In a world that relies on the open internet from shopping to communicating with friends and family, it is hard to know who can access your private information. When you make purchases online or are simply browsing the internet, you are doing so in an insecure fashion.
Servers may cache your location and searches, and prying eyes may see your browsing activity. That is where the need for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in. When a VPN is used, you are browsing through an encrypted tunnel that lets you access websites or online services in a private and secure way.
The Start of VPNSecure
VPNSecure Pty Ltd was created in order to meet the rising demand for privacy on the web. Based out of Queensland, Australia, VPNSecure provided a platform for privacy for thousands of customers since 2010. Unfortunately, a change in Australian laws forced the organization to move to Hong Kong in February of 2019 and changing its name to Lucro Corp Ltd.
This move came as a result of Australia changing their encryption laws. These new laws stated that all Australian companies had to make a backdoor for end-to-end encrypted communications. The company knew that this was not conducive with maintaining the safety and security of its customers.
Features and Benefits of VPNSecure
VPNSecure provides fast and reliable connections and offers a variety of benefits. Here are just a few of the advantages of using VPNSecure:
Easy To Download and Use
Usability is a key feature that users are going to expect when it comes to using VPN software. This is something VPNSecure accomplishes rather well. From the get-go, VPNSecure is easy to download and use. Simply select which subscription model you prefer and device you will be employing, then download. From here, you will be asked to log in and choose the server that you would like to use.
A search bar at the top of the screen allows users to easily search for and join servers in various countries and locations. When ready to disconnect, simply hit the button and the screen will show that you have done so. The simple user interface allows even the least computer savvy to use VPNSecure with ease.
Available Across Multiple Platforms
VPNSecure is not limited to only computers. The software demonstrates remarkable compatibility across multiple platforms. This means that VPNSecure can be downloaded on Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Linux, and functions on an array of devices from smartphones to tablets. It can also be used on Tomato routers and DD-WRT, making this VPN accessible to just about everyone.
Allows Torrents
The best way to download torrents safely is by making use of a VPN. When torrents are downloaded, the VPN will re-route all traffic through a different geographical location, changing your IP address to one used by hundreds or even thousands of other people. This adds a layer of security and anonymity.
90% of the servers available on VPNSecure function perfectly with torrent downloads.
Some users have reported that connection throttling from your ISP is greatly reduced. It is important to keep in mind that while anonymity and security are important factors when downloading torrents, torrenting has inherent risks including infection. Copyrighted material that is downloaded also violates certain copyright laws in a number of countries.
Several Server Locations
While connected to VPNSecure, you have access to servers located all over the world.
Currently, they have over 80 servers in 48 different countries. These servers are continuously monitored while being fully operated by VPNSecure. They are each access controlled and contain leading protocols such as OpenVPN, Smart DNS, HTTP Proxy, and SSH Socks.
VPNSecure provides unlimited switching between servers and can be switched rather easily. The VPNSecure website lists where each server is located, including the city and country. This allows the user to find a server that permits the sites they are trying to use, or a server that is simply faster.
No IP Address or Log Storage
The ability to maintain anonymity is important with any VPN, but it does not end with preventing others from seeing your browser activity. Every keystroke, your location and IP address, and even sensitive information such as your credit card number or social security number can be logged and stored. It is important to practice safe browsing habits such as only purchasing from merchant sites with a reputation, with HTTP-Secure (HTTPS) websites. This way your information has a lesser chance of being collected for nefarious use. VPNSecure states that they are committed to “no logging” on their server at any time.
IP Addresses
When using VPNSecure, your IP address is never revealed. As you can connect to several different servers worldwide, an IP address can never be tracked back to your home computer, tablet, or mobile device. These addresses simply link back to the VPN server allowing you to browse the web and download content anonymously.
If your connection to a server is accidentally dropped, VPNSecure also has a killswitch feature. This ensures that your IP address is not exposed during the dropped connection. When the server connection fails, the killswitch will automatically prevent the ability to connect to the internet. This prohibits your device from connecting to another internet source and revealing your IP address.
Connecting, Disconnecting, and DNS Requests
When a connection to a VPN server is established or tore down, a log entry showing the source and destination addresses can exist. One useful feature VPNSecure has is that it ensures that this information is not logged or retained. When DNS requests are sent, VPNSecure ensures these are forwarded to the VPN connection. This prevents the possibility of DNS leakage, which allows DNS requests to be revealed to ISP DNS servers, despite the use of a VPN service to attempt to conceal them.
Bandwidth
When you choose a premium VPNSecure account, you also get the added benefit of not having your bandwidth logged. This allows unlimited access to content on the web across all servers. Without a premium account, however, you are limited to the amount of bandwidth you receive.
