Types of attacks a VPN can protect you from and what it cannot protect you from.
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for internet browsing improves security while also allowing access to geo-restricted content. In this article, we'll go over some scenarios in which a VPN can help improve your security and prevent attacks that could jeopardize your browsing.
We will also talk about what a VPN cannot prevent. It's important to remember this, because overconfidence and the belief that these programs can protect you from everything can be dangerous. You should always take the necessary precautions and avoid making things easy for attackers.
It is always recommended to use a good Virtual Private Network (VPN). While there are many options available, none guarantee complete data security. Avoid using untrustworthy options that you cannot find information about online.
Man-in-the-Middle attacks.
Preventing middleman attacks is a clear example of how a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be protected. For example, when connecting to Wi-Fi in an airport or library, an attacker might position themselves between your device and the servers you're trying to access, intercepting your activity and monitoring everything you do.
This puts your privacy at risk. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your data, so everything passes through a secure tunnel, making it inaccessible to anyone, even those connected to the same network.
- Intercepting data on public networks
A similar thing happens when data is intercepted; even your passwords can be intercepted. This is especially likely if you send data as plain text without encryption. This could include access keys, session cookies, forms you fill out and submit via a website, and so on.
Again, thanks to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), all this data will be transmitted encrypted. Even if they manage to intercept it, they won't be able to see its contents. It has a layer of protection that prevents eavesdroppers from reading it.
- Spying via the Internet Service Provider
On the other hand, using a VPN protects you from your internet service provider (ISP). They won't be able to see the websites you visit, as all your data will be protected and encrypted, giving you greater privacy. This is extremely useful in certain situations, such as when your ISP blocks access to a particular website or platform.
This is also useful while traveling. If you are traveling to a country where certain services are blocked, you can use a VPN.
What a VPN doesn't protect you from
However, using a VPN doesn't protect you from everything. For example, it doesn't protect you from malware, it doesn't act as an antivirus program, and it doesn't help you detect or remove potentially harmful files that have entered your system.
It also doesn't protect you from falling victim to phishing attacks. If you receive a malicious link via email, text message, or social media and enter your password, even if you're connecting through a VPN, that password could fall into the hands of unauthorized parties.
Similarly, it doesn't prevent you from disclosing sensitive information online. This can happen through social media, for example. If you post certain data that shouldn't be shared and it becomes publicly visible, this will happen whether you're using a VPN to browse the internet or not.
We recommend some of the services we tested on the Houhou for Information blog, such as NordVPN and Surfshark .
In short, a VPN service can be useful in protecting you from some cyberattacks, but it won't protect you from all types of threats. It's always important to use common sense, avoid mistakes, use good antivirus software, and keep all your software updated regularly.