7 Common VPN Myths Debunked

We at TuxlerVPN believe that one way to learn more about a particular subject is to explore the myths surrounding it. We think the same is true for virtual private networks where many beginner users have preconceived notions about what it can and cannot do. Today, we will try to debunk some of those most common VPN myths that have been passed around for years.

VPN Myth #1 – ISPs Don’t Know I Am Using a VPN

Your ISP knows very well that you use a VPN. It’s just that it doesn’t care about it.

All Internet providers have some sort of a mechanism where they can track their users and their usage. So, if they detect that this one specific user always seems to access a particular IP, they can connect the dots and find out that you are using some kind of proxy protection. Most modern ISPs have better ways to track, but you should know that it’s harmless. Unless you are engaging in illegal activity.

VPN Myth #2 – VPN Means Slow Internet

This is perhaps the most common VPN myth. Assuming that VPN works in a way that throttles your Internet speed is a myth as old as the VPN itself. Yet there is no truth in it.

Of course, encryption and decryption, gateway pass, and server connection can together increase the time it takes for you to connect to a website. But the speed difference is usually negligible. If you are on a 40-Mbps broadband connection, chances are that a VPN will affect the speed by a bit or two per second. It will not affect your activities in any way. However, it can be a problem if you are already on a slow (dial-up) connection.

Pro Tip – One way to avoid speed reduction is to opt for high-quality, paid VPNs. TuxlerVPN has an excellent premium plan that offers 4x faster speeds than our free version.

VPN Myth #3 – VPN is an Advanced Tool Not for Beginners

If there is one thing that we like to advocate, then it is spreading the advantages of safe browsing. TuxlerVPN is proud of its VPN client that can be used (and consequently mastered) by both advanced users and beginners alike. Even from a general perspective, a VPN application is a tool that can be easily operated by an Internet user. There are far fewer moving parts involved in switching on a VPN application than, say, setting up an anti-virus software on your machine.

Pro Tip – If you are a new VPN user, you could try a VPN browser extension. TuxlerVPN has a nifty Chrome extension that lets you activate residential VPN in just a single click.

VPN Myth #4 – I Don’t Need a VPN Because I Am a Basic User

This is another very common VPN myth that has prevented a huge section of Internet users to stay away from VPNs. In today’s digital world, using a VPN acts as a safety net for your privacy and personal information, with the coronavirus pandemic highlighting it further. 

Today, a VPN is not just a tool to unblock regional content on sites like Netflix but also a safety net against random cyberattacks, privacy intrusion, and identity theft. With more people working out from home, having a secure Internet connection becomes paramount, thereby highlighting the absolute need for a good, dependable VPN service.

VPN Myth #5 – VPNs Aren’t the Ultimate Internet Protection Devices

A corollary to the myth busted above is the assumption that having a VPN is like having a license to break the law. It’s not true. While VPNs can hide your IP address and allow you to access content on otherwise inaccessible sites, they can still be penetrated. It’s just a matter of the degree of effort and resources required to break the tunnel.

A VPN is not foolproof. As we have mentioned above as well as in a detailed article previously, your ISP can still track your online activities. And if needed, it will cooperate with law enforcement to detect any wrongdoing on your part. 

VPN Myth #6 – A VPN is All You Need to Stay Safe

You will need a lot many things to stay safe online. A good-quality anti-virus and anti-malware software, an intrinsically strong and secure web browser, and an updated operating system are some of the most critical items to check off if you want to enjoy safe web surfing. Just buying a VPN and assuming it to do the job of preventing viruses, malware, and phishing is a foolhardy stand.

VPN Myth #7 – There is Only One Type of VPN

There are several types of VPNs in the market. The difference usually has to do with the VPN tunneling protocol being used, the type of encryption, and the infrastructure. For example, TuxlerVPN is a pioneer when it comes to residential VPNs. Other players in the market offer other types of VPNs, each of which may have distinct features. As a customer, you should examine each type and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

While several more VPN myths are believed to be true by Internet users, the above seven can be considered the most common. Think it’s time to kick up a discussion with your nerd friend and show who’s the boss when it comes to VPNs? Get on.

Keep following the TuxlerVPN blog for more myth busts, guides, and helpful information.

BackNext article