Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become a ubiquitous presence in our online lives. From editorials to advertisements, and even featured on popular YouTube shows, it’s hard to avoid the allure of these services promising to protect your privacy and keep you anonymous on the internet. But don’t be fooled – VPN providers are often more interested in collecting and selling your data than protecting it.
What is a VPN?
VPNs were originally designed for employees to connect securely to their office network from home or while on business trips. Today, they’re used by individuals to hide their online internet traffic and trick streaming services into thinking they’re in another country when they’re not. This technique has historically helped activists and dissidents bypass censorship systems in their own countries.
How VPNs Work
VPNs work by funneling all of your internet traffic through a virtual private ‘tunnel’ to the VPN server, making it more difficult for anyone on the internet to see which sites you’re visiting or which apps you’re using. However, this doesn’t inherently protect your privacy or give you anonymity. Instead, it simply diverts all of your internet traffic from going to your internet provider’s systems into the VPN provider’s systems.
Why You Can’t Trust VPN Providers
You can’t trust a VPN that promises to protect your privacy more than your internet provider. By funneling all of your internet traffic to a potentially untrustworthy company, you’re exposing yourself to privacy risks. Free VPN providers are particularly egregious, as they monetize your data by selling it to the highest bidder to serve you targeted ads while connected to their service.
The Problem with Paid VPNs
Paid VPNs don’t solve the problem of funneling all of your internet traffic to a potentially untrustworthy company. It’s also reasonable to be suspicious of the offerings provided by some of the biggest tech companies, which make money from selling ads. Even if a VPN provider claims not to store any logs or track which websites you visit, there’s no way you can be completely sure.
The Best VPN is One You Control Yourself
The core problem with VPN providers is that you can’t look under the hood and see what’s going on with your data. That’s why if you think you need a VPN, we recommend setting up your own encrypted VPN server using software that has been inspected and audited by security researchers. This way, you can create and control your own VPN server through a cloud service like Amazon Web Services, DigitalOcean, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or others.
Creating Your Own VPN Server
Setting up your own VPN server is easier than you think. Start by choosing a reputable cloud provider that offers secure and private hosting options. Then, install an open-source VPN software solution like OpenVPN or WireGuard, which has been extensively tested and audited for security vulnerabilities. This way, you can create a secure and private tunnel for your internet traffic.
The Benefits of Controlling Your Own VPN Server
By controlling your own VPN server, you gain several benefits:
- Security: With a dedicated VPN server, you can choose the level of encryption and security protocols that suit your needs.
- Privacy: Since you control the server, you don’t have to worry about data collection or tracking by third-party providers.
- Customization: You can customize your VPN server to meet specific requirements for speed, performance, or features.
Conclusion
VPNs can be useful for specific purposes, but it’s essential to know their limitations. Don’t rely on VPN providers to protect your privacy or anonymity. By taking control of your own VPN server, you can ensure a secure and private online experience.
Resources
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