Do VPNs Really Protect You From Cyber Threats?

VPNs have become a go-to solution for many internet users, promising security and privacy. But how much protection do they actually offer?

What a VPN Does:

Encrypts Your Connection 🔐
A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server, preventing eavesdropping on public Wi-Fi.
```
Check if your VPN is active (Linux)
ip a | grep tun0
```

Hides Your IP Address 🕵️
Your real IP is masked, making it harder for websites to track your location.

Verify your public IP (Linux/Windows)
curl ifconfig.me  Linux
Invoke-WebRequest ifconfig.me | Select-Object -Expand Content  Windows PowerShell

Bypasses Geo-Restrictions 🌍
Access region-locked content by routing traffic through servers in different countries.

What a VPN Does NOT Do:

Block Malware ❌
A VPN won’t stop viruses, ransomware, or spyware. Use an antivirus alongside it.
```
Scan for malware with ClamAV (Linux)
sudo clamscan -r /home
```

Prevent Phishing Attacks ❌
Even with a VPN, you can still fall for fake login pages. Always check URLs.

Check URL reputation with VirusTotal API (Linux)
curl -s "https://www.virustotal.com/api/v3/urls/{URL_ID}" -H "x-apikey: YOUR_API_KEY"

Teach Cybersecurity Awareness ❌
No tool replaces good habits—like avoiding suspicious links and using strong passwords.

You Should Know:

VPN Leaks (DNS/IPv6)

Some VPNs leak data. Test yours:

 Check for DNS leaks (Linux)
nslookup example.com

– Kill Switch (Prevents Exposure)
Ensure your VPN has a kill switch to cut internet access if the VPN disconnects.

 Enable kill switch in OpenVPN (Linux)
echo "auth-user-pass /etc/openvpn/credentials" >> /etc/openvpn/client.conf

– Logging Policies

Choose a no-logs VPN (e.g., ProtonVPN, Mullvad).

Expected Output:

 VPN connection status (Linux)
sudo systemctl status openvpn

What Undercode Say:

A VPN is a tool, not a magic shield. Combine it with:
– Firewalls (sudo ufw enable on Linux)
– Antivirus (sudo apt install clamav for Linux)
– Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
– Regular Updates (sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y)

Prediction:

As cyber threats evolve, VPNs will integrate more security features (like built-in malware blocking), but user awareness will always be the strongest defense.

Relevant URLs:

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Claude Marcel – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

Join Our Cyber World:

💬 Whatsapp | 💬 Telegram

Listen to this Post