Should Crypto users use VPN's ? You decide.....

[Kakmakr]

I do not know if this is FUD or not, but it got me thinking.... should Bitcoiners and Crypto enthusiasts use VPN's and how do we know they are keeping their word when they say that they are not storing your data?

Source : https://www.pcmag.com/news/7-vpn-services-found-recording-user-logs-despite-no-log-pledge



How do we really know if they store data or not? (Any OpenSource VPN's out there?) ....Well, I personally feel it is risky and you should seriously think about this move, if you are using a VPN with sensitive information.

Let's discuss.......

[ranochigo]

There is no way, I repeat, no way to ensure that your VPN will not store your logs. Ultimately, when you're connecting using OpenVPN to their server, they can (and likely will) store logs of some form, anonymized or not. For that reason, I don't really recommend people to use VPNs with their wallet. It could potentially be detrimental to your privacy as it'll keep more detailed logs and your traffic has to flow through the VPN. Your trust now lies with the VPN provider instead of your ISP.

Tor is a much better alternative. And it's also free.

[pawanjain]

Exactly what @ranochigo said. I have tried several VPNs over the years and trust me, we can never make sure if the VPNs store our data or not.
TOR is the only alternative we can rely on but even that should be used carefully. The exit node is all that matters.
If we don't know what we are doing then our privacy will be at risk. I believe it is safer not to use VPNs at all.

P.S : There is another option of creating a private VPN yourself using cloud services but you have to be tech savvy to create a VPN yourself.

[Oshosondy]

VPN can only help to some extent, but we need not to believe on VPN that are not decentralized, so far we make logging into the VPN services, that means they are able to keep users logs, and very possible governments can ask for their help to reveal hackers but not everyone and if they are not secure enough, hackers can hack the logs. If we think they are not keeping logs, that is just a wrong thinking. The best is to just go for decentralized VPN if existing, that one will have ways you do not have to provide anything about you. Or better still to just make use of Tor browser if someone wants to have privacy.

[Anonylz]

If you are in a country where there are restrictions regarding crypto activities there is nothing you can do than to use a vpn to access the restricted places,
People who find themselves in this situation don't have much choice unfortunately, I don't believe all the vpn service providers will act same, am sure some of them will to their word and protect users privacy, and I agree about decentralised vpn, if they are available it will be a better option otherwise you make do of what is available.

[bekti3]

The use of VPN is usually to unblock, where the state does not give permission to access beyond the reach of state authorities.
so it imposes using vpn.
paid vpn is quite expensive, even then does not necessarily guarantee the security of personal data. Moreover, using a free VPN, for example, like in the Playstore.
not only personal data that can be sold, but it can result in malware attacks that will attack any device connected to the internet.

[Lucius]

I think using a VPN often creates a false sense of security and privacy, and so I think it all ultimately depends on who is behind the VPN we use. Sometimes it makes sense for someone to use a VPN if they want to use a service that is blocked by their ISP, but this can often be a double-edged sword when a crypto-exchange or gambling site discovers that such software is being used.

How do we really know if they store data or not? (Any OpenSource VPN's out there?)

If you search by keywords you will find VPNs that claim to be open source, but for those who are not technically savvy (and most still aren't) it means nothing - because they all actually claim to protect user privacy, and on the other hand we know that huge money is in the game from the sale of user data.

[target]

Using VPN thereby also giving up data to the VPN provider. Anything, where you share your data, makes a user at risk. It's usually for gambling that a crypto user will try accessing, it's risky when the casino finds out while your funds are with them. 

Binance I think and other exchanges can recognize a visitor using VPN though and with that their AI might not be able to allow the user to register.

[mardaed]

Maybe depends on the VPN you are using I currently used Express VPN and Nord VPN well I really think that it could be risky for users who are using such VPN since they can keep your password and personal information.

[ranochigo]

If you search by keywords you will find VPNs that claim to be open source, but for those who are not technically savvy (and most still aren't) it means nothing - because they all actually claim to protect user privacy, and on the other hand we know that huge money is in the game from the sale of user data.

The phrase open sourced is often misconstrued and more often than not, it's used more of a marketing term for those who do not know better. It does not mean anything eitherways. Your connection still has to go through their server and there is a loophole for them to exploit at that point and can probably collect more data than you think. Being techsavvy or not, open sourced only guarantees that you can see the client that you run on the computer but you'll have no way of knowing what they're doing on the servers.

[sheenshane]

Anonymity and data privacy will always be the major concern not only with Bitcoiners or even crypto enthusiasts but also with other digital transactions.  In a digital world, we can't secure that all of our information and assets will be safe since hackers are always at large and would do everything to gain something for their own benefits and these VPN's can't guarantee that no data from their users will be safe and would have a leak for hackers.

