Bishal Mukherjee

Fear? Not if your VPN has these 8 vital features. From Security to Flexibility Internet has become a bare necessity for almost everyone on the planet. With the advent in technology and evolution of the Internet, the capabilities of hackers, scammers etc. have also evolved. So, with a goal to provide protection from online threats, VPN services gave us the gift of anonymity, security, and flexibility. As of now, the number of VPN service providers has increased manifold and it becomes quite a daunting task to choose a really good one. Thus, to help you from being wooed by razzamatazz of fancy ads and websites, we are going to share 8 vital features that you should check before settling on the best. 1. Protocol When you start researching about VPN, you will quite frequently see the terms SSL /TLS. This is also referred to as OpenVPN Support. SSL is the most commonly used these days and is considered to be highly secure. You should opt for a VPN that has multiple choices when it comes to selection of protocols and also supports OpenVPN protocol. This would prevent hackers and agencies from accessing your data. 2. Logging When you use a VPN, you trust the service provider with all your personal data. Most VPN guarantee that all your communications are secure from eavesdropping, but the logging policies differ. You should opt for a VPN with “No Log” policy but pay attention to the user agreement and privacy policy. Most providers claim that they do not maintain logs, but certain service providers are bound to maintain logs based on their geographical location. Thus, we highly insist that you make sure about the logging policies before signing up. 3. Mobile Apps and Router Support Using a VPN, you should be able to derive a consistent experience across all devices and platforms! While most VPN are for Windows PC, there are quite a few that offer desktop and mobile solutions too. Thus, when opting for a VPN, ensure that it supports the platforms for mobile devices you use. Also, another option would be to install the VPN directly on the router of your Home network so each device connected to the network will have the benefit of anonymity. While this sounds like the best option, it would require a VPN that offers this feature as well as compatible router. Plus, it would 4. Multiple server locations Depending on the VPN, you should be able to choose your service’s location and exit locations. This feature helps when you want to get around a location restriction. For an example, if you want to access live TV in the England, your service provider should have servers in the UK. It is highly important to make sure that a VPN has servers set-up in multiple locations (or at least the location you’re interested in). A good service provider will have a robust network of servers in multiple countries and would guarantee better streaming levels as well as varied options to choose from. 5. Integrated Switch While VPN guarantee privacy, it would not be wrong to say that they aren’t vulnerable. Their might be chances when the servers are overloaded and IP leaks happen. Having an integrated kill switch can monitor the VPN connection. In case of it failing or a connection drop, a kill switch can shut down data transfer, thereby ensuring your original IP isn’t exposed. However, it is to be noted that not every VPN offers this feature. Those that provide this feature, have it embedded in the software. Check for the integrated switch and also check in the app’s settings as many providers disable it by default. 6. Anonymous DNS Servers Most internet users typically rely on their ISP’s DNS server or 3rd party services for accessing the internet. This practice tends to monitor and record logs of users’ activities and at times block them from certain websites. When getting a VPN, look for the feature where all your internet traffic is routed via the same tunneling protocol and protected with same level of encryption using anonymous DNS servers. This feature adds on to the privacy and security factors. 7. Anti-malware/spyware features It is to be noted that using a VPN doesn’t make you invulnerable. Ensure that you use HTTPS wherever possible and be extra cautious with the download. Quite a few VPN service providers bundle their software with anti-malware and anti-spyware features to ensure that you do not download any viruses or Trojans. While selecting a VPN, cross check if the one you are interested in offers anti-malware protection when you’re connected! Though it is not a deal-breaker, but won’t it be great to have someone watch your back while you browse and download? 8. Price Above all, scan through every single word of the User Agreement to be aware of the differences between paid and free services. Price is one of the most obvious features to make note of when getting a VPN. While free services are most likely to maintain logs and display ads, subscription based services do not necessarily maintain logs and won’t show ads. Plus, paid options are comparatively more secure and trustworthy. A mix of features and price makes a good VPN, but do not get overwhelmed with the plethora of available options. Do your research and opt for the most voted providers.