By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
SmartData Collective
  • Analytics
    AnalyticsShow More
    predictive analytics in dropshipping
    Predictive Analytics Helps New Dropshipping Businesses Thrive
    12 Min Read
    data-driven approach in healthcare
    The Importance of Data-Driven Approaches to Improving Healthcare in Rural Areas
    6 Min Read
    analytics for tax compliance
    Analytics Changes the Calculus of Business Tax Compliance
    8 Min Read
    big data analytics in gaming
    The Role of Big Data Analytics in Gaming
    10 Min Read
    analyst,women,looking,at,kpi,data,on,computer,screen
    Promising Benefits of Predictive Analytics in Asset Management
    11 Min Read
  • Big Data
  • BI
  • Exclusive
  • IT
  • Marketing
  • Software
Search
© 2008-23 SmartData Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Here’s How VPNs Can Protect Against Big Data Leaks
Share
Notification Show More
Latest News
ai software development
Key Strategies to Develop AI Software Cost-Effectively
Artificial Intelligence
ai in omnichannel marketing
AI is Driving Huge Changes in Omnichannel Marketing
Artificial Intelligence
ai for small business tax planning
Maximize Tax Deductions as a Business Owner with AI
Artificial Intelligence
ai in marketing with 3D rendering
Marketers Use AI to Take Advantage of 3D Rendering
Artificial Intelligence
How Big Data Is Transforming the Maritime Industry
How Big Data Is Transforming the Maritime Industry
Big Data
Aa
SmartData Collective
Aa
Search
  • About
  • Help
  • Privacy
Follow US
© 2008-23 SmartData Collective. All Rights Reserved.
SmartData Collective > IT > Security > Here’s How VPNs Can Protect Against Big Data Leaks
Big DataExclusiveSecurity

Here’s How VPNs Can Protect Against Big Data Leaks

Megan Wright
Last updated: 2022/02/18 at 4:51 PM
Megan Wright
5 Min Read
how vpns can protect your data
Shutterstock Licensed Photo - By Funtap
SHARE

Virtual private networks (VPNs), can help you unblock content and VPNS can protect you from hackers and shady third-parties. VPNs offer privacy online and can stop governments, schools, and employers from tracking the sites you visit. But, how do VPNs protect against data leaks? And, importantly, how do you know your VPN is leak-free?

Contents
How a VPN Provides Security256-Bit EncryptionA Privacy DisclaimerA Large NetworkThe VPN Test: How Data Leaks Take PlaceYour IP AddressA DNS and HTTP request matchLow-level encryptionYour operating system, browser and type of connectionWebRTCSSL traffic and time zonesBottom Line

How a VPN Provides Security

A VPN is designed to ensure anonymity, privacy, and security online. But, about 84 percent of VPNs leak user IP addresses. One way to stay safe is to avoid free VPNs which collect data and personal information. A reliable VPN service should offer:

256-Bit Encryption

VPN subscriptions should include security features like kill switches and leak protection. Use the automatic kill switch if there?s a VPN connection drop for any reason. This prevents your IP address from being shown to sites you visited.

A Privacy Disclaimer

Your VPN provider shouldn?t track or record the sites you visit. Look for a privacy disclaimer that indicates they won?t log your activity or record it. The team at FindReviews.com highlight this as being a particular concern for many, as data protection is becoming an increasingly potent topic.

More Read

cybersecurity simulations

Combat AI-Powered Threats with Cybersecurity Simulations & Other Practices

A Guide to Using XDR Threat Protection to Stop Data Breaches
Anti-Spoofing is Crucial for Data-Driven Businesses
Four Strategies For Effective Database Compliance
Fortifying Enterprise Digital Security Against Hackers Weaponizing AI

A Large Network

The larger the VPN, the more stability it offers. And, with increased functionality, you shouldn?t have any problem accessing blocked sites.