Eliminates Censorship
Unfortunately, censorship on the internet is an issue. Censorship puts regulations on what information can be seen or accessed by everyday users. In some countries, it is a tool that may be enforced for political gain, government reasons, or simply a licensing issue. Others countries may choose to dictate which entertainment and social sites are available in an effort to control public interest. This often leads to sites such as Facebook, Netflix, and Pandora being blocked.
This is where a VPN can be of use. VPNSecure actually helps to combat censorship. With so many servers, a citizen of a restrictive country can use a server located in another country to access the websites of his or her choosing. Being able to do so anonymously provides protection and freedom to access information otherwise withheld.
Well Encrypted
VPNSecure can be configured to use different protocols as well as encryption. PTTP, OpenVPN, and SSH with 128 and 256-bit encryption are options that are available. 128-bit encryption is available through PPTP, but as a protocol facing deprecation (limited security and encryption), it is not recommended to be used. OpenVPN offers a 256-bit level of encryption and SSH tunneling provides DES-CBC 64 bit encryption, leaving these two as your best options to use.
Excellent Customer Service
When using a VPN, a service you are paying for, you want to feel supported knowing that all of your questions will be answered promptly. With VPNSecure, you are met with a chat feature immediately upon entering the company’s website. While browsing the site, the chat remains open and ready for your questions.
If you are looking at the site outside of business hours, you can still submit questions to the chat box and they will be answered during operational hours. When the chat feature is available, the replies are almost immediate. This is helpful if you are trying to access the VPN or happen to hit a roadblock. With responses being quick and generally very helpful, it’s obvious VPNSecure has actual employees replying to your questions. This is a nice change from companies that employ bots which have significant delays in responding.
Affordability
Another benefit of using VPNSecure is that it is extremely affordable. Subscribers can purchase 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month plans, with the 12-month plan being the most affordable. These plans all offer the same features, but customers can also purchase monthly subscriptions for HTTP proxy and Smarter DNS, as well.
VPNSecure offers a 30-day trial, giving ample time to see how the product performs. With this trial, you are granted access to a US server on a desktop or mobile device for 2GB of bandwidth. While the bandwidth cap seems a little low, it is enough to see how it performs with normal computer use.
Money-Back Guarantee
If you are still unsure if you want to use this VPN, VPNSecure also offers a seven-day money-back guarantee. If you are unhappy with the service, simply cancel your account and request a refund. VPNSecure commits to a no-questions-asked policy and will refund your money up to 90 days.
Drawbacks to the VPNSecure
VPNSecure has a lot of useful features that could work for a number of customers. However, there are some drawbacks with this VPN. Here are a few of them:
Limited Servers
Though VPNSecure is in 48 different countries and boasts up to 80 servers, this is actually a relatively small amount compared to other VPN companies. Some competitors of VPNSecure offer up to 5,000 servers and frequently add new ones. In general, the lower the number of servers, typically the more limiting the performance tends to be.
For home users, fewer servers may not be a big deal. However, if you are wanting to use a VPN for greater connections and larger projects, this could be a concern. With the price being similar, and in some cases higher to other VPN companies, a limited number of servers may not be worth it.
Inconsistent Speeds
Though VPNSecure boasts about its fast and reliable speeds, this has been found to not always be true. When testing different speeds, the Netherlands servers proved to be excellent. However, those in the US were extremely slow. Even Hong Kong, where the company is headquartered, had horrendous speed results.
With these inconsistencies, browsing the web, downloading content, or trying to get work done could be extremely frustrating. When paying for a VPN service, you want to know that you are going to be able to use that service anytime you want. You will also expect quick and efficient results. With VPNSecure, however, this may not always be the case.
Still Tracks Some Information
One of the big claims and selling points of VPNSecure is that there is “No Logging.” This includes IP addresses, connection times, bandwidth, and DNS requests. There are use cases though, that present issues with this large claim.
VPNSecure does state that if they feel you are using a site illegally, they have the right to monitor you. Illegal use is a broad term that can change depending on sovereignty. In China, circumventing controls to visit banned websites is illegal. Does this mean you can be monitored? VPNSecure also keeps records of your email address as well as username and password, though they say these are all encrypted.
Limited Media Streaming
One of the most popular reasons people want to have a VPN is for media streaming. This may include music sites like Pandora or entertainment sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. If this is your main objective in purchasing a VPN, it’s important to do thorough research before buying one.
While many media streaming sites, like Netflix, are cracking down on VPN use, some are still able to access them. With VPNSecure, results have been varied. Some customers have claimed to try several servers with no luck running these sites, while others have had favorable results.
