VPN (Virtual Private Network) services have experienced a significant transformation. At first, these were mainly used by those working in tech. The users were individuals wanting to secure their internet connections, largely because they knew about the dangers of unsecure connections. Often due to privacy reasons. Not much has changed in that regard – they’re still used by people wanting security online. But now, VPNs are essential tools for everyone. According to research, 76% of Brits are now familiar with VPNs.
The past few years have seen a marked change. One of the biggest advancements is in no-log VPNs. These VPNs don’t keep records of users’ online activities.
In this article, we’ll explore these changes and why these no-log VPNs are great for users concerned about online privacy.
No-Log VPNs
No-log VPNs are VPN services that do not store user data.
This includes:
- Browsing history and search queries. There’s no record of the websites you visit or the search terms you use.
- Timestamps. No record is kept of when you connect or disconnect from the VPN.
- Connection duration. No logs of how long your connection lasts.
- IP addresses. Your original IP address isn’t stored.
- Personal information. No details that can be linked to your online activities are retained.
- Downloads. No tracking of what files are downloaded or uploaded.
- Data transfer amounts. No tracking of how much data you consume during a session.
- Session logs. No records of your VPN usage.
If anything, a no-log VPN will only store minimal metadata. This is for the sole purpose of providing a quality service. So, it might be something like which version of the app you used. Importantly, this data is not linked to any individual.
People like journalists, politicians, celebrities, activists, or everyday internet users concerned about privacy will benefit from using one.
The best no-log VPN options mean that even if a VPN provider is subpoenaed, there is no data to hand over.
Improvements in VPN security
VPN security has improved, and cyberthreats are more sophisticated now. This means VPN providers have ramped up their efforts, too.
A major improvement security-wise is AES-256 encryption, one of the strongest available. Any data transmitted through a VPN with AES-256 encryption is virtually unreadable if it’s intercepted.
Many services also now provide Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). The requirement to verify your identity through more than one method makes it significantly harder for accounts to be compromised, even if their passwords are exposed.
Providers are also moving toward using RAM-based servers. These erase data automatically when the server is powered off, so no sensitive data is stored long-term, and the risk of data breaches is lower.
Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) is also new. This cryptographic technique means that even if encryption keys are compromised in the future, past communications are secure. This is because each session uses a unique encryption key.
Higher Speed and Better Performance
VPNs were once known for slowing down the internet speed, but they have vastly improved. New protocols have improved the speed without sacrificing security. Connections are more reliable. There is lower latency and higher speed. Users can stream and game without disruption, something not possible with the VPNs of old.
Server networks have expanded, too. There are more global locations. You can connect to a server nearby to improve speed by reducing the distance data travels. The result of using a VPN on performance is negligible.
Additional features to watch for:
- Split tunnelling. Choosing which apps or services use the VPN and which don’t.
- Kill switch. If the VPN connection drops, you’re disconnected automatically to prevent data exposure.
- Dedicated IPs. Some providers offer dedicated IP addresses. Useful if you have tasks that require consistent, recognised access, like banking.
- Ad and malware blockers. Some VPNs have built-in blockers.
The Importance of Transparency
When using a VPN, you trust the service provider. Despite a no-logs policy, some VPN services still collect metadata, which can be used to track user activity. This has led to a call for greater transparency.
To build trust, many leading VPN providers have third-party audits. These verify that the service providers adhere to their no-log policies. Some have even started publishing transparency reports. Openness helps users make more informed decisions when choosing a VPN.
A Secure Future
The development of VPN services over the past few years has brought significant improvements. Privacy, security, and performance are better. The introduction of no-log VPNs is perhaps the most notable improvement. And this was driven by an increasing demand for privacy-conscious services.
Anyone concerned about their privacy online should use a no-log VPN. Look for stronger encryption, faster speeds, and user-friendly features. Thankfully, VPNs are better than they ever have been. And with threats always changing, using one is a great way to protect your data.
