A VPN can protect your information by ensuring your connections are secure and private. But while sweeping claims of military-grade encryption, or total digital obscurity could be tempting, Consumer Reports’ Yael Grauer suggests looking for more specific indicators that a VPN is legitimate before you make a commitment.
It is a good idea to start with compatibility. Look for a service that is compatible with at a minimum the most popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. You’ll need to be aware of the number of devices supported by the service and the number of connections it will allow simultaneously. Then, you’ll want to consider the number of available servers and their locations around the world. This can help you select the closest server to your home or one with fast speeds when you’re abroad.
Some services offer special functions, such as dedicated ‘Netflix servers’ which unblock geo-restricted sites, or additional security features, such as RAM-only servers, that wipe data every time the service reboots and monitors the dark web, and security measures to protect against threats. You should also check the ownership structure of the company and if it has previous data breaches or privacy scandals.
The best overall service we tried was NordVPN, which has thousands of servers across 94 countries AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, an effective kill switch as well as split tunneling and obfuscated servers. It’s also one of the few providers to publish its detailed no-logs policy and engages PricewaterhouseCoopers for annual audits. Its prices aren’t cheap but you do have a wide range of features and a long-term, comprehensive plan that comes with http://www.allvpnnow.com/3-best-due-diligence-tools-according-to-investopedia/ a full 30-day money-back guarantee.