The VPN Test: How Data Leaks Take Place

There are various sites and software tools that can test your VPN. You want to ensure its leak-free as there are different types of data leaks that can occur. Where data leaks take place:

Your IP Address

If your VPN is working correctly, the IP address should show the VPN?s site, not yours. To test and fix a leak here:

  1. Disconnect the VPN. Visit a test site and write down your IP address. Then reconnect to the VPN.
  2. The IP shown should be the VPN?s. If yours shows, there?s a leak.
  3. To fix an IP address leak, only use a VPN with built-in DNS leak protection that works on a dedicated DNS server.

A DNS and HTTP request match

A DNS request source can reveal if your DNS and HTTP match up and are coming from the same location. If you have a DNS leak, your IP address is exposed and your data isn?t encrypted. Switch to a VPN that?s encrypted.

Low-level encryption

Low-level encryption can cause data leaks. VPNs that use PPTP, L2TP or SockS5 protocols don?t offer strong encryption. To fix this:

  1. Switch to a VPN with 256-bit encryption.
  2. Make sure it offers an OpenVPN protocol.
  3. Use a paid VPN that provides stability, security and privacy.

Your operating system, browser and type of connection

OS detection tools can determine your operating system and your internet connection. A mismatched configuration can leak your data. To fix this, ensure you are setting up the VPN software correctly. If you download the app, don?t skip any steps and contact VPN support if you need assistance.

WebRTC

WebRTC (web browsers that use real-time communication) helps with peer-to-peer communications. A test can reveal your IP address through a STUN request. Stun results will divulge your IP and VPN. If you experience a leak in your WebRTC:

  1. Change your firewall rules.
  2. Block requests that extend beyond your VPN.
  3. Disable your browser?s WebRTC or use an extension or add-on.

SSL traffic and time zones

Your VPN?s time zone should come up and SSL support should encrypt your data. If it comes through as plain text or your time zone appears, you?re not encrypted. To fix this, switch to a VPN that offers 256-bit AES encryption.

Bottom Line

Test your VPN to ensure its leak-free. Select a reliable VPN provider and test your IP address. Take caution with free VPNs that might track and record your data. And, read the privacy rules to know the type of VPN service you are using so you can protect your personal information.

TAGGED: cybersecurity, data security, VPN
Megan Wright April 18, 2019
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn
Share
By Megan Wright
Follow:
Megan Wright is the Chief Editor for ChamberofCommerce.com. Chamber specializes in helping small businesses grow their business on the web while facilitating the connectivity between local businesses and more than 7,000 Chambers of Commerce worldwide.As a business expert, Megan specializes in reporting the latest business news, helpful tips and reliable resources, as well as providing business advice. She has spent several years exploring topics like analytics, business intelligence and big data in marketing.

Follow us on Facebook

Latest News

ai software development
Key Strategies to Develop AI Software Cost-Effectively
Artificial Intelligence
ai in omnichannel marketing
AI is Driving Huge Changes in Omnichannel Marketing
Artificial Intelligence
ai for small business tax planning
Maximize Tax Deductions as a Business Owner with AI
Artificial Intelligence
ai in marketing with 3D rendering
Marketers Use AI to Take Advantage of 3D Rendering
Artificial Intelligence

Stay Connected

1.2k Followers Like
33.7k Followers Follow
222 Followers Pin

You Might also Like

cybersecurity simulations
Artificial IntelligenceExclusiveITSecurity

Combat AI-Powered Threats with Cybersecurity Simulations & Other Practices

7 Min Read
data breach issues
Security

A Guide to Using XDR Threat Protection to Stop Data Breaches

6 Min Read
anti-spoofing tips
Security

Anti-Spoofing is Crucial for Data-Driven Businesses

6 Min Read
database compliance guide
Data Management

Four Strategies For Effective Database Compliance

8 Min Read

SmartData Collective is one of the largest & trusted community covering technical content about Big Data, BI, Cloud, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, IoT & more.

ai in ecommerce
Artificial Intelligence for eCommerce: A Closer Look
Artificial Intelligence
AI and chatbots
Chatbots and SEO: How Can Chatbots Improve Your SEO Ranking?
Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Exclusive

Quick Link

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Follow US

© 2008-23 SmartData Collective. All Rights Reserved.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Go to mobile version
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?