Verizon introduced its own VPN service called Safe WiFi VPN for its iOS and Android customers at a low price. Powered by McAfee, Safe WiFi VPN aims at protecting mobile users on public WiFi networks and blocking unwanted ads.
But, is it truly safe to use? Will it actually protect your privacy online and not give up your personal information? Read on as we answer below.
Verizon’s VPN seems like a standard VPN
When enabled, Verizon’s Safe WiFi VPN claims to hide your real IP address when you’re connected to a public WiFi or hotspot network (e.g. airports, cafes, hotels, or libraries). This essentially protects you from prying eyes and potential hackers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your personal information is hidden from Verizon’s eyes.
In addition, the Safe WiFi VPN is equipped with an adblocker to prevent harmful and unwanted ads from tracking you while browsing. It even lets you use the VPN on up to 10 devices per account.
Additionally, regardless of whether your plans involve going on vacation or setting off on a business trip, Verizon's Safe WiFi VPN can be utilized outside the United States.
While these features are all good for a VPN, there are several important VPN features that remain a mystery including encryption level, protocols used (e.g. OpenVPN, L2TP, and SSTP), and advanced security tools (e.g. kill switch, Double VPN, and DNS leak protection).
Is Verizon Safe WiFi VPN safe to use?
Aside from bypassing geoblocks, VPNs are mainly used by internet users to protect their online privacy and personal information from ISP providers, third parties, and cyber threats.
So, it seems strange that Verizon, a US-based ISP provider would create a tool to do that. As an ISP, Verizon harvests your personal contact information, location, and browsing data at all times. It also complies with the US anti-privacy data retention laws.
If you look under the hood, it’s not shocking to find that Safe WiFi