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Wednesday, December 4th
At first glance, CyberGhost might seem like a decent option with its Romanian base and extra features, like a dedicated IP address. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find some skeletons in their closet. The company that owns CyberGhost has a sketchy past involving malware, and their privacy policy has some concerning loopholes - like logging your name, IP address, and general location. Plus, users report buggy apps and annoying pop-up ads, even for paying customers. While it offers okay speeds and a range of server locations, the negatives outweigh the positives here. We can't recommend CyberGhost - you'd be better off looking at some of the top-rated VPNs on our list instead.
VyprVPN is a US-based company. From questionable privacy practices to customer complaints about slow speeds and frequent disconnections, they fall short in several key areas. The recent change in ownership (from a Swiss to an American company) without proper notification to users or update to their privacy policy is particularly concerning. Given these issues, we can't recommend VyprVPN as a reliable or trustworthy VPN service.
When you browse the internet, your personal information can be at risk. Whether you're checking your bank account from a café, streaming content from abroad, or simply browsing from home, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your privacy. A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through secure servers, making it harder for hackers, governments, or companies to track your online activity.
VPNs are especially useful for frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone concerned about security when using public Wi-Fi. They can also help bypass geographical restrictions, so you can access websites or content not available in your region. But not all VPNs are created equal.
Some offer blazing-fast speeds, while others might slow your connection. Some provide extra security features, like multi-hop encryption or malware protection, while others focus on ease of use and broad device compatibility. Free VPNs exist, but they often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, or even questionable privacy practices. (Ironic, no?)
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN is the availability of advanced features like split tunneling and kill switches. Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. This feature is helpful if you want to protect sensitive activities, like online banking, while still using your regular internet speed for things like streaming or gaming. A kill switch, on the other hand, is a safety feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed during those brief moments when you're not protected, ensuring that your privacy remains intact at all times.
You should carefully consider the country where the company operates. This is important because of international surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. These alliances are agreements between countries to share intelligence information, which could potentially include data collected by VPNs. If you're using a VPN based in a country within these alliances, your data might be at risk due to laws requiring VPN providers to collect and share user information. For maximum privacy, you might want to choose a VPN provider based outside of these alliances, in countries with strong privacy laws. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of your data being shared or accessed by government agencies, even if requested.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a VPN provider:
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the leading VPN providers available. We hope this review helps you find the best protection for your needs.
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