Here’s Why You Should STOP Using a VPN for Security!

We’ve all seen the ads.

“Protect your online privacy with our military-grade encryption!” or,

“Surf the web securely and anonymously with just one click!”

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are often touted as the ultimate solution for staying safe on the scary internet.

As of 2024, nearly half of all Americans are using a VPN for either personal or business reasons.

But here’s the thing – VPNs are not the magic bullet for security that many people think they are. In fact, relying solely on a VPN can give you a false sense of security and even make you more vulnerable to certain types of attacks.

I know, I know – all the blogs and YouTube ads make it sound like a VPN is the ultimate key to secure and anonymous online world.

“Just click, connect and boom, you’re invisible to hackers!”

If only it were that simple.

What’s a VPN Anyway?

First, let’s break down what a VPN actually does.

In simple terms, a VPN creates a secure, encrypted “tunnel” between your device and a remote server operated by the VPN provider.

This has two main effects:

1. Masks your real IP address and location: Websites and services will only see the IP of the VPN server, not your actual device. This makes it harder (but not impossible!) to track your online activity back to you.

2. Encrypts your data in transit: Even if a hacker intercepts your traffic, say on an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, all they’ll get is gibberish. Your actual data, like login credentials or browsing history, remains safely scrambled.

Based on this, it’s easy to see why VPNs have gotten so popular.

According to globenewswire, the global VPN market is set to grow from $44.6 billion in 2022 to $137.7 billion by 2030, with China leading growth at 17.6% CAGR.

But VPN is not a magic invisibility cloak, and using one doesn’t automatically make you invincible online. And the way it is advertised as an ultimate privacy tool, it’s downright dangerous.

The Limitations of VPNs

Contrary to the slick marketing claims, VPNs have some serious limitations and risks that you need to understand before relying on one. Here are five of the biggest:

1. You’re Still Not Anonymous

VPNs can mask your IP address and encrypt your traffic, but that does NOT make you completely anonymous online.

Your traffic still has to emerge from the VPN server and interact with websites and services, which have plenty of other ways to track you:

• Browser fingerprinting: Your browser sends all kinds of little details – your device type, screen size, installed fonts, etc. – that can be pieced together to uniquely identify you, VPN or not.
• Cookies and trackers: Unless you’re blocking them with other tools, cookies can still follow you around the web and build profiles on your behavior, even if your IP address is hidden.
• Logged-in accounts: If you’re logged into Google, Facebook, Amazon, or any other service, they can track your activity across any sites with their trackers or login buttons.

No matter how robust your VPN, it can’t stop these persistent tracking methods. True anonymity requires way more than just masking your IP.

2. It Won’t Stop Malware or Hacking

Another common misconception is that VPNs will protect you from malware and hacking attempts.

A VPN encrypts your traffic, yes, but it can’t stop you from downloading a sketchy attachment or getting duped by a phishing site.

If your actual device gets compromised, a VPN can’t save you from attacker from stealing your data or taking over your accounts.

That’s like putting a bandaid on a stab wound – not gonna cut it.

3. You’re at the Mercy of Your VPN Provider

When you use a VPN, you’re essentially shifting your trust from your ISP to your VPN provider. All your online activity is now visible to them instead.

And picking a “free” VPN might get you in trouble.

You see, running a VPN service costs money – servers, bandwidth, support staff, it adds up quick. So how do “free” providers make bank? Often by selling user data to advertisers, or worse, handing it over to authorities.

In a 2024 study, researchers found that around 90% of free Android VPN apps leaked user data.

Not just that. Over two-thirds share sensitive info with third parties, and more than half have potentially dangerous code.

“Okay, so I’ll just use a paid no-log VPN then!”

Well, not so fast.

In 2022, UFO VPN, a Hong Kong VPN provider claiming 20 million users, was discovered to be logging customer data despite vouching for a “zero log policy.”

4. Serious Performance Hits

One dirty secret of VPNs?

They can seriously slow down your internet speed, especially if you’re connecting to a server far away or one that’s overloaded with users.

See, every bit of your data has to travel further to get where it’s going – from you, to the VPN server (which might be on the other side of the planet), then finally to its actual online destination.

Plus the encryption/decryption process takes time and processing power. It all adds up.

Now, the best VPN providers have worked hard to minimize this impact with better servers and protocols.

But even then, using a VPN will almost always be slower than just connecting directly, no matter what the marketing says. It’s a necessary trade-off.

5. False Sense of Security

Perhaps the biggest risk of VPNs is the false sense of security they can create.

When that VPN connects and the little “shield” icon lights up green, it’s tempting to think you’re invincible.

VPNs don’t make you anonymous, don’t protect against malware, and come with trust and performance issues.

However, pairing them with additional tools like malware protection, ad blockers, and identity theft coverage can strengthen your privacy and secure your digital data.

That’s why, in 2024, VPNs alone simply aren’t enough. You need to think bigger and build a layered defense that can evolve with the times. Which brings me to my next point.

How to be Truly Secured Online

To truly keep yourself safe online in 2024 and beyond, you need a multi-layered approach that goes way beyond just using a VPN. Think of it like security onions (or ogres!) – layers on layers.

Here are some of the key tools and practices I recommend based on the latest expert guidance and my own research:

1. Strong unique passwords with 2FA: Password reuse is not your friend! Every account needs its own strong password, stored in an encrypted password manager.
   And always enable two-factor authentication. Preferably with an authenticator app or hardware key, not hackable SMS.
2. Trusted, audited VPN: If you do use a VPN, make it a reputable paid one that’s been independently audited and has a verified no-logging policy.
   Avoid the free ones like the plague. And remember, it’s an extra layer, not your only defense.
3. Secure, private browsers: Switch to a browser that doesn’t track you by default, like Brave or Firefox with privacy-enhancing tweaks.
   Use anti-tracking extensions like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger. On mobile, consider Tor Browser for max anonymity.
4. Encrypted communications: For sensitive chats, use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal or iMessage. Avoid unencrypted SMS or services that store your messages. For email, use a provider that supports strong encryption.
5. Locked down accounts & devices: Keep all your software and operating systems up-to-date with the latest security patches. Use strong screenlock PINs or biometrics. Enable “Find My” features to remotely wipe lost devices. The basics matter!
6. Zero Trust mentality: Adopt a Zero Trust mindset, both for your own behavior and your organization’s security.
   Don’t blindly trust links, attachments, networks, or identities – verify everything. Implement least-privilege access, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring. Evolve your defenses continuously.
7. Security awareness training: Perhaps most importantly, keep your security skills sharp and up-to-date. Follow security related researches and news, attend trainings, and make time to learn about the latest threats and defense strategies. Knowing is half the battle!

So, should you use a VPN? In many cases, yes. But VPNs are not a silver bullet. They have real benefits, but also serious limitations and risks. Use them wisely, but don’t rely on them alone.