Can a VPN See My Passwords?
Cyber attacks are increasing around the world, and streaming services too.
Having a VPN can help you protect yourself and your privacy while enjoying the best content from every corner of the world. However, can a VPN see your passwords?
VPNs can’t see your passwords if the website you use has an HTTPS connection. HTTPS is an encrypted connection that protects the privacy of the users. However, if you use an HTTP connection, a non-encrypted connection, your VPN will be able to see your passwords.
In this guide, we discuss the characteristics of a VPN, including its advantages and disadvantages.
We also address the dangers of using the wrong VPN and how you can choose the right option for you.
What Is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network or VPN is like a tunnel between your device and the internet.
The tunnel protects you from hackers, censorship, and other internet-related dangers.
A VPN also protects your data from being stolen by companies like Facebook, Google, or other digital giants.
Nowadays, many people use VPNs to bypass streaming services’ geographical restrictions, but they were initially invented for protection.
VPNs allow you to pass through geographical lockdowns on YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming platforms.
You can see prohibited or blocked content in your location. You can do this by using an external server (the VPN) to navigate the internet.
VPN’s geographical features also protect your location from being disclosed. So, hackers won’t be able to identify where you are and who you are.
Benefits of Using a VPN
VPNs are a great tool if you know how to use them. They increase your online security and allow you access to more content.
You Can Change Your Location
You can change your location whenever you want to wherever you want. VPNs allow you to access the internet through a third server.
The third server can be anywhere in the world.
It means that you will be using that server to access the internet, and you can choose from where. By doing this, you will unlock content that you wouldn’t usually be able to access.
Some examples are movies and shows from Netflix, Disney +, PrimeVideo, and HBO.
It Will Protect Your Privacy
VPNs can help you change your IP address in a fast and easy way.
By changing your IP address, you’ll be able to enter anonymously to the internet, therefore, protecting your identity and privacy.
Top VPNs will also encrypt your actions, so your internet or mobile provider won’t see what you are doing.
It Will Increase Your Security
VPN’s primary purpose is to protect you from security breaches on untrusted networks like free Wi-Fi.
A VPN will protect you from rogue Wi-Fi networks, packet sniffing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and other types of cyber dangers.
It Will Unblock Websites
As mentioned before, a VPN will allow you to access the internet from the country you want.
By doing this, you’ll be able to access the content that is specifically from that country.
It is one of the VPNs’ most common features and is why it has become a mainstream software for many.
Disadvantages of Using the Wrong VPN
The VPN you choose will have access to all your data, from passwords to usernames to everything you do online.
That’s why it is imperative to understand the disadvantages of using the wrong VPN.
Free VPNs
There are many VPN providers in the market; some are more expensive than others but offer more features.
However, there are free VPNs accessible to everyone, but we do not recommend them.
Nothing in this world is truly free, and that is true with free VPNs. Most free VPNs are designed with the only purpose of stealing information from their users.
These VPNs allow you to access content from other countries while stealing passwords, usernames, and other essential data.
Although it is difficult for a hacker to steal information if the person has a VPN, a free VPN can infect your computer with malware that will allow others to access your data.
Plug-In VPNs
Several cheap VPNs come in the form of a plug-in for the main browsers like chrome or firefox.
Once you install the plug-in, all the traffic from your server will be directed to the VPN.
If hackers compromise the plug-in, then they’ll be able to steal your data, including passwords and credit card information.
For this reason, you should consider a full VPN and not just a plug-in one.
VPNs With Fake DNS
Some VPNs will automatically assign a DNS (Domain Network System) to your computer.
A DNS converts the website’s addresses to a four-digit number that makes communication across the internet easier.
Be cautious about VPNs that assign a DNS to your computer, as this can compromise the security of your internet experience.
HTTP vs. HTTPS
The difference between these connections is safety. HTTPS is an encrypted connection, while the HTTP is a non-encrypted connection.
Non-encrypted connections will allow your VPN provider to see all your data, including passwords and credit card information.
Tip: Avoid public Wi-Fi hotspots as hackers often use them to steal sensitive information from anyone connected to their network.
How to Choose a VPN
Choosing a trustworthy VPN can be exhausting, but it is essential to make the right choice to keep your internet experience safe.
Our recommendation is to choose a reputable VPN over the cheapest or the free ones.
Choosing a reputable VPN will reduce the possibility of the VPN using your information in any way.
Most reputable VPNs will also provide you with the right encryption level, and strong encryption is more difficult to break by hackers.
Here is a list of the most well-known and reputable VPNs on the market, as well as their features:
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on the market and the best rated by its users. VPN mentor (a website that specializes in VPNs) considers it the best VPN on the market. Express VPN allows you to access the internet through 90 different countries and gives you 24/7 customer support. It also offers you a 30 day trial period for free, and it works with most OS.
- Surf Shark: Surf Shark allows you to connect multiple devices under a single account. Many consider it the best value for money on the market.
- Private Internet Access: It has a quick set-up and works in over 70 countries. It also allows you to encrypt your Wi-Fi connection.
- Cyber Ghost: It is a user-friendly app and is one of the most secure VPNs on the market. It will allow you to choose from a wide range of security protocols.
- IP Vanish VPN: It takes less than a minute to install, and it gives you fast access to different servers. It also allows you to connect up to 10 devices to the same account.
- Private VPN: It gives you unlimited bandwidth and supports streaming services like Netflix. It has military-grade encryption and will allow you to browse securely.
- NordVPN: It is a powerful VPN with thousands of servers worldwide. It allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously. It includes malware protection.
Conclusion
VPNs are excellent tools for internet users. They offer you many features, from protection to geographical bypasses.
Overall, VPNs will be of great help if you work remotely or travel a lot.
Many people use them nowadays for streaming content from different countries.
However, it is essential to understand that VPNs can also be dangerous.
Choose a trustworthy one, and avoid free VPNs as they can steal your information, including passwords.
