In today article, I will provide you insights on “Does a VPN protect you from hackers?” On top of that, I’ll also share how a VPN protects you from hackers and what other threats it protects you against.
Point is, if you’ve got questions about hackers, VPNs or even just basic privacy, this piece is for you.
Let’s not waste time and get started then?
Table of Contents
Does a VPN protect you from hackers?
The short answer is- yes. A VPN does protect you from hackers.
Now, the “how” comes into play, doesn’t it?
How exactly does a VPN protect you from hackers? What does it do?
To answer that question, isn’t it better if we first discuss what does a hacker use to hack you in the first place?
Once you understand where the problem lies, you can solve it better. Let’s get started then?
What does a hacker use to hack you?
Now, there are multiple ways you can he hacked.
The easiest way you’re hacked is social engineering and phishing. You visit a website thinking it’s Facebook, Amazon or any other site. In reality, it’s a fake site that looks like your original website but isn’t.
You enter your login credentials and it’s sent right to the hackers.
Another popular method a hacker uses is by intercepting your traffic. Once intercepted, they can redirect your traffic anywhere they want. They can also backtrack your traffic to your system, place unwanted cookies and a lot more.
Although, the biggest threat to your security is your IP address. When you connect to the internet, you must use an IP address that’s assigned to you by your ISP.
Now, this IP address reveals a lot about you! Click here to see a first-hand demonstration!
As you may have just seen, your IP address gives almost an exact location of you, as well as the name of your internet provider.
Moreover, the IP address is logged by every single website you visit. Your actions (clicks/scrolls/where you’re coming from or going to) are all logged.
The biggest threat however is a direct attack. With your IP address at their disposal, hackers can target you directly and a lot more aggressively. The best hackers can take control of your entire system if they’re motivated enough.
Honeytrapping is another simple but extremely dangerous method employed by hackers. They simply make a site that’s extremely illegal (e.g. underage porn/ hitman services etc.). You’re then redirected to the site and this leads to blackmail, extortion or even legal cases in some situations.
Then ofcourse there are the adware and malware. Hackers deploy malware onto your system via websites, e-mails, apps many other modes.
A VPN protects you from all of these threats, and more.
How does a VPN protect you from hackers?
Why should you believe me when I say a VPN protects you from hackers? You shouldn’t.
So, here’s the answer in detail so you know what exactly a VPN does to protect you from hackers.
For starters, a VPN changes your IP address. That’s like the primary reason anyone uses a VPN.
Technically it doesn’t “change” your IP but rather masks it with one of its own. It does this by acting as a mediator between your IP and the internet.
So, your IP first connects to the VPN, and then to the internet.
Doing this makes sure all your activities come from this new VPN IP and not your original IP.
This simple change protects you from half of the hacking and fingerprinting out there.
For starters, your real IP address isn’t revealed anywhere. This makes sure even if someone does get a hold of your IP address, it’s the VPN IP and not your real address.
Hence, basic details about your identity and online activity are already protected. None of your activities can now be linked to “you” because your real IP isn’t involved.
A VPN does a lot more than just change your IP address. It also “encrypts” your connection. This is helpful specially when you’re on public Wi-Fi networks.
These are some of the easiest and favourite targets for hackers. You do like that free Wi-Fi in a café, station, bookstore or anywhere else, don’t you? That’s digital suicide.
These networks are generally very weak. Hackers can intercept this traffic and cause mayhem.
This can’t happen when your traffic is encrypted using a VPN. Your IP isn’t revealed either to the Wi-Fi admin which is another desirable result.
Some VPNs, the really good ones also protect you from adware and malware. They can detect these fake/malicious websites and block them before they can cause you harm.
Similarly, some VPNs are armed with antiviruses which help detect malicious apps and attachments.
One feature that’s a bit rare but exists with some VPNs is “dark web scanning”. These VPNs are capable of scanning the dark web (and the clearnet) for data leaks. They can notify you if and when your data is found up for sale.
I do hope you’ve got an idea how a VPN protects you, haven’t you?
Which VPN is the best to protect you from hackers?
So, with over hundreds of VPNs out there, how would you choose the best?
Well, you don’t have to. I’ve used at least 30 VPNs in the past 5 years. There’s a single VPN that came out on top and has been my favourite for the past decade.
Hey, don’t just take my word for it! Why is the best? Am I trying to sell you the VPN? Well, here are your answers.
- It’s free for the first 30 days! So, you get to try all its features for yourself before committing a payment.
- It has the dark web monitor that most other VPNs do not offer.
- It does not store any logs about your IP or activities. This has been publicly and independently proven in an audit.
- Offers split tunnelling, this allows you to selectively use the VPN for some apps/browsers and skip for others.
- Double VPN is another rare feature which changes your IP “twice” before connecting to the web.
- Threat Manager is one of its newest features that protects you from ads, malware, and malicious websites. It’s the only VPN that offers this feature even when you aren’t connecting to a VPN server.
- It also unblocks maximum number of Netflix libraries as far as VPNs go.
- The only VPN that offers “Onion over VPN” servers. Massive protection.
- You can use the same VPN account on 6 different devices.
- It also offers massive 1TB “encrypted” cloud storage!
- It allows payments via Cryptocurrencies and doesn’t require any personal information during Sign up.
- You can use the app on both Android as well as iOS.
Final words- Does a VPN protect you from hackers?
Yes, a VPN does protect you from hackers.
I’m sure the “how” is pretty clear as well.
Obviously, the VPN does a lot more than what I’ve discussed so far. However, I’m sure you’ve got an idea why you must use a VPN.
Do note that even though I’ve recommended NordVPN, you sure can go with other VPNs as well. It’s just that NordVPN offers additional protection which most other VPNs wouldn’t, not at least at Nord’s price.
That’s about it for this piece. So, does a VPN protect you from hackers? I’m sure you know the answer now, don’t you?
