A VPN creates an encrypted connection (often referred to as a tunnel) between your computer and a server controlled by the VPN company, and then it passes all network activity through that protected connection. This means that your ISP and anyone else watching won’t be able to see what you’re up to or trace online activity back to you.
VPNs can help improve your privacy online, but they have limitations. Once your traffic exits the VPN server, it can be monitored and perhaps intercepted—especially if you’re connecting to sites that aren’t using HTTPS. It’s also possible, albeit difficult, to use complicated timing algorithms to predict when and where you leave the encrypted tunnel. Advertisers also have a myriad of tools at their disposal to track you online, so we recommend using a stand-alone tracker blocker and a privacy focused browser, such as Firefox.
VPNs also won’t protect you against every danger stalking the web. We strongly recommend also using a password manager to create unique and complex passwords for each site and service we use, enabling multi-factor authentication wherever it’s available, and using antivirus software.
