What is Moonlight VPN and Why Is It So Popular?
Most people are very aware of the recent Facebook data scandal and the resulting public backlash. The social media giant has been in the headlines often this year, and it’s opened the eyes of many to the dangers of unchecked power. While the backlash has mostly been directed at Facebook, the issues behind the scenes are much broader than social media.
One of the more recent scandals to hit Facebook was over the privacy of its customers’ data. A Cambridge Analytica whistleblower revealed that the company got around consumer protections by means of a controversial data-harvesting tool called “moonlight VPN.” Though this particular tool only appeared to be for companies to access information on consumers’ behalf, it gave Facebook and other tech companies the insight they needed to invade consumer privacy. This is the kind of concern that has led to the recent outrage and calls for regulation and change.
Though these tools undoubtedly exist to benefit companies and offer convenience for consumers, the threat that they pose to personal privacy must not be understated. The ability to remotely access files and activity on a device while seemingly unobserved is a concern that many have voiced.
Why Should You Care About Privacy?
Just because you rent your home or have a mobile phone bill doesn’t mean you have to hand over control of your privacy to large companies. There are ways to limit the amount of information that companies can collect about you, and perhaps the most effective method is to use a VPN. (A VPN will protect all the information you transmit regardless of whether it is private or institutional in nature.)
A VPN gives you the ability to control the amount of information that you share with third parties, be that a corporation, an institution, or any other entity. This is especially important now that the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is implemented and companies must comply with the new regulations.
The GDPR requires companies to ask for consent to collect data and allows individuals to withdraw that consent at any time. It also prohibits companies from using data for marketing purposes unless it is disclosed and approved by the customer first. (You can learn more about the GDPR here.)
What Is Moonlight VPN?
Since the Facebook data scandal, many VPNs have become more consumer-friendly, offering a simpler user experience, quicker signups, and a more streamlined service. (Your own personal VPN, also known as a “no log” VPN, doesn’t keep any records of your activities and thus protects your personal data. This type of VPN is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their personal information private and secure.)
One of the more prominent “no log” VPNs is Moonlight VPN. Launched in 2014 and boasting over one million active users, Moonlight is a well-known VPN with a lot of positive feedback. It is also one of the few VPNs that offer a free version for those who want to remain anonymous while using the internet. (The free version allows you to connect up to three devices and has a 7-day money-back guarantee.)
Like many other VPNs, Moonlight supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. Additionally, the company has created special VPN apps for Kodi and other popular platforms that allow users to connect multiple devices at once. (A Kodi VPN app can be particularly useful when you’re sharing content with other devices in your home like an Apple TV or Fire TV. You can then leverage the power of these devices to access content held on your computer or mobile phone.)
Why Is Moonlight VPN Popular?
There are several reasons why Moonilne VPN is so popular. First, like most other VPNs, it offers a simple to use service with plenty of perks that make it attractive to a wide audience. (For instance, you get to keep your personal information private and secure, access blocked websites, and change your IP address to that of another country if you are abroad. All this is provided for free as part of the service.)
Additionally, a lot of people prefer to use a VPN when they are on the go. Thanks to the growing number of VPN apps for mobile devices, it is possible to secure your personal data while you’re traveling or even when you’re at home. (The convenience of having a VPN app on your phone cannot be overstated. You can set up a VPN when you arrive at your hotel and use it the whole time you’re there. Likewise, you can use the app when you’re traveling abroad to secure your personal data so long as you are in a country where your device is compatible.)
Though many are drawn to moonlight VPN for its user-friendly nature and wide range of supported devices, the app’s popularity is also due to its unique selling point. (That selling point is that it is “no log”. What does that mean? Well, it means that the company does not keep any records of your activity, and as a result, your personal data is secure.)
It’s important to note that “no log” does not necessarily mean that your internet connection is completely private. Just because your VPN provider does not log does not mean that your activity is secure. Always use a powerful VPN as part of a layered security approach wherever you connect. This way, even if your internet connection is not secure, at least your personal data will be. (A VPN is not a replacement for traditional security measures; it is a supplement to them.)
How Is Moonlight VPN’s Security?
One of the more prominent differences between Moonilne VPN and other VPNs is that it does not collect any type of personal data. This provides for complete privacy and security of its users’ data, and it is verified by third-party testing companies that the company does, in fact, keep this commitment. (This also makes it ideal for those who want to keep their personal data private.)
To further verify this commitment to privacy, moonlight VPN has been recognized by the independent testing companies that perform these audits. These companies test whether Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are keeping their commitments to privacy by looking for ‘red flags’ in the data they collect. (Some ISPs have been known to sell user data to marketing firms or use it for themselves.)
The reason why Moonlight VPN does not keep any logs is that not doing so reduces the possibility of user tracking. Without logs, it is much more difficult for ISPs, hackers, and other third parties to track the activities of individual users. This is why you should always use a VPN with caution. Though it doesn’t log, it is still possible for third parties to learn about your activity thanks to unique identifiers like your IP address or cookie data. (This is especially problematic if you are using public Wi-Fi as it may be tracked by your ISP or other users on the network.)
To further verify its commitment to security and privacy, moonlight VPN has also been accredited by the security company McAfee, which tested it against a range of threats. (They did this by comparing it to one of their own VPNs that is based in the UK and known for its rigorous approach to privacy and security. While this was a useful comparison test, it should not be assumed that just because a VPN is accredited by McAfee that it shares the same commitment to privacy and security.)
Ultimately, as we’ve established, a VPN can be very useful in securing your personal data while you’re on the move. (And let’s face facts: with the global population growing, more and more people will be traveling internationally in the coming years. Wherever you go, no matter the country or region, you’re going to need a VPN to keep your personal data secure. It’s the new smart travel accessory! So, it’s time to find your perfect fit.)