Do You Need a VPN Breaker?
Over the past few years, VPNs have evolved from a niche data protection tool to an everyday product that you’ll see advertised on any technology-focused YouTube channel or podcast. But while there are many viable VPNs available on the market, their feature sets vary, and some are better suited for certain online activities than others.
For example, some VPN services include a feature called an “kill switch”. As the name suggests, VPN Emergency Switch will automatically disconnect your internet connection if your VPN stops working. This will prevent your ISP, trackers websites, government agencies and all , who monitors Web traffic, to see what you do if you suddenly lose the protection of your VPN data encryption.
The question is: Do you need a VPN kill switch?
Like everything else, the answer is “depends on the circumstances.” Everyone can benefit from a VPN kill switch, but this requirement is not for everyone, and there is a pretty clear line of demarcation between users who definitely need one and those who probably don’t need to worry too much about it.
High-risk individuals such as political activists, journalists, and cybersecurity professionals who use VPNs to hide their online activity should always have an emergency switch ready.
However, a VPN breaker will not be needed by the average American who simply uses a VPN to access regionally blocked Netflix content. But if you live in a country with strict censorship laws or Internet restrictions that make it illegal to access blocked content, you should use a VPN with a fallback switch. It’s the same with anyone who would hypothetically use a VPN to hide their illegal downloads for file sharing.
Likewise, emergency switches are less important for those who mostly connect via secure private Wi-Fi networks in their own homes. But if you are on open networks that many outsiders can access – for example, in cafes, hotels , student dorms, and libraries – you must have an emergency switch. You should also have an emergency switch installed if your home router is configured for VPN.
I guess the bottom line is this: if losing your VPN’s encrypted connection – even if it is short-lived – exposes you to any risk, then you should use a VPN with a failover switch.
Luckily, many VPNs have some kind of emergency switch. ExpressVPN is often one of the most recommended VPNs with a kill switch, and this feature is enabled by default. Many other VPNs have a kill switch that you can turn on, including:
- AirVPN
- CyberGhost
- Ipvanish
- Private Internet Access
- HMA
- NordVPN
- OpenVPN (manual configuration required)
- Private Internet Access
- PureVPN
- SwitchVPN
- VyprVPN
Whether it’s an emergency stop switch, hot swapping between proxies, or making sure you’re using a VPN without signing up, take the time to research each service before purchasing. Oh, and skip the free VPNs – they’re rubbish .
[ HowToGeek ]