VPN’s are considered to be the best servers while mitigating risks and working in a protected and highly secure environment. They provide security by encrypting your regular connection hiding your IP address, websites you visit etc from hackers. And although they do work to provide tight security they aren’t as secure as you feel. They come with their own share of vulnerabilities that need to be taken care of.
Some of the major issues associated with VPN’S are –
1.WEAK SECURITY PROTOCOL
Although a VPN assures security but not all VPN services provide that sort of security. The VPN’s like Betternet and PrivateVPN are the two VPN’s which have been known to have these issues. Such weak security can be extremely risky for the users. The reason being the preying eyes are always on the net so you really need a tight and fully armed security.
The minute the hackers find a weakness in your security protocol, they will rush to use it as an entry point.
2. SERVER PROBLEMS
The server problems are not only bugging but can also be a big issue when it comes to security. Whenever you connect to a private server and that server has a problem, your connection’s privacy is highly questioned. The issues with server could range from slow connection speed or downtime server or even inability to connect etc. These issues can automatically disrupt the connection which leaves your network more vulnerable.
3. UNRELIABILITY OF VPN SERVICE
If a VPN service isn’t taking the user’s security seriously they will wave off any issues that the user faces. This not only makes the service unreliable but also reduces the chances of protection. Such kind of vulnerabilities are one of the reasons why the free VPN services aren’t recommended because there is a fear that it can mine your data.
4. SINGLE LAYER PROTECTION
There are alot of VPN’s which are still providing single layer protection. The single layer conceals the user’s real IP address but displays the IP address of private server to public.
Not having any additional layers makes it vulnerable to hackers. A single layer means that the users are exposing their real IP addresses to the hackers making them extremely approachable. This is the reason why using a VPN that offers multiple layers of protection is extremely crucial for maximum security.
5. BASIC ENCRYPTION SYSTEM
Another issue which free VPN services offer is the basic encryption which is easily trackable by hackers. Cheap VPN services use a basic level of encryption as their standard security protocol. It is suggested to use a VPN service that provides atleast 256-bit of encryption. It should offer a military-grade encryption to ensure that your network is inaccessible.
These are the 5 basic issues which the free VPN services and even some cheap level VPN services have which can question the levels of security and privacy online.
The following steps are advised to overcome these issues-
1.CHOOSE THE VPN SERVICE WISELY
The first step is to choose a VPN service that’s preferably paid and has multiple layers of protection. Having these layers will ensure some sort of security side lining the hackers.
2.DEALING WITH THE SECURITY ISSUE IMMEDIATELY
Make sure that everything which is happening, is happening under your consent. Any sort of vulnerability can make information accessible to millions out there which can cost you big time. Hence, you need to constantly monitor and keep an eye on the activities.
Also, make sure that any software bugs are resolved and updates are deployed immediately.
3. LIMITING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF VPN
The authorised administrators should have direct access to VPN servers. Including other people and providing access to them unnecessarily can cost you if any mishandling of information occurs.
You should also provide direct access to those connections who are using secure protocols that encrypt all the communications and require mutual authentication of VPN server.
4. BEING VIGILANT AND PREPARED
Since so many people are using VPN servers, the need to be vigilant increases. Having a separate team of people to constantly monitor any suspicious activities becomes a must. This helps to track down the attackers and quickly take action which in turn reduces the probability of a loss.
5. BE AWARE OF THREATS TO YOUR VPN
Apart from malware downloaded to a VPN server you also need to keep a watch on anything that looks atypical. Unknown IP addresses, unexpected protocols or unexplained account lockouts can hamper the security.
There is no denying in the fact that VPN’s provide a secure and guarded environment on the net but choosing the right VPN server considering everything as a whole becomes a must too!