About two out of every five VPNSecure servers have been found to allow media streaming, specifically Netflix. While this is encouraging, it may be frustrating to have to locate these servers every time you want to watch a show. In addition, if that server has a slow connection speed, you may be waiting a while for items to download.
VPNSecure Overview
So whether you are looking to access content not allowed in your country, or just want to protect yourself while browsing the internet, a VPN might be for you. However, with a variety of options and different features, it is best to do your homework before committing to a subscription. Here is a brief overview of the VPNSecure.
Benefits of VPNSecure
- Several Servers – VPNSecure is located in 48 countries and has over 80 servers
- Well-Encrypted – VPNSecure allows users to configure standard protocols and encryption based on security and needs
- Affordable – Users can purchase three different plans with greater savings on the yearly plan
- Excellent Customer Service – Users are provided with prompt support and feedback through a live chat and email ticketing
- No “Logging” – VPNSecure doesn’t track IP addresses, bandwidth, connection times, or DNS requests
- Combats Censorship – Allows access to information that some governments and private companies seek to censor
- Killswitch – Protects your IP address in the even of a lost connection
- Easy to Download – VPNSecure has simple steps to download the VPN to a tablet, laptop, or smartphone
- Available on Several Platforms – Use VPNSecure on Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, and Linux
- Securely Download Torrents – Content can be downloaded anonymously and with respectable performance.
Disadvantages of VPNSecure
- Limited Media Streaming – Some users claimed only a small percentage of servers allowed Netflix, while others said none of them did
- Fewer Servers vs Competitors – Despite having more than 80 servers, some VPN companies have anywhere from 3,000-5,000 servers for their customers to access
- Slower Speeds – Speeds have been reported to be slow and inconsistent between servers
- Tracking Information – Despite a “No Logging” claim, VPNSecure still tracks some information
Is VPNSecure Worth It?
VPNSecure has a lot of excellent features that make it stand out in a field filled with many competitors. The protection through some of the most powerful protocols and different encryption options is top-notch.The ease of access and availability across platforms is extremely handy, as not many VPN products are available for smartphones or tablets. The killswitch feature which protects my IP address in the event a connection is lost is great and very useful. In addition, their customer service is actually helpful and prompt – exactly what customer service should be.
There are, however, a few issues that definitely need to be taken into consideration. VPNSecure is limited on servers and has inconsistent speeds. In addition, while VPNSecure offers media streaming, it is rather inconsistent with mixed performance and functionality across the 80 different servers that are offered. More concerning is VPNSecure stating they reserve the right to monitor any “illegal use”, which is completely contradictory to their “no logging” claim.
Final Judgement
VPNSecure certainly has a lot to offer, but it has room to grow when it comes to the features and performance compared to successful competitors. For the price, it seems other options may offer more value with options such as exponentially more servers as well as faster speeds.
If you are just looking to browse the internet securely, VPNSecure will certainly do the trick. You can access and download information without risking your personal information getting out there. However, if you are wanting a VPN for the entertainment options, VPNSecure is probably not for you.
Alternatives to the VPNSecure
If you are like me and looking to get the most out of your money, check out these alternatives to VPNSecure:
ExpressVPN
If you want an upgraded version of VPNSecure that is comparable in price, ExpressVPN might be it. Express VPN boasts close to 200 server locations within 94 different countries and allows unlimited switching. It too grants access across different operating systems such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, game consoles, and even smart TVs.
Another unique feature for ExpressVPN is split tunneling. This allows the user to use a VPN on some device traffic, while the rest goes through normal internet access. Like VPNSecure, ExpressVPN has a live chat option that lets you interact with humans, rather than bots, and is available 24/7.
NordVPN
Another popular option is NordVPN. With a little over 5,000 servers. This VPN boasts some of the fastest connection and browsing speeds. It is extremely easy to use and even works well with media streaming, including sites like Netflix. In addition, it has a strict stance on logging, allows torrenting, and also has a live, 24/7 chat feature.
NordVPN has all, if not more of the security features of ExpressVPN and VPNSecure and connection speeds stay consistent. As far as price, NordVPN is extremely competitive. While a monthly subscription costs a bit more as compared to its competitors, NordVPN offers one, two, and three-year plans. The one year plan is comparable to the other two companies, while the two and three-year plans are even cheaper.
Surfshark
For the best-priced VPN, you will want to check out Surfshark. Surfshark is very similar to NordVPN in features including no logging, excellent encryption for protection, allows torrents, and also media streaming. It is user-friendly and one of the most inexpensive VPNs out there.
Surfshark has over 800 servers located in 50 different countries. This allows them to have fast, efficient speeds. However, these speeds are not always consistent. In addition, if you need help with Surfshark, always stick to their live chat feature. Putting in an email ticket does not always provide a prompt response.