VPNs are considered the best cybersecurity tools that protect users around the world. People around the globe buy VPN to stay anonymous and bypass geographic restrictions. Undoubtedly VPNs serve as a shield against cybercrimes but does it protect against dangerous cyberattacks caused by hackers?
Let’s find out!
Can a VPN Protect You from Hackers?
VPNs encrypt your traffic and mask your IP address, but they can not protect you from malware or hacker viruses that find their way into your system through bad code hidden inside programs or malicious phishing links in spam emails.
So, while a VPN can help protect you from most cyberattacks, it cannot provide complete protection against hackers.
How does a VPN protect you?
If any hacker gets access to the network you’re using or you’re connected to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network – they will be able to get into your data. But if you buy VPN, you’ll have an additional layer of protection to ensure that your intercepted data will only be visible as an unintelligibly scrambled code to the hackers.
A VPN will protect you from any cyberattack that requires the hacker to know your IP address since a VPN will mask your IP address, and the hacker will only be able to view the one associated with your chosen VPN server.
Since this is how most cyberattacks occur, VPNs can help keep hackers at bay!
Which cyberattacks can be prevented through VPNs?
Listed below are some of the cyberattacks that can be prevented by using a VPN:
1. DDoS Attacks
DDoS attacks, also known as Distributed Denial of Service Attacks, can easily be prevented by getting a VPN subscription. These attacks flood a network by overloading servers, inflating traffic, and crashing websites. These attacks are used in online gaming communities to knock players out of the game by removing them from a competitive match and overloading their network.
However, since VPNs hide your IP address, you stay immune from DDoS attacks as hackers can not harm you without your IP address.
2. Man in the Middle Attacks
These attacks refer to hackers viewing, intercepting, or tampering with your confidential data while in transit. You can buy a VPN to protect your device from these attacks, as a VPN will encrypt your internet activity as it travels to and from the server.
Even if a hacker manages to launch a man-in-the-middle attack while your data is in transit, VPN encryption will not allow them to decipher it.
3. Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots
Using public Wi-Fi comes with various risks. Hackers can set up fake hotspots for legitimate businesses like train stations or cafés. Hackers will give the Wi-Fi a convincing name, so they can view your data as it passes through their network when you connect to it (without needing a password). However, with a VPN installed on your device, you can encrypt your data before it leaves your device, so the hacker does not get to view any of your confidential information.
What do Good VPNs offer?
VPNs are used for various purposes, from bypassing geographic restrictions imposed on websites to browsing the web anonymously, but not all VPNs available in the market are alike. Different low-quality VPNs available in the market do not fulfill their purpose.
A good VPN will always offer you something out of the box. You need to look for the following features while buying a VPN:
1. Strong Security
You should only buy a VPN that provides an end-to-end encryption tunnel to transmit your data safely. You don’t have to worry about Wi-Fi spying or man-in-the-middle attacks if your information is encrypted from the moment it leaves your device. Moreover, it will also allow you to freely connect to public hotspots on public transport and cafes while staying secure.
2. Additional Features
Getting some additional features is always a bonus! It would help if you bought a VPN that offers an extra layer of security by providing you with features like a Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, etc. All of these features add up to the credibility of a VPN, providing users with ultimate security and protection.
Choose a VPN that offers the best value for your money in terms of its features.
3. Enhanced Privacy
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) make money by selling your data and browsing habits to data brokers, advertisers, and third-party marketers. These companies do not have the best interests at heart, but if you use a VPN, you won’t have to care about that.
Your ISP will not know your whereabouts if you use a VPN that offers enhanced privacy and security.
Final Thoughts
With the increasing rate of cybercrimes worldwide, it’s time to take matters of your privacy into your own hands. If you’re worried about hackers stealing your confidential information, you need to buy VPN to cover many of your network vulnerabilities.
