Myths About VPNs [10 Most Common VPN Myths]

A cyberattack happens anywhere in the world every 39 seconds. Since digital assaults have become that widespread, 1.6 billion people use VPN services today. Despite that, 32% of Americans still hesitate to use a VPN.

There are many misconceptions surrounding the use of VPNs. Due to these wrong ideas, many Internet users surf the web unprotected from cyberattacks.

As doubts about using VPN services come from misinformation, this article will review and debunk these myths by providing substantial proof and facts.

Debunking The Most Common VPN Myths

At first, businesses were the only ones who used VPNs to protect their data. Nowadays, anyone can use a VPN, from corporations to individuals. People worldwide use VPNs for various reasons, mainly for the following:

• Data privacy
• Network security
• Accessing geo-restricted content

With such benefits, there are still plenty of people who distrust VPNs. This article compiles and debunks the top 10 VPN myths individually, convincing those hesitant about VPN usage.

Myth #1: A VPN Guarantees 100% Anonymity

Using a VPN won’t make you 100% anonymous online. A VPN can only do the following: 

• Reroute a user’s traffic
• Provide a secure connection
• Hide IP address and geolocation

While VPNs protect users from cyber threats and provide them privacy, this does not mean they are invisible. A search engine can still store and link a user’s search history to their account. 

Myth #2: VPNs Are Complicated, and They’re For Tech-Savvy People Only

On the contrary, VPNs are easy to set up and configure. It might be hard initially for some beginners, but you don’t need to be a tech expert to get it running.

For example, NordVPN only requires a few steps to set up.

The first step is setting up a subscription and downloading the VPN app on your device. After that, you must sign in to your account, choose the server to use, and hit the Quick Connect button.

Myth #3: Free VPNs Are as Good as Paid VPNs

There is no truth to the claim that free VPNs are as good as paid VPNs.

Paid VPNs have premium features that free VPNs do not offer. Although both provide data encryption and help protect users from hackers, free VPNs have downsides, such as: 

• Risk of data theft
• Limited bandwidth
• No streaming access
• Limited access to servers
• Lower-quality security and encryption protocols

Myth #4: All VPNs Are the Same

Not all VPNs are the same. VPN providers offer different services in terms of security and privacy levels. The following are the common VPN differences:

• Level of encryption
• Malware blocking features
• Number of available server locations
• Number of simultaneous connections to servers

Myth #5: Only Criminals Use a VPN

It’s a common misconception that VPNs are only for Internet users with malicious intent or criminals. That’s not true. Anyone can use a VPN as long as it’s legal in their country.

For instance, some students studying abroad experience geo-blocking. When faced with this dilemma, they use VPNs to access content unavailable in those regions.

Journalists also use VPNs to hide their internet traffic and send sensitive information. Meanwhile, citizens in countries with strict content censorship use VPNs to access the content they want. 

Businesses also utilize VPNs to have a secure connection between their remote workers and branches. 

Myth #6: Your Device is Safe From Hackers When Using a VPN

While VPNs are designed to keep third parties from eavesdropping on your online activities, they aren’t hack-proof. In VPNpro’s interview with CNET in 2020, the researchers revealed that hackers can install malicious programs and ransomware using fake VPN software updates.

“We intercepted communications when testing the security of VPNs CyberGhost and Hotspot Shield.  The hacker can be on the same network as yours to perform an attack. They do this by deceiving you into connecting to a fake Wi-Fi hotspot,” the researchers added.

Here is a list of cases where VPNs can’t protect their users:

1. Compromised Web Services

Users should be careful about what information they give online, as some VPN providers and web administrators do not follow security practices when handling data. Failure to follow these practices may risk the user’s credentials, exposing them to a data breach.

2. Malware Infection

VPNS may prevent users from accessing websites where malware-infected files lie. However, not all VPNs can stop users from downloading and installing files and programs with viruses.

That said, you must not make VPNs alternative to antivirus software.

3. Compromised Devices

VPNs can protect data transmission. However, if a hacker has already gained access to the user's device, they can easily log in to the user's data with or without a VPN.

Myth #7: A VPN Lowers or Speeds Up Your Internet

Users only notice a slower connection speed because the encryption process can increase the time it takes for the device to connect to the internet. Online gamers sometimes notice a boost in Internet speed because VPNs can help them control bandwidth throttling.

The key is using a legitimate VPN with proper server infrastructure and configurations. Doing so allows users not to feel any difference in internet speed. 

For instance, a VPN slows download speeds by 20%. From 100 Mbps, the download speed becomes 80 Mbps. This may seem a huge difference, but it doesn't significantly affect how users browse the internet.

As a reference, the table below shows how much internet speed.

Image Source: PCMag.com

Sometimes, a VPN can speed up the connections. This instance happens when ISPs limit the amount of bandwidth. If the bandwidth allocation is fully consumed, the internet connection slows down.

Moreover, VPNs can encrypt the user's traffic, which the ISPs can’t monitor. Encrypted traffic prevents ISPs from throttling the users' bandwidth, and users get higher internet speeds.

Users can also experience an improvement in connection speed when they connect to a nearby VPN server.

Myth #8: VPNs Are the same as Tor and Proxies

Users usually refer to Tor networks and proxy servers in the same context as VPNs. However, they don’t have the same function and should not be treated as such. Tor traffic is detectable by your ISP, and proxies only hide your IP address. Even if combined, Tor and proxy still don’t add up to what a VPN does.

While they all enhance privacy and security, many vital differences set these three apart. See the comparison table below:

Myth #9: VPNs Never Collect Data

Unfortunately, some VPN services, especially free ones, collect user data. These free VPN providers will attempt to monitor your online activity through tracking cookies. They do this by hiding under the guise of helping the VPN to enhance its services.

The collection of the following information may compromise your privacy:

• Data about other applications you have installed and how you use them
• GPS information or residential address
• Browser history
• Any personally identifiable information 

More concerningly, other VPNs collect and sell data to third parties. Cybernews revealed 25 million free VPN users' information was exposed in 2022.

That said, users must be careful when choosing a VPN service. One way to be is to check the provider's privacy policy to avoid these instances.

Myth #10: All VPNs Can Unlock All Geo-Restricted Content

The truth about VPNs is that not all can unlock geo-restricted content. Geographical limitations typically cause VPN restrictions, preventing you from accessing streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu. You’ll also know when a website blocks your VPN, as an error will state that you seem to be trying to bypass geo-blocking restrictions.

To unlock a content restriction, the VPN service must have a server in a country where the content is available. If the VPN service does not have a server in that country, there is no way they can access the restricted content.

Bottom Line

As a knowledgeable user, learning more about VPN misconceptions can help you choose the best VPN provider. It makes people aware of the few VPN risks and how they can be avoided. 

Ultimately, knowing the truth about VPN myths lets people enjoy the tool to its fullest potential without worries.