The Internet is No Longer Anonymous

On the internet, users' activities can be tracked by companies and malicious hackers through browser fingerprinting and IP addresses.
Browser fingerprinting involves gathering information about a user's browser settings, plugins, screen resolution, installed fonts, and other details to identify the user uniquely. Meanwhile, IP addresses are identification numbers assigned when connecting to the internet, revealing information about a user's location and the device being used.

This information can be used to identify individual users and track their behavior.
Some companies use this data for advertising targeting and marketing purposes, while malicious hackers may exploit it to steal personal information more easily.

The drawbacks of IT companies collecting activity logs include risks of privacy infringement and personal information leaks. If the collected information is not properly protected, there is a potential for individuals' behaviors and preferences to be exposed to third parties, which could then be exploited for malicious purposes.

Furthermore, hackers widely trade such personal information on the dark web. The dark web is primarily used for transactions involving credit card information, website login details, and other sensitive data, which are often exploited for unauthorized access and fraudulent activities.

Hackers primarily target large-scale data breaches by exploiting vulnerabilities in website programs, then profit by selling the obtained information on the black market.
Protecting personal information and implementing security measures are crucial. It is recommended to regularly change passwords and utilize security software to enhance protection against these threats.

To mitigate the risks associated with excessive collection of personal information by giant IT companies and the potential for data leaks by malicious hackers, it is essential to adopt various defensive measures.
While there are numerous strategies available, this time I will introduce how to use a VPN to avoid tracking of your online activities.

Protecting Personal Information with VPN

What is VPN ??

To protect privacy, effective measures include configuring browser settings, using privacy protection tools, and utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that enables secure and private communication over the internet. VPN establishes an encrypted communication tunnel between a user's device (such as a computer or smartphone) and a VPN server, connecting to the internet through this communication pathway.

The main purposes of using a VPN are like belows:

1. Enhanced Security: A VPN protects data transmitted over unstable networks like public Wi-Fi by encrypting the data, safeguarding it from eavesdropping and tampering.
2. Privacy Protection: Using a VPN makes it difficult for internet service providers and websites to track users' online activities. By connecting to the internet through a VPN service, a user's IP address is hidden, ensuring anonymity.
3. Bypassing Geographical Restrictions: VPN usage allows users to circumvent access restrictions or regulations from specific regions. For example, when accessing domestic services from abroad, using a VPN can overcome geographical limitations.

VPN services are offered by many companies, individual users, and non-profit organizations, making it difficult to choose the best VPN service depending on the intended use. Many VPN providers offer services at low prices ranging from free to a few dollars per month.

Some VPN services have servers spanning multiple countries and offer convenient features through dedicated apps to minimize setup complexities.

However, choosing an untrustworthy VPN provider can come with the following disadvantages:

1. Security Risks: Unreliable VPN providers may not implement strong encryption protocols or may keep logs of your online activities, compromising your privacy and security.
2. Unreliable Performance: Some less reputable VPN services may have unreliable servers or limited bandwidth, leading to slow connection speeds and frequent disconnections.
3. Data Logging and Privacy Issues: Certain VPN providers might collect and sell your browsing data to third parties, defeating the purpose of using a VPN for privacy protection.
4. Malware and Adware: Using a dubious VPN service could expose you to malware or adware, posing additional security risks to your devices.
5. Legal and Jurisdiction Concerns: VPN providers operating in certain jurisdictions may be subject to data retention laws or government surveillance, potentially compromising user privacy.

To avoid these issues, selecting a trustworthy VPN provider is crucial above all else. Now, we will introduce three VPN providers that we recommend.

Why are free VPNs not recommended?

Readers of this article might be thinking -- Are there any free VPN services available?
There are indeed many VPN services that claim to be free, but using them is not recommended at all.

Maintaining and operating VPN servers typically costs tens of thousands of dollars per month, and legitimate VPN services cover these operational costs through user subscriptions.

So, what is the source of profit for free VPN services that do not have subscriptions? Most likely, it's the high resale value of your personal information.

VPN services typically cost only a few dollars, which, when balanced against security, is not a significant amount. Choosing a VPN service that strikes a balance between price and security is the most prudent decision.

Top 3 highly recommended VPN services

Njalla VPN

https://njal.la/vpn/

If you're seeking proven security backed by reputation, NjallaVPN is an excellent choice.

Njalla is a company founded by Peter Sunde, co-founder of The Pirate Bay, offering privacy-focused domain registration services. Njalla aims to protect anonymity by allowing users to register domain names on the internet without having to disclose personal information. The company prioritizes transparency and reliability, and it does not comply with government or third-party information disclosure requests.

Therefore, Njalla is particularly used by individuals sensitive to personal privacy, activists, journalists, and others who prioritize privacy protection.

Njalla offers VPN services in addition to domain registration, starting from 5 euros per month.
Their VPN setup does not rely on specific software, allowing usage across all PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

Furthermore, they support payments via highly anonymous cryptocurrencies like Monero, as well as PayPal, ensuring both anonymity and convenience for users. This approach prioritizes usability with a strong emphasis on privacy.

Mullvad VPN

https://mullvad.net/

Mullvad VPN is another VPN service that prioritizes privacy protection. Based in privacy-friendly Sweden, Mullvad operates in compliance with Swedish laws that prioritize personal data protection.

Moreover, Mullvad explicitly states that they do not log any communication data. The fact that no information about online activities or connections is stored can be considered a significant advantage.

Mullvad VPN offers a competitively priced service at 5 euros per month, making it very affordable. They support payments using the highly anonymous cryptocurrency Monero, as well as online payment services like PayPal.

Additionally, Mullvad provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, as detailed here. If you are not satisfied with the quality of Mullvad's service, you can request a refund. Since Mullvad does not have a free plan, this refund guarantee can be useful if the network quality differs from what you expected.

Proton VPN

https://protonvpn.com/

Proton VPN is a VPN service provided by Proton AG, based in Switzerland. Proton AG is well-known globally for offering secure web services like ProtonMail.

In Switzerland, where Proton AG is headquartered, data protection laws (specifically the Bundesgesetz betreffend die Überwachung des Post- und Fernmeldeverkehrs, or BÜPF) are relatively tolerant compared to countries like Sweden where Mullvad is based. However, Switzerland still maintains a higher level of privacy compared to most other countries.

The standout feature of Proton VPN lies in its service ecosystem. Proton VPN's standalone pricing starts at 9.99 euros per month, which is higher compared to Njalla VPN or Mullvad VPN.

However, Proton AG offers bundle packages with other SaaS (Software as a Service) products like ProtonMail and Proton Drive starting at 12.99 euros per month, which provides better value for users.

Furthermore, by opting for a long-term contract, the Proton VPN subscription can be discounted to around 7.99 euros, which is comparable to the pricing of Njalla VPN or Mullvad VPN. Payment options include Bitcoin or PayPal. Additionally, Proton VPN offers a 30-day refund policy if you are not satisfied with the service.

In terms of security, Proton VPN adopts a no-log policy similar to Mullvad, meaning no information about your online activities or connections is stored. This commitment to privacy ensures that your browsing history and usage data remain confidential and protected.

Privacy Protection After Implementing a VPN

Using these no-log policy VPN services enhances privacy and security online, allowing you to engage in online activities with peace of mind.

However, simply installing a VPN does not guarantee complete peace of mind. While using a VPN frees users from being tracked based on their IP addresses, there are still other potential risks that leave traces on the internet.

One prominent potential security risk is the protection of mobile phone numbers.

Mobile phone numbers are frequently used for purposes such as SMS-based verification to uniquely identify users. Obtaining a mobile phone number from overseas can be challenging, so phone numbers are often used by websites to restrict user registration based on geographic location.

To address these risks of identifying personal information and geo-blocking, it is advisable to use disposable phone number services like SMSOnline.

https://www.smsonline.cloud

SMSOnline is a notable website where you can access phone numbers from around the world and view SMS messages sent to each number on the web platform.

By using SMSOnline, you no longer need to expose your real phone number online. SMSOnline continuously acquires phone numbers from over 20 countries, including Tier 1 countries like Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, the United States, Germany, and others, with over 100 phone numbers available online at any time.

Access to international phone numbers makes it easy to bypass geoblocking using mobile phone number verification. When used in conjunction with a VPN service, SMSOnline helps reduce your online footprint and enhances privacy by allowing you to access websites and services without revealing your real phone number.

The extent to which privacy measures are implemented can vary significantly depending on the nature of your activities. Starting with easy-to-implement measures like using a VPN and utilizing disposable phone numbers can be a great way to begin enhancing your privacy.

Thank you for reading.