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How Does VPN Security Work? Get a Secure VPN + what-is-vpn-secure-vpn

A VPN is an excellent tool for staying private online, but it also keeps you secure with encryption, tunneling, and some other advanced security features.

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  • What is a secure VPN?
  • How does a secure VPN work?
  • Why do you need a secure VPN?
  • VPN security features
  • What are the most secure VPN protocols?
  • Download the best VPN for security
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Learn more about using a VPN
  • Ready to try a secure VPN?
  • Best-in-class encryption

    Your data is protected by advanced mathematics in AES-256, the standard trusted by security experts worldwide.

  • Private DNS

    ExpressVPN runs its own private, encrypted DNS on every server, making your connections both safer and faster.

  • Network Lock kill switch

    Network Lock keeps your data safe if your VPN connection drops, blocking all online traffic until protection is restored.

  • TrustedServer technology

    Our innovative approach to running VPN servers ensures no data is ever written to a hard drive, keeping you secure.

  • Block ads, trackers, and harmful sites

    Our advanced protection features give you more control over your online experience.

  • Lightway protocol

    Our pioneering VPN protocol, Lightway is engineered for a faster, more secure, and more reliable VPN experience.

Are VPNs really secure?

Yes, if you use a high-quality VPN. When using ExpressVPN, your data is transmitted through a tunnel secured with AES-256, the same encryption standard adopted by the U.S. government and used by security experts worldwide to protect classified information. It’s impenetrable by attackers and other third parties, keeping your online activity private.

Can a VPN be hacked?

Vulnerabilities can weaken a VPN, but ExpressVPN takes your privacy extremely seriously and takes full measures to ensure the security of our service. As a safeguard, ExpressVPN servers do not store users’ connection or traffic logs, plus our proprietary TrustedServer technology ensures all data is wiped from servers with every reboot.

Meanwhile, using a VPN protects you from hacking methods such as packet sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. In fact, using a VPN is good practice for every type of connection, but can be particularly useful when browsing unsecured HTTP websites. Expats, travelers, and all kinds of on-the-go individuals should use a VPN whenever they're on untrusted networks.

Do VPNs really protect you?

High-quality VPNs such as ExpressVPN protect your identity, data, and privacy in various ways. Your online traffic is shielded in an encrypted tunnel so no one can see your activity or sensitive information (such as during online banking). At the same time, a VPN gives you a different IP address that is shared with thousands of other VPN users—this raises your anonymity and makes it virtually impossible for anyone to trace your activity back to you.

Can VPN providers be trusted?

Security levels vary widely among VPN providers. That’s why ExpressVPN co-founded the VPN Trust Initiative, an industry group, which launched a set of principles to help consumers evaluate VPN services.

ExpressVPN’s Trust Center provides extensive additional information on our security practices.

How much does a VPN cost?

ExpressVPN offers subscriptions in 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month pricing plans. Visit the order page to find the plan that’s right for you.

Learn more about using a VPN

  • What is a VPN?

    Get to know how a VPN protects your online traffic from snooping

    Learn more

  • Encrypt your data

    Strong encryption protects your data and communication

    Learn more about VPN encryption

  • How fast is your VPN?

    Find out what affects VPN speeds and how to find the fastest server for you

    Learn more

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Stay safe online with ExpressVPN. You’re covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee.