VPN usage has undoubtedly become increasingly popular in recent times, especially on Android and iOS devices. In fact, some 52% of VPN users have reported using an iOS device, as smartphones become increasingly sophisticated and compatible with a wider range of tasks.
VPN Smartphone safety
At the same time, the smartphone penetration rate has now peaked above 92% in the UK, with this number expected to increase incrementally in the years ahead.
But is it safe to use a VPN on your Android or iOS device? We’ll explore this in detail in the article below:
VPN Functionality - How Do They Work?
At their core, VPNs are designed to offer increased security to desktop and smartphone users, particularly when they’re connected to unsecured public networks.
The reason for this is simple; as they create virtual and encrypted tunnels between a user’s device and remote server, preventing potential hackers and other network users from viewing or intercepting your web traffic.
As they can connect to remote servers in various global locations, VPNs also help to mask your IP address and the precise location of your device.
So, not only can it effectively trick streaming services and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) into thinking that you’re located in another country or location, but it also has the capacity to prevent DDoS and malicious malware attacks.
Are There Risks to VPN Usage on a Smartphone?
While VPNs are capable of creating an additional layer of network security online, the question that remains is are they entirely safe for smartphone usage?
The short answer is yes, but in truth it depends on your choice of provider and private client. For example, there are some fake VPN clients and rogue operators that are essentially scams, but the good news is that there are a few tried and trusted ways of identifying these when online.
For example, fake or untrustworthy VPNs tend to make superlative and unsubstantiated claims, such as being the fastest or most private product on the market. More pertinently, they’ll offer minimal customer support and a meagre online presence, which will be most notable through social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook.
A less obvious, but arguably more common, threat is posed by free VPNs that don’t charge users any kind of monthly subscription. While this type of seemingly affordable option often appeals to users, they tend to offer restrictive and less robust security features.
At the same time, some free VPN clients may actively log your data and web traffic before potentially selling valuable information to third parties. This way, they can offer a free VPN service, while simultaneously leveraging their customer’s data to generate a viable stream of income.
The Bottom Line - Why the Answer Lies With Mobile-Friendly and Paid VPNs
The good news here is that these risks can largely be mitigated by targeting paid VPNs that lead their respective market and are compatible with Android and iOS devices.
The advantage of paid VPNs is that they tend to feature protocols that deliver the fastest speed and most robust levels of security, while arguably the best Android VPN can be accessed through a flexible subscription and as little as £3 per month.
When comparing the market, there are a couple of protocols that you should keep your eyes peeled for. This is an important consideration, as choosing VPNs that boasts the best combination of protocols ensures the best possible overall experience for users.
Perhaps the best protocol from the perspective of mobile users is OpenVPN. This long standing and popular option is used by a large number of VPN providers, while it usually runs on either the TCP or UDP Internet protocol.
The former guarantees that your data will be delivered in full and in chronological order online, while the latter is focused on delivering information at the fastest possible speed.
Another increasingly popular and effective (albeit relatively new) protocol, WireGuard has earned repute as the fastest tunnelling option in the entire VPN industry.
Utilising state-of-the-art cryptography to deliver incredible speeds and high performance, it’s a supposedly experimental protocol that has built a huge following. However, in order to counter some of its potential vulnerabilities, most VPN clients are combining it with an established protocol like OpenVPN to create a more complete product.
Interestingly, market leading VPN clients like Surfshark combine both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, making it a great option for iOS and Android users out there.
If you travel regularly and intend to use your smartphone to stream content or access social media channels in different regions, you should also prioritise a paid VPN client that boasts multiple server locations.
This way, you can enjoy a dense network of coverage regardless of where you travel in the world, affording you access to relevant remote servers that enable you to avoid content and licensing restrictions.
Tagged in Smartphones