Can a VPN protect you from hackers?

A virtual private network (VPN) is the ideal solution for many problems you could run into online, including accessing prohibited websites, masking your browser history, removing internet throttling, locating better discounts, and much more.

But does a VPN shield you from cyber criminals? Is using a VPN safer for your personal data and files online? What impact does it have on the security of personal data?

Keep reading further to find out the answer.

Does a VPN Prevent Hacking?

You should unquestionably use a VPN on a public network or your home wireless because it greatly protects your privacy. However, a VPN cannot completely safeguard you from all cyberattacks. Even a VPN can't stop some extremely complicated and sophisticated attacks.

However, let's examine a few cyberattacks that a VPN can thwart.

1 — MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) Attack

It is known as a MITM attack when a hacker intervenes in your online communication with a person or web server. As the hacker interrupts and takes data from an ongoing conversation or data transfer, it is similar to eavesdropping.

A hacker can intercept your data transfers when they know which network you're on by taking advantage of that network's lax encryption policies.

The majority of wireless networks, especially public ones, use the notoriously unreliable WPA2 security standard, which is open to MITM attacks. Even the WPA3 standard has some limitations.

In this case, how does a VPN help?

With a VPN, everything about your internet activity is encrypted. The encryption used by VPNs is extremely difficult to break. Your IP address will be moved around when you use a VPN. Even your real IP address, which is connected to the network, won't be known to the hacker. Since they won't know which websites you're visiting, they can't intercept your traffic or reroute it to bogus websites.

2 — Remote Hacking

Your IP address is one of the most time-tested and reliable methods hackers use to access your system. Nearly all websites that you visit log your IP address. Your IP address will be visible to attackers if one of those websites is compromised. Using that IP address as a backdoor into your system is then all that is required. We're referring to everything that is connected to your wi-fi, including your computer, TV, smartphone, and CCTV.

Your genuine IP address is hidden by a VPN, preventing hackers from seeing it. Therefore, every website you visit while using a VPN won't truly be tracking your real IP, making it impossible for hackers to discover it.

3 — DDoS/DoS Attack

Hackers who conduct DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks bombard your network with unauthorized requests and traffic. It's intended to take you offline temporarily or to crash the website or service you're attempting to access.

DDoS attacks are extremely frustrating, and nowadays, practically any would-be hacker can launch one. Imagine attempting to achieve a deadline while continually being banned from your network.

However, you won't need to be concerned about DDoS attacks if you use a VPN. The hacker requires your IP address to carry out this assault. Where is he going to direct the attack if he doesn't know your IP address?

A VPN shields you from becoming the target of such attacks so you can continue to enjoy yourself by concealing your real IP address.

Which Attacks a VPN Can't Prevent?

In essence, a VPN won't shield you from threats that don't need access to your IP address. such as phishing and malware attacks.

By introducing harmful software, files, and codes into your system, some attackers are able to take control of your device. When you attempt to download third-party software or visit unauthorized websites, you could be exposed to malware.

When you open or download a fraudulent email from a hacker, the malicious files it contains can corrupt your machine. A VPN won't be of any assistance to you in such circumstances.

A VPN won't do anything to protect you from phishing attempts, either. The best it can do is ban suspect sites like "paipa1.xyz," which are quite evident. It cannot, however, shield you from phishing emails.

Conclusion

Yes, a VPN will shield you from the majority of online threats that need access to your IP address. However, it might not be of much use in defending against more complex threats like malware. In any case, a VPN can provide you with superior security for your online personal data and information. Therefore, having one does lessen your likelihood of being easily hacked online.

A VPN can also support an uninterrupted connection and, in some cases, even an increase in internet speed.