A VPN replaces your IP address with a virtual one and transmits data via an encrypted tunnel to hide your online activity. But can this guarantee 100% anonymity? Will this stop hackers from bypassing the VPN and eavesdropping?
The answer depends on your online behavior and the VPN you are using. If you use a reliable and trustworthy VPN like Systweak VPN, things are different instead of using a Free VPN or a VPN from an untrusted source.
What is a VPN?
VPNs are powerful security tools that make it difficult for Internet Service Providers, government agencies, and hackers to read your data. They create an encrypted tunnel to transmit data and save you from being monitored. However, if the VPN you use does not work on a no-log policy, then the chances of you being tracked stand up.
Therefore, you must read the terms and privacy policy when using a VPN. Ideally, every reliable and trusted VPN mentions the user data, protocols it uses, encryption level, and more. If the VPN does not say anything about user data, it should ring a bell.
This is how VPNs work and are used. Now the question is who all can track VPNs. Keep reading to know more about it and learn how to stay protected from being tracked when using a VPN.
Related: Protect Your Social Media Account From Being Hacked
Who Can Monitor VPN Usage?
Below is the list of authorities that can monitor VPN usage:
- Governments –
- ISPs —
- Hackers –
- Employers —
- Online platforms —
How Can You Still be Tracked Even With a VPN?
Although, VPNs make it almost impossible to track your online activity. However, using some nasty ways, you can be tracked even when using a VPN:
- Website tracking cookies
- Browser Fingerprinting
- DNS leaks
- VPN logs
Website Tracking Cookies
Most websites use cookies to track and enhance functionality – these tiny text files save information like unique user identification. An advertiser network adds tracking cookies to the website. These cookies enable advertisers and websites to recognize you across numerous websites.
Browser Fingerprinting
Another common method hackers and legal agencies use to track you are Browser fingerprinting. When you visit a website, your browser sends many data, including browser settings, installed add-ons, screen size, language, browser version, and operating system. Though these details don’t identify you precisely, they are pretty accurate.
DNS Leaks
A DNS leak implies that even while using a VPN, the websites you visit are easy to detect. As ISPs constantly monitor and log DNS inquiries when a DNS leak occurs, even a VPN cannot protect you from a DNS leak.
VPN Logs
When it comes to monitoring someone online, VPN records are the most significant element. This data can be used to link internet behavior to a specific individual. Some VPNs maintain logs of all internet traffic on their servers, and such VPNs should always be avoided. This means it is easy to track you if a VPN collects logs.
Related – Secure Your Computer from Unauthorized Access
How to Avoid Being Tracked When Using A VPN?
A VPN is one of the most powerful tools that help stay anonymous. However, it cannot prevent users from all sorts of tracking. To gain additional privacy, different things need to be taken care of.
Here’s how to prevent tracking of digital footprints:
- Use a VPN that works on a no-logs policy.
- When browsing, use incognito/private mode.
- Use secure browsers like Tor, DuckDuckGo, etc.
- Make use of cryptocurrencies to make payments.
Use A VPN That Works On A No-Logs Policy.
To prevent tracking, use a no-logs VPN. No one can link any online behavior to you when you use a no-log VPN. Systweak VPN is suggested. This user-friendly VPN allows connections to different servers and accesses restricted data. Also, it does not save user logs. It is the first VPN service to withdraw its services from India when the government forced VPNs to keep user logs standard.
When Browsing, Use Incognito/Private Mode
Incognito/Private mode is an excellent way offered by browsers to block tracking cookies. When you close the browser when running in incognito/private mode, all cookies are cleared, and browsing history is deleted.
Use Secure Browsers Like Tor, Duckduckgo, Etc.
Avoiding browser fingerprinting is difficult. Therefore, browsers like Tor and DuckDuck Go are recommended if you want to keep your privacy intact. These browsers are built mainly for online anonymity and prohibit you from running programs that might identify you.
Make Use Of Cryptocurrencies To Make Payments
When making online payments or paying for a VPN, use cryptocurrency for more anonymity. This way, no one will ever know that your account or you are linked with a VPN service.
Final Thoughts: Can You Be Tracked If You Use A VPN?
A clear-cut answer to this is quite challenging, but there is a possibility that you can be tracked. If someone truly wants to monitor you online, using some means they can track you regardless of whether you use a VPN.
However, a VPN protects your surfing behavior, and a reliable VPN like Systweak VPN cannot access your data, true location, or essential information.
Hence when selecting a VPN, make sure the VPN you are picking is straightforward with a privacy policy and no-logs policy.
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