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Using a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a fantastic way to maintain your safety on the internet. Your information becomes encrypted allowing you total anonymity while online. However, many people don’t realize that not all VPNs are created equal.
There are many different attributes that vary among VPNs. Some run faster, some have more servers, some have better encrypting, some are free, some expensive. But no matter which features make a VPN right for you, there is one detail you should always seek – a no logs policy.
What is A No Logs Policy?
VPNs protect you on the internet by bouncing around your information on their multiple servers to allow you complete anonymity from hackers and other cybercriminals trying to look in at your activity. However, some VPNs keep track of the things you do while using their services.
These logs of activity could be sold to third party vendors, but even if a company has no intention of selling your data, it completely defeats the purpose of the VPN to “hide” your info, just to keep that info in a file for others to find and see later.
This is where a no logs policy comes in to place. A VPN with a no logs policy does not maintain any of your personal information, so you are provided with true anonymity. Vpnpro.com can help you find the best no log VPN options.
What King of Logs do Some VPNs Keep?
VPNs that keep logs might have huge amounts of information regarding your time online. Some of the logs VPNs can keep are:
- VPN usage logs
- Visited websites
- Protocols used
- Hash value of downloaded files
- Connection logs
- Your IP address
- Timestamp of VPN connection
- Amount of data being Transferred
- General Info
- Usernames and passwords
- Email address
- Subscription details
- Personal information
- Address
- Real name
- Location
This is just some of the information that could be potentially found within the logs of a VPN that does not maintain a no logs policy.
The Dangers of Log-Keeping VPNs
A good VPN isn’t going to keep logs – plain and simple. When a VPN keeps logs there are three major concerns:
- They are selling your information
- Your information can be subpoenaed
- Your information can be seen by hackers
It is important to note that most, if not all, free VPNs are making their money back by keeping logs of your information and then selling that to a third party. This can result in getting spam calls, spam emails, targeted advertising on social media, or much more.
Private conversations had while using a VPN that is logging your info can be located and seen if the VPN is subpoenaed for that information. This happened in 2011 with HMA VPN. The company was subpoenaed, and chat logs led to the conviction of a man named Cody Kretsinger.
Though it is admittedly difficult to hack into a VPN, it isn’t impossible. The hope should be that if a VPN does find itself hacked, that there is no client information available for hackers to exploit. However, a VPN that keeps logs will have that information all saved a packaged up nicely for a hacker to use against you later.
How to Stay Completely Anonymous Online
If you search around for information of VPNs, you will see that shared IP addresses are highly advocated. Shared IP addresses keep individual users from being identified and is a great bit of technology. However, if you want to experience true anonymity online it is crucial that your VPN maintains a no logs policy.
In Conclusion
There is no arguing that Virtual Private Networks are amazing for creating a safe, free, anonymous space for internet users. There is no better way to experience the internet. But when it comes to your digital safety not all companies are created equal.
You are allowed to shop around for the service that provides you with the absolute best features, but you must always remember the importance of a no logs policy.
A VPN that keeps logs is entirely redundant. True anonymity and safety only exist when you can access the digital world without worry of others seeing your information. How does it help to prevent hackers from seeing your information, if they can just hack the VPN and get the information?
So, when making your choice for VPN remember to take a look at all the features, read reviews, and ensure that your personal data is truly safe.
