Do I need a VPN?

Do you need a VPN?


More private than private browsing

Firefox private browsing with tracking protection is great at protecting you from invasive trackers and keeping your browser history secret, but when you surf the web, you leave footprints that Firefox can’t erase — your IP address is logged at the sites you visit and your ISP may keep records. That usually isn’t an issue, but the sites you visit could expose you to unwanted attention from government agencies or even hackers. A VPN can hide those footprints from prying eyes and add an extra layer of security against hackers.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a secure connection between your computer and a server. All your Internet traffic and browsing data goes through that remote server. To the outside world, the anonymous server is doing the browsing, not you. ISPs, government agencies, hackers or anyone else can’t track your activity online.

How does a VPN work?

When you connect to a VPN, you create a secure, encrypted tunnel between your computer and the VPN remote server. The data is essentially gibberish to anyone who intercepts it. Your ISP, government or hackers won’t know which websites you visit. And conversely, the websites you visit won’t know where you are. Typically, logging in to a VPN is as easy as entering a password and clicking a button on a VPN client or a web browser extension.

Are VPNs truly private?

Unfortunately, no. The VPN provider can still log your browsing data. You are essentially putting your trust in your VPN provider. Will your provider hand over info when pressed? Will they log your browser data and sell it at a later date?

ManyVPN providers are trustworthy and vow to keep customer info private, but some are downright nefarious. Researchers recently tested 300 free VPN apps on Google Play and found that nearly 40 percent installed malware or malvertising on users’ machines. (NPR has a brilliant article about VPNs and privacy here.) The lesson? Pick a VPN provider you can really trust.

Also realize that there are things beyond your VPN provider’s control. If you live under a repressive regime a VPN might not let you tunnel under restrictions to access blocked sites.

How do you pick a VPN provider?




  2. How long does it keep this data?
  3. Are there any restrictions?
  4. Where are the VPN servers?
  5. How do you pay for the VPN service?

That last question can be really tricky. If you pay for the VPN service with credit card or PayPal, how private will it be? If you’re after ultimate privacy and security, look for a service that accepts payment from anonymous services like Bitcoin.

There are many, many VPN providers, and Mozilla can’t recommend any specific service. PC World, however, has reviewed a ton of VPN services and ranked them all. The winner? Currently it’s Sweden-based Mullvad, which doesn’t even keep your email address. Instead, it auto-generates an anonymous account number when you create an account. The service is reportedly fast and ultra secure. Speedy services CyberGhost and TunnelBear also ranked highly, and NordVPN was called out as a great way to watch blocked U.S. Netflix shows and other services while abroad. FoxyProxy, by Mozillian Eric Jung, offers VPN service in more than 68 countries.

Additionally, there are many browser extensions that can add a VPN service right to your browser, protecting your browser data as you surf.

VPNs are surging in popularity, thanks to recent rollbacks in Internet privacy rules and government sleuthing. But they may not be as safe as they claim. Do your research, ask the right questions, and make sure you find a service provider that delivers on their promise.

10 comments on “Do you need a VPN?”

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  1. Вася wrote on

    Плохо разбираюсь в интернете, только начинаю изучать его, ну судя по вышесказанному, VPN необходим, главное что бы постовщик оказалсЯ порядочным. И действовал в соответствии с нормами конфиденциальности.


  2. susan wrote on

    A must read article for everyone.


  3. Emma wrote on

    as far as I have been using the internet I always connect using hotspot-shield VPN elite version which does not only secure my connection but also gives me unlimited bandwidth an 3g data ,so i can virtually do what ever I want without worrying about data or bandwidth the VPN could be connected for days and no disconnection problems to me it the best


  4. Leo wrote on

    What about setting up your own VPN at your own VPS? I have some cheap Linux VPS in EU, and I’ve installed OpenVPN server on it.

    Should it be better or worse that using VPN providers? What do you think?

    They probably still can track outbound connections from that VPS?


  5. Philip Lee wrote on

    It would be real neat if Firefox could provide VPN to their browser similar to Opera and Epic privacy



  6. Kaia Denham wrote on

    Do you realize that in the small print that lead me into this discussion, you refer to VPN and a Virtual PIRATE Network? Intentional or not?


    1. M.J. Kelly wrote on

      Sweet Neptune’s mandibles, that we did, Kaia! The 19th day of September we be talking pirrrrrate.


  7. T wrote on

    Interesting to not hear PIA get a mention, given they are one of the bigger providers.

    ProtonVPN which is very new is also well worth a mention. Based in Switzerland, lots of servers in many countries, can access the Tor Network directly through the VPN connection (which I believe they are possibly the only VPN that offers this, but I might be wrong on that), no logging, and even a slower, free tier available with limited server access. The only free VPN I would ever trust.


  8. /ANGUS A. STEVENS? wrote on

    Dear Sir or Madam:

    All I do is mostly…. use it for emailing. Do I really need that service? Thank you very much.


    Angus A.


  9. Deniel wrote on

    In order for the VPN to be sufficient, you need to set the correct VPN, for example, I use VeePN and it completely suits me


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