency. The primary objective of these reports is to keep the users informed and emphasize the company’s commitment to protecting user privacy, anonymity, and security.
Thanks to CyberGhost, you will not be exposed to unwanted advertisements while browsing the Internet (an efficient ad blocker is included with all subscriptions). In addition, this VPN will prevent trackers and malicious sites from taking advantage of your online activity by blocking them effectively.
And did we mention the automated HTTPS redirection? That’s right, when you use CyberGhost, this redirection makes it possible for users to get the most secure connection at the moment. In other words, you don’t have to do anything to protect yourself, and the application will do this for you. Those interested in using CyberGhost can get great discounts if they commit to long-term plans.
NordVPN
The most secure VPN solutions list would be incomplete if NordVPN was not added to it. This is definitely one of the most used services of this kind today. Many review websites claim that this is the best option you have. We can confirm that this is an excellent choice, but the best VPN for you depends on your specific needs.
In any case, we checked NordVPN and can confirm that this is a very secure option. Undoubtedly, the NordLynx protocol is one of the most secure VPN protocol solutions we’ve seen. It’s based on the famous WireGuard protocol and delivers incredible speeds without compromising user security. The speeds we are talking about are almost 1 Gbps. Next, we should note that you will get a chance to try the revolutionary Double VPN technology. This means that the user connection is routed through two independent VPN servers. This provides an extra layer of security and can be found only in a handful of VPN providers.
Like many other brands, NordVPN also has tools that automatically block unwanted ads and fishy sites. The latest 256-bit AES encryption ensures that all information shared through its servers is protected.
Depending on your device/operating system, you’ll also get covered with the help of two security protocols – the IKEv2/IPsec for macOS and iOS and OpenVPN for Android and Windows. They also has P2P servers (these are not available in all countries) that let you download and upload torrents without bandwidth limitations.
Remember that these top-notch security tools and features will not interrupt your online experience. On the contrary, users can still expect ultra-fast speeds.
ExpressVPN
With ExpressVPN, you can connect to one of the 3,000+ servers in over 90 countries. When it comes to security, it’s worth noting that this brand has created unique security protocols thanks to its in-house team of experts in this field.
The most famous one is LightWeight, a protocol that helps you stay safe online but might interrupt the download speeds. So, this is something this secure VPN provider should work on in the future.
The AES 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN are two things we mentioned earlier in our VPN reviews. ExpressVPN includes some standard security tools and features too. The other things in the security/safety sector are a bit technical. They would not mean much to the ordinary user, but the truth is that they also add up to a high level of protection. We are talking about the SHA-512 HMAC, ESA-4096 handshake, and PFS.
In addition to the DNS leak protection, you should expect WebTRC leak protection. Registered users can also use the kill switch feature to prevent exposing their IP address when a server goes down. As for the servers, it’s good to know that this brand relies on proprietary 256-bit encrypted DNS solutions on each server.
We already mentioned that users might experience slower speeds in some cases. Still, the fact is that they can choose from many servers which might perform better. Generally speaking, the closer the server is to your location, the better. This is true not just for this brand but for all VPN service providers.
IPVanish
From the United States comes IPVanish, one of the most secure VPN options you can find today. This brand is proud of its 1,900+ servers in over 75 locations across the globe. Before we discuss the security features of this provider, we should note that the speeds provided by IPVanish are excellent, especially regarding nearby servers.
This provider relies on AES-256-CBC encryption technology that has proven to be very efficient at protecting user connections from malware-carrying websites and hackers. This encryption technology includes a SHA256 hash algorithm and multiple protocol support.
Like almost all other VPNs on our list, this one has a kill switch option to protect you from unexpected connection problems. Then we have the IPv6 leak protection and OpenVPN. Thanks to the app, users get additional control over the OpenVPN setup. All these features and options allow players to protect their identity on the Internet and get a safe and secure online experience.
To be honest, the prices of all plans are a bit high, but currently, you can get a 65% off the first year if you commit to an annual plan.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is one of the oldest and most secure VPN service providers. It was founded in 2009, and since then, it has invested much in improving its services. You can connect to over 700 servers in more than 70 locations, and this provider also offers fast connections.
Besides the incredible speeds, you can also expect excellent security. As some might have guessed, all the standard protocols we mentioned before are employed by VyprVPN. What makes it different than the others is the presence of the Chameleon protocol. This protocol was designed to prevent VPN and DPI blocking. Very often, sites like Netflix detect that you use a VPN.
Still, with the Chameleon protocol, it will be almost impossible. Needless to say, the DNS leak protection and kill switch features are available. Finally, VyprVPN respects your privacy and proves that with its zero-log policy.
The only downside is that VyprVPN is the most expensive solution on this list. However, you can always use the 30-day money-back guarantee to check whether this provider meets your needs and expectations.
Is using a free VPN secure?
Several free VPN options are available to all Internet users. Using such an option might look like a good idea. Still, it’s actually one of the worst moves you can make, especially if you are worried about security.
Namely, most of these service providers are offering these things to attract unsuspecting users who will share personal information with them. Once they connect to their servers, they’ll learn about their behavior and start sending ads tailored to their interests.
In addition, some of them might abuse the personal information shared during the registration process. To avoid these things, you should look for a paid VPN provider.
Final thoughts
Various security protocols, encryption technology, and firewalls can vouch for your safety while using VPN servers. The options we mentioned above are among the best you can find today. They provide military-grade encryption, the latest protocols, no-log policies, and powerful firewalls that can prevent malware and hackers.
Your online security should be the top priority. Even though using a VPN can improve this security, fishy VPN service providers can put you in a worse situation. Take a closer look at our VPN reviews and choose the most secure VPN for your specific needs.