We all know that in order for us to access their system we need to supply it first with our own private key and this must be remembered by their system for future usage and must be connected to our wallets.  So, therefore, I can conclude that VPNs do save data and information of their users which puts us and our assets at risk.

Especially, if you will use a free VPN, they are most prone to be compromised your security and also tracking your online activity.  I heard also that they might be selling your bandwidth.  However, if there's a difference between paid and free VPNs, I will not use them upon opening my sensitive information.

[lifeforcepools]

I think a lot of people use VPN in crypto. I use VPN just as often, even just because I feel safer.

[avikz]

I believe VPN is essential for for the majority of crypto enthusiasts, especially where the legal definition of cryptocurrency is not available. However, if you are using a free or open source VPN service, they will always keep your data and you may become vulnerable if a data breach happens.

So it's safer to use a no-log VPN like express vpn or surfsharks where they claim that they don't keep any logs. But it is really impossible for us to know what happens in reality!

[MusaMohamed]

VPN has its minus points when crypto enthusiasts use it for their Internet surfing.

- Services can have restrictions on VPN and people have to read Terms of conditions (ToS) or FAQ to know the sites they are using accept or not accept VPN. If they use VPN on a site does not allow, they will get troubles with account (account freeze, restrictions, etc.)
- VPN can cause automated account freeze because geographical location changes that are detected by platforms. They can automatically lock accounts for compromise or security reasons and people will have to open support ticket and get approval to have account access back.

I don't use VPN on any site that I can visit and use services with Tor and I think it is good to try with Tor browser before think of VPN.

[mk4]

VPNs make total sense if you're just going to prevent your ISP(and/or government authorities) from tracking your activity. Knowing that we're talking about the cryptocurrency space, it does make sense as to protect yourself to some degree if ever some sort of "crypto ban" gets implemented in the country you're in. Sure, it won't mean that they automatically can't find out about your past crypto activity, but the extra layer of security wouldn't hurt.

[Lorence.xD]

VPN contrary to popular belief does not really mask your geo location or prevent attacks. If someone use a geo sniffer on you then they can easily track you down, attacks on the other hand are very meticulous, they know how to bypass. VPN is just a private tunnel for you to access content outside your country to be honest. I do not see of using a VPN for crypto, in my opinion the best use is to create use a virtual machine. ISP's can still see what you are doing, they just don't want to meddle with your business unless authority has a reason to look into it.

[crwth]

You know what I think about people now is that, once they get an opportunity to have something or benefit from something, they would get it. Of course, you would trust them with your data to protect your usage data. It's hard to comprehend that they are willing to be that untrustworthy for the sensitive information unless they are in on it too. I have availed a VPN with a cost, and I'm hoping that their reputation would be a key factor in their trustworthiness. I'm not really sure anymore what to trust, but I hope paid ones don't store the data.

I know you have a choice as well whether you will use the OpenVPN or their actual servers.

[YOSHIE]

if you are using a VPN with sensitive information.

Let's discuss.......

This depends on the laws that apply in each country, currently there are many types of VPNs that are free but have a high risk for users compared to paid VPNs which are more secure.
Each VPN has its own advantages in terms of the level of security.

Free VPN risks include: Can hijack your data and can also tap into Cryoto transactions that you use, especially banking, theft.

So, from the one hand, using a VPN is good with the condition of using a paid one, to avoid dangers and risks in the future.
Honestly I have never used any kind of VPN in transactions or trading Cryoto.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

Free VPN risks include: Can hijack your data and can also tap into Cryoto transactions that you use, especially banking, theft.

So, from the one hand, using a VPN is good with the condition of using a paid one, to avoid dangers and risks in the future.

Personally I don't get why people still buy into the idea of using free things, this days there are nothing like free as there is always a price to pay. Either you pay with selling out your freedom (as in your private information) or you pay with time (in regards the faucet). I use VPN and paid one for that matter, although my government have started showing positive signs towards the adoption of bitcoin, there was a period they were been very brutal on users caught to be participating in the industry which resulted to many of us hiding our identity.

VPNs bring about an extra layer of security, you'll need that if you're into a system that promotes been security cautious. Chosing the right VPN to use also has its advantages and most preferable we're encourage to patronize only decentralized ones. They have the most advantage as the chances of your identity getting leaked is out of the equation.

[Kakmakr]

Ok, most replies on this thread agree that the users does not trust VPN's and that "Opensource" gives people a false sense of security. The goal of this thread is once again there to ask questions about the things we do on the internet and how "private" our data really are.

Bitcoin is money and we should treat it like the money that we have in our wallets or the money in our Bank accounts. (We do not trust Banks, so why should we trust VPN's?)

No matter what we do, we have to try to determine if the methods and tools that we are using ...are really protecting us. Do not transmit sensitive data through any VPN and this includes passwords to wallets and/or Private keys or the Seed to your wallet.