How to Know if Your VPN Is Working

A VPN is a fantastic tool to have on hand when you’re shopping online or while on public Wi-Fi. It can help keep your personal data secure whilst on the move, and allow you to get the most from your favourite online stores. But what if your VPN isn’t working properly? Below we’ve put together a short guide on how to check that your VPN is up and running correctly.

Check The Logo

Of the many things you need to check when installing a VPN, making sure that the logo is displayed correctly is one of the most important. Make sure that you’ve entered the correct logon details and that the server is accessible from where you are. If you are not sure whether or not the logo appears correctly, then check with the support team of the VPN service that you are using.

Check For Privacy Policy

Keeping your personal data secure is one of the main reasons for using a VPN. But did you know that most VPNs have a privacy policy that you need to look out for? Some VPNs may collect personal data and sell it to third parties, or log your activity online to analyze and improve performance. You have the right to revoke your consent at any time, and if you don’t want to share your personal data, then you should look for a VPN that respects your privacy.

Check The Speed

Just because your VPN is secure and private, that does not mean that it has to be slow. Ensure that you’re not connected to a slow network, or that you’re not going over a network that is slow due to a large number of users. You can also test the speed of your VPN by opening up a dedicated website, such as Google News, and monitoring whatSpeed Your VPN Is On Your Mobile Device. If you’re still uncertain of the quality of the service you’re receiving, then try connecting to a different server.

Check For Apps

In addition to checking the speed and security of a VPN, you should also make sure that it has the right apps. For example, did you know that many VPNs only work with specific mobile platforms, or that they have browser plugins that you need to install? Look for apps for your iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone, and check that they have been developed by reputable companies that understand mobile security.

Check For Encryption

The security of your data is extremely important, which is why you want to make sure that your VPN encrypts your data. Ensure that you’ve chosen a VPN provider that uses a strong encryption protocol, especially if you’re planning on using the service for sensitive information. If you’re not sure what kind of encryption a particular VPN uses, then contact the support team and ask them. Many VPNs implement the AES-256 encryption standard, which is one of the most secure algorithms out there. It’s a good idea to also enable a VPN’s security features, such as IPSec or SPI, so that your data is more secure while you’re on the move.

Check For DNS Leaks

DNS is short for Domain Name System, and it allows you to access websites and apps when you’re browsing the web or using public Wi-Fi. When your device connects to the Internet, your device will automatically search for the nearest available DNS server, which can sometimes be located in a country that you might not want to visit. With a VPN, you can specify a list of DNS servers that you want your device to use while online, allowing you to avoid any DNS leaks that could potentially expose your personal data. If you’re not sure whether or not DNS leaks are a problem for you, then ask the support team of the VPN service you’re using.

Check For Login Credentials

A VPN is only as good as the login credentials that you use. For maximum security, use only strong and complex passwords, and ensure that you’re not using the same password for multiple accounts. Did you know that many companies, such as Netflix and WordPress, frequently get hacked because they use the same password for many accounts? You should also ensure that your login credentials are not stored in plaintext, or anywhere where they could be easily stolen. If you’re not sure whether or not your login credentials are secure, then contact the support team of the VPN service you’re using and ask them.

Check For Server List

The server list of a VPN is also important, and it can help you determine whether or not the service is trustworthy. It is always a good idea to use a VPN app that has a server list that you can inspect before you make a decision. If you’re still unsure of the quality of a particular VPN’s server list, then contact the support team and ask them for a copy of their server-status page. Server lists can be helpful when choosing a VPN for the first time, or when you’re experiencing issues with the service.

Check For OpenVPN

Not all VPNs are created equal, and some are much better than others. If you’re not sure whether or not your selected VPN is open source, then contact the support team and ask them. Many open source VPNs exist, but the main advantage of using them is that you have the freedom to examine the code and make sure that it is safe to use. If you’re worried about your data being insecure, then you should look for a VPN that is open source.

Check For No Logs

Keeping a record of your activity is a common practice amongst most VPNs, but it’s one that you don’t want to be doing. Did you know that many VPNs, including NordVPN, keep a record of your activity on their servers, and share it with third parties? You should always choose a VPN that has a zero-logs policy, which means that they will not retain any records of your activity. If you’re worried about your data being recorded and analyzed, then you should look for a VPN that has a zero-logs policy.

Check For IPv6

IPv6 is the next-generation Internet protocol, which is currently used by most major companies and websites to provide users with better performance and faster loading times. Did you know that some VPNs only support IPv6, while others don’t? If your device is capable of handling IPv6, then you should always choose a VPN that supports it. If you’re not sure whether or not your device can handle IPv6, then contact the technical support team and ask them. IPv6 is very helpful when browsing the web, as it allows for more secure connections and faster speeds.

Check For Mobile

Many companies have recognized the benefits of mobile technology, and they’ve created versions of their websites and services that are optimized for mobile users. Did you know that many VPNs have a mobile app that you can use to connect to the service? If you’re not sure whether or not your device is compatible with a particular app, then contact the support team and ask them for assistance. Not all apps are made equal, so it’s good to know what kind of functionality you’re getting before you make a purchase decision.

At the end of the day, choosing a VPN is not an easy decision, especially if you’re not sure what to look out for. Hopefully, this post will help you identify some of the main issues that you might encounter, and give you a better understanding of what to be careful of. If you’re still unsure, then contact the support team of the VPN service and ask them for assistance. And, as always, if you think that your personal data is at risk, then take the time to change your passwords and ensure that your devices are not connected to the internet via public Wi-Fi. Good luck out there.