By Nick Mellem, Security Engineer at IT Audit Labs
Updated: February 28, 2024
In today’s connected world, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are widely used by individuals, businesses, and governments to enhance online privacy and security. With over a decade of experience in cybersecurity since my time in the Marine Corps, I’m often asked: Are VPNs actually safe? The short answer is—yes, but only if used properly.
In this blog, we’ll explore the fundamentals of VPN technology, its cybersecurity benefits, and the critical risks you need to understand to protect your personal or organizational data.
What Is a VPN and How Does It Work?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. Instead of sending your data directly to your internet service provider (ISP), it travels through this tunnel, exiting at a different point—often in another city or country.
Think of it as placing your data inside a locked container and sending it through a courier service. Along the way, the package passes through multiple checkpoints, but no one can see what’s inside.
This process masks your IP address and encrypts your activity, making it significantly more difficult for ISPs, advertisers, or attackers to intercept or monitor your online behavior.
The Hidden Cybersecurity Risks of VPNs
While VPNs offer important benefits like data encryption, IP obfuscation, and geo-unblocking, they are not foolproof. Understanding their weaknesses is key to using them securely.
1. Trusting the Wrong VPN Provider
The biggest VPN risk? Choosing the wrong provider. Many free VPN services log your browsing activity, sell your data, or operate under questionable privacy policies. If your VPN provider is collecting and monetizing your personal information, it defeats the entire purpose of using one.
Tip: Always choose a paid, reputable VPN service with a verified no-logs policy and transparent privacy practices.
2. Misconfiguration and Poor Network Management
Even the best VPN can be rendered useless if it’s not configured correctly. Improper setup can create open ports, DNS leaks, or routing vulnerabilities that compromise your privacy. Organizations, in particular, should regularly audit VPN settings to ensure secure access.
3. Weak or Outdated Encryption Standards
Some VPNs use outdated encryption protocols that are vulnerable to modern decryption techniques. If your provider still relies on PPTP or weak ciphers, your data may be exposed.
Best practice: Look for VPNs using protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2/IPSec with strong encryption algorithms (e.g., AES-256).
4. VPN Disconnections and IP Leaks
When your VPN drops—whether due to network instability or software failure—your device may automatically reconnect to the internet without protection. During this lapse, your IP address and activity are visible to your ISP and any third-party trackers.
That’s why it’s essential to use a kill switch—a feature that blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection fails.
How You Can Still Be Tracked While Using a VPN
Despite encrypting your traffic, VPNs cannot prevent all forms of user tracking. Here are some common methods that bypass VPN protection:
Browser Fingerprinting
Websites collect unique data about your device—such as browser type, screen resolution, installed fonts, and extensions—to build a digital fingerprint. This can be used to track you across sites, even if your IP address is hidden.
Intermittent VPN Use
If you turn off your VPN intermittently, even for a moment, ISPs and data brokers can collect snapshots of your activity. Over time, this information builds a detailed profile of your behavior—reducing the privacy gains of using a VPN in the first place.
Free VPNs Logging Your Data
We can’t emphasize this enough: free VPNs often come at the cost of your data. Many of these services sell browsing history, connection metadata, or even DNS requests to advertisers and third parties.
Best Practices for VPN Security
To maximize VPN effectiveness, follow these cybersecurity best practices:
- Choose a Reputable VPN Provider
Opt for paid services that prioritize user privacy and maintain strict no-log policies. - Enable a Kill Switch
This feature automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN drops, preventing accidental data leaks. - Use Strong Authentication
Protect your VPN credentials with strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication when available. - Update Your VPN Software Regularly
Ensure your VPN client receives ongoing security patches to close known vulnerabilities. - Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without Caution
Even with a VPN, unsecured networks can introduce risks. Only connect to known, secure networks when possible. - Verify Server Jurisdiction
Choose VPN servers located in countries with robust privacy protections, like Switzerland or Iceland. - Use VPNs With Modern Protocols
Look for services that support WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2 for high-speed, secure connections. - Audit and Monitor Usage
Regularly review your VPN configurations—especially if you’re managing one at the enterprise level.
Final Thoughts: VPNs Are Powerful, But Not Perfect
VPNs play a vital role in protecting online privacy and securing sensitive data. But like any cybersecurity tool, they have limits. Misconfigured setups, shady providers, and false assumptions about anonymity can all leave you vulnerable.
At IT Audit Labs, we help individuals and organizations evaluate and enhance their VPN strategies. Whether you’re using VPNs for remote access, regulatory compliance, or personal privacy, we can ensure your configuration is optimized for security and performance.
Need a VPN Audit or Secure Network Strategy?
Our cybersecurity experts specialize in:
- VPN configuration audits
- Secure remote access planning
- Network segmentation and zero trust architecture
- Employee training on VPN best practices
👉 Contact IT Audit Labs today to evaluate your VPN setup and learn how to reduce risk in your digital environment.
