A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, masking your IP address and protecting your internet traffic from interception or tracking by third parties.
VPNs are critical tools for protecting privacy and security online. Despite this, it’s still common to hear advice like “turn off your VPN” whenever a website connection fails. This approach is not just outdated—it’s potentially dangerous, leaving users exposed to threats that VPNs are specifically designed to block. In a digital age of relentless data snooping, cyberattacks, and surveillance, it’s time to demand better solutions that prioritize user safety.
Why VPNs Matter
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are foundational for online privacy and security. They work by:
– Encrypting your internet traffic, making all data sent and received unreadable to hackers, ISPs, and opportunistic network admins—even on notoriously unsafe public Wi-Fi networks, like those in airports and coffee shops[1][4][6].
– Hiding your IP address to prevent websites, advertisers, or prying third parties from linking your online activity to your real-world identity or physical location[1][2][3][5].
– Shielding you from ISP and government tracking, so your browsing history stays private and isn’t monetized, sold, or used to throttle your speed[1][2][5].
– Blocking man-in-the-middle attacks that seek to intercept sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and private communications[2][4][6].
– Securing data transfers for remote workers and organizations, ensuring confidential files remain protected even across public connections[3][6].
Encryption standards used by the best VPNs (like AES-256) are trusted by banks and governments, making it virtually impossible for attackers to decrypt intercepted data[2].
The Risks of Disabling Your VPN
When troubleshooting a website issue, some support staff or guides still suggest you disable your VPN “just to test” if it’s causing the problem. This advice is not simply inconvenient; it directly undermines your digital safety:
– Your data becomes visible to anyone on the network, including malicious hackers on public Wi-Fi or opportunistic ISPs at home.
– Your personal and financial information is exposed, creating opportunities for theft, fraud, or identity misuse.
– You lose anonymity, allowing advertisers, trackers, and even oppressive regimes to monitor your digital footprint.
– You’re vulnerable to attacks that a VPN would normally block—including data harvesting, DNS hijacking, and more[4][6].
The argument that disabling a VPN is a “temporary fix” is shortsighted—just one unprotected session can have serious consequences.
Better Troubleshooting Means Respecting User Security
Rather than asking users to sacrifice their privacy, focus troubleshooting efforts on non-invasive solutions:
– Check for server-side issues. Many connection errors originate from misconfigured web servers, out-of-date SSL certificates, or hosting problems.
– Review DNS settings. Some sites may require updated or alternative DNS resolvers for proper access.
– Explore browser configurations. Extensions or privacy settings may clash with certain websites.
– Encourage website owners to fix compatibility problems rather than placing blame on users for trying to protect themselves.
If a website or business requires visitors to be vulnerable by disabling their VPN, that’s a red flag about their security practices and respect for user privacy. In such cases, it may be safer—and wiser—to choose an alternative site, even if that means switching banks, retailers, or service providers.
How to Get a VPN
To get a VPN, simply choose a provider (such as NordVPN, Private Internet Access, or ExpressVPN), select a subscription plan, and download their app to your device to start securing your internet connection[11][12][13][14].
Troubleshooting Option: Try Another VPN Connection
Many web sites now “monitize” your location, for example, because Google sells location specific advertisments, so some web sites now block VPNs that give you true location privacy. If you think your VPN may be using a server that is being blocked, try using a VPN which lets you switch servers, even countries, while protecting your IP address. Switching to a different server is an option with many VPN services and this can help determine if your connection to a web site is being blocked due to your current VPN server address being blocked.
The Bottom Line
VPNs are no longer optional “extras” for the paranoid: they are essential defenses for anyone navigating today’s internet[1][2][4]. Advising users to switch off their VPNs is both irresponsible and dangerous. The web must adapt to the reality that privacy and security tools are a baseline requirement, not a barrier to be cast aside for convenience.
Your privacy matters. Your security matters. It’s time we all acted like it.
Read More
[1] https://www.totalsecurity.com/blog/the-role-of-vpns-in-enhancing-online-privacy/
[2] https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/benefits-of-vpn/
[3] https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-a-vpn
[4] https://informationsecurity.wustl.edu/the-power-of-virtual-private-networks-vpn-in-privacy-protection/
[5] https://surfshark.com/blog/benefits-of-vpn
[6] https://nordlayer.com/blog/vpn-security-how-vpns-help-secure-data/
[7] https://nordvpn.com/blog/benefits-of-vpn/
[8] https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/benefits-of-vpn
[9] https://dashrdp.com/blog/the-benefits-of-using-a-vpn-for-online-privacy
[10] https://blog.noip.com/the-benefits-of-vpn-securing-your-online-presence-and-privacy
[11] https://nordvpn.com/pricing/
[12] https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/
[13] https://www.expressvpn.com/
[14] https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/