Can you be tracked if you use a VPN in 2021
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In short: Can a VPN be tracked?
VPN is really hard to trace because your IP (Internet Protocol) address has been changed and your online activity is encrypted. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or websites may know that you are using a VPN, but they cannot see your actual online activity.
Why do millions of people around the world use VPNs? The reasons vary, but many agree that it helps them feel comfortable online. Having online privacy is becoming an increasing challenge, and VPN does a great job of protecting its users from digital spying, tracking, data collection, invasive ads, and cybercriminals.
But is a VPN a complete solution to violating online privacy? It is natural to ask these questions. That’s why I’m here to answer them.
What are we talking about when we talk about tracking?
It is important that you first understand what tracking in this context. There are three aspects to this:
- Can anyone see that you are using a VPN?
- What information is available to them?
- Can they see what you’re doing online?
Let’s explore it.
In what ways can you be tracked online?
- Malware. Accidentally installing malware on your device can lead to serious problems such as stolen personal information or even fraud.
- IP. Unless you use a VPN, a proxy, Tor Browser, or any other privacy protection tool, your real IP address is visible to the websites you visit.
- biscuit. Advertisers can track you online based on cookies, whether or not you use a VPN. However, popular browsers such as Google Chrome allow you to block cookies if you prefer not to have your online habits saved and stored online.
- digital fingerprints. More intrusive than cookie-based tracking, fingerprints use your computer’s settings, software, web browser preferences, and other similar things to make a digital picture of you.
- DNS leak. DNS leaks can occur when the VPN or DNS is not set up properly and when your device is hacked. These leaks can put your privacy at risk by exposing your online activity. To avoid DNS leaks, use a VPN that provides you with their DNS addresses.
- docking. Doxxing is a malicious practice that people use to expose someone’s personal information, such as their home or workplace address.
As you can see, the IP address is not the only identifier on the Internet. Thus, a VPN is not the only solution to online threats. Aside from antivirus software, we must also be careful about suspicious links and emails.
Phishing is as old as the internet. And no one is really safe from it because modern phishing tactics can be seamless. We can all feel a little apart sometimes and not notice the warning signs when they’re there. It goes without saying, however, that not losing common sense online is critical.
Apart from that, there are also Tools that help filter phishing emails, Like CleanWeb by Surfshark.
Who can (likely) see that you are using a VPN?
Not everyone who is online will see that you are connected to a VPN. But some can. Who has access to this information, and how can they see it?
Let’s answer Who is the:
- ISP (Internet Service Provider);
- websites or apps (eg Netflix);
- pirates.
Let’s answer how:
- Since your ISP provides you with internet service, they can see the connections you make through their servers. This doesn’t mean there are bold letters claiming you’re using a VPN, but based on your IP addresses and encrypted traffic, they could theoretically connect the dots.
- Some apps and websites do not give you access to their service if you are using a VPN. They can figure it out by blacklisting the IP addresses that many different people around the world use to connect. This type of IP looks suspicious to the service provider; Hence, it is blocked.
- Hackers can find out that you are using a VPN if they try to access your data over an unsecured network (for example, a public Wi-Fi without a password), or if you connect to a fake open Wi-Fi network created by suspicious people.
It is important to note that your ISP or online service sees that you are using a VPN is not bad news. This is because it does not mean that they can see what you share. When you connect to the Internet through a VPN, your IP address appears as the VPN address, so your real IP address cannot be traced.
Hide your VPN traffic with obscure servers
A VPN hides your internet traffic, while an obfuscated server hides your VPN usage. It’s like an invisibility cloak – sometimes called an incognito VPN.
Where do you “get” those obfuscated servers? Well, some premium VPN providers (including Surfshark) use it. This function in Surfshark is called blur mode.
Obfuscation is great for bypassing many VPN bans, Like Hulu or Netflix, as well as the Great Firewall of China.
Is a free VPN a viable option for privacy?
In the past few years, the popularity of VPN has skyrocketed. That’s why it seems that there are hundreds of VPN apps that promise online privacy and security. Everyone wants a piece of the VPN market pie.
It is essential to be extra careful when choosing your VPN provider. While the free VPN option may seem like a good option, you should know that secure VPN technology requires a lot of investment and resources.
How do they make money if users do not pay for the service? Usually, this means that your data is sold to advertisers and marketing companies. Sometimes these free apps are so invasive that they benefit you more than just your online habits, purchases, and sites visited. Some have access to your full name, phone number, or even your home address.
If you are worried about being tracked using a VPN, I would suggest not going for the free options.
Can the government track you through a VPN?
There you have it: Federal authorities are not wasting their time on regular VPN users. There must be a legal basis for them to be interested in someone’s VPN activity.
When federal agents suspect that someone has committed a crime, they go to the ISP to request connection records. After VPN connections are detected, they may try to contact the VPN provider. If a VPN does not keep logs of users’ data, they have nothing to offer even if they wanted to.
However, there are not many cases where the authorities deal with VPN providers because they have multiple other ways to track down a potential criminal. It was recently revealed that the US government is issuing “keyword guarantees” to Google, which require the tech giant to provide lists of accounts and IP addresses that have searched for certain words online.
So the VPN will prevent your IP address from being disclosed, but if you use your Google account, it will be on record. Again, privacy and security depend not only on technical means, but also on your vigilance.
We have a comprehensive guide on Can Police Track a VPN that you may want to check out as well.
Can you be tracked if you connect to a VPN server in the same country?
Connecting to a VPN server in the same country is just as secure as connecting to a server in a foreign country. The only downside is that you won’t bypass geo-restrictions because your ISP sees you in the same location.
If the VPN connection drops, can you be passively tracked?
When the VPN is disconnected, your data is no longer encrypted, and your real IP address is exposed. Your ISP can access your IP address activity (for example, the websites you visit), so you are a much easier target to track when disconnected from the VPN.
A solution to this problem is the so-called Kill Switch feature offered by some VPN providers. I’ll talk more about that in the next section.
Can a VPN be hacked?
While anything can be hacked, a good VPN is safe from hacking due to all the necessary security measures for it to work. The same can’t be said for all VPNs – free ones are particularly shady and can be the actual carrier for your data to be stolen or malware installed on your device.
Can you be tracked if you use a VPN?
The answer is that it is difficult, but not impossible. If someone really wants to track you online, they will likely find a way to do so, whether you use a VPN or not.
However, a VPN keeps your browsing activity secure. Even those who can see that you are using a VPN (for example, your ISP, the websites you visit, or even hackers) can’t access your data, your real location, or any sensitive information. Make sure to choose a VPN with transparent privacy and no-logs policies, such as Surfshark.
Are you ready to surf the web with peace of mind?
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