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When discussing best-value VPNs, it’s impossible not to mention Private Internet Access. This affordable provider packs quite a punch, offering a staggering number of security features coupled with private-friendly logging practices. Is Private Internet Access as secure as it claims to be, though? How safe is PIA VPN and is it legit? Well, in today’s analysis, we will answer this question and analyze the provider in terms of security and privacy in-depth.
Is PIA VPN Safe to Use? Security Features Examined
As always, we’ll start this security analysis by talking about its security features. These are passive and active security features that you can find within the app. Here are some key features:
Bank-Grade Encryption
Private Internet Access uses bank-grade encryption, also known as 256-bit AES encryption. This encryption method is used by banks and the military to protect confidential data. PIA VPN also allows you to choose from different levels of encryption, including 128-bit encryption for faster speeds.
Kill Switch
Private Internet Access offers a kill switch feature that shuts down all traffic if you experience a disconnection. This prevents your IP from leaking and ensures that you can’t go online without the VPN enabled. It provides an extra layer of protection, especially in censored countries or locations with high ISP surveillance.
PIA MACE
PIA MACE is an ad-blocker feature that blocks ads, malware, and malicious sites. It adds an additional layer of security to your browsing experience and protects your computer from potential threats. While it may not be as effective as other VPNs’ ad-blockers, it still provides decent protection.
WireGuard Support
Private Internet Access supports multiple security protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. WireGuard is known for its high security and fast speeds, making it a popular choice among users. PIA VPN allows you to customize the protocol settings, such as the encryption level and port selection.
MultiHop
PIA VPN offers a MultiHop feature that routes your traffic through two servers, providing an extra layer of encryption and IP address protection. You can choose the servers you want to connect to, giving you control over your privacy and security.
IP/DNS Leak Protection
Private Internet Access ensures that your IP and DNS information are protected with its leak protection features. The kill switch prevents IP leaks, and the provider uses a no-logs DNS server to handle your DNS requests and prevent your ISP from tracking your activities.
Shadowsocks & SOCKS5 With Obfuscation
Private Internet Access includes obfuscation features that make your VPN traffic look like ordinary traffic, allowing you to bypass firewall restrictions. While it may not work in China like some other VPNs, it can still bypass most other firewalls. The SOCKS5 proxy adds an extra layer of security, especially for torrenting.
Antivirus
Private Internet Access offers an optional antivirus feature that can be added to your VPN subscription. The antivirus is affordable and effective, eliminating a significant percentage of viruses on your computer. It provides comprehensive protection against cyber threats while you browse the internet, stream, torrent, or access the dark web.
Does PIA VPN Store Logs? Analysis of Its Privacy Policy & Jurisdiction
Private Internet Access is based in the US, which is known for its poor privacy laws and surveillance activities. However, despite its US jurisdiction, PIA VPN has a strict no-logging policy and has never been involved in data leaks or cooperation with authorities. Here are some details about its logging practices:
Where Is the Company Based?
Private Internet Access is based in the US, a 5 Eyes country known for its surveillance activities and data collection. However, PIA VPN has a strong track record of protecting user privacy and has never been involved in any data leakage scandals.
Is PIA VPN Safe in Terms of Logging Practices?
PIA VPN has a strict no-logging policy and does not store any user-related logs. It does not collect information about your IP address, bandwidth consumption, browsing history, DNS requests, connection logs, or VPN session timestamps. The provider uses RAM-only servers, which means that all data is lost when the server restarts, ensuring maximum privacy.
While PIA VPN does store your email and payment data for functional purposes, it does not collect any valuable information that can be used to identify or track you online. The provider also uses anonymized data for troubleshooting purposes.
Third-Party Audits
Private Internet Access has undergone a third-party audit by Deloitte, a reputable company that has also audited other VPN providers. The audit examined PIA VPN’s infrastructure and confirmed its strong adherence to its no-logging policy. This audit further confirms the provider’s commitment to user privacy and security.
IP & DNS Leak Tests: Let’s See if There’re Any Leaks
We conducted IP and DNS leak tests to ensure the effectiveness of Private Internet Access in protecting user privacy. Here are the results of our tests:
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We used the site ipleak.net to test for IP and DNS leaks. The results showed that our IP and DNS addresses were located in the United States, indicating that the VPN successfully protected our online privacy.
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We also used the site browserleaks.com to test for IP and DNS leaks. Once again, the results showed that our IP and DNS addresses were in the United States, and there were no WebRTC leaks.
These tests demonstrate that Private Internet Access effectively protects against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, ensuring a secure browsing experience.
So, Is Private Internet Access VPN Safe to Use?
In conclusion, Private Internet Access is a safe and secure VPN that offers robust security features and a strict no-logging policy. Despite being based in the US, PIA VPN has never been involved in data leaks or cooperation with authorities. It provides a high level of privacy and security for users.
While it may not be our top choice like ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access is still a reliable and affordable option. It offers P2P-optimized servers, a large server network, multiple simultaneous connections, 24/7 support, and competitive prices. If you’re looking for a trustworthy VPN with strong security features, Private Internet Access is worth considering.
You can get Private Internet Access through this link. By using this link, you can claim an exclusive discount and take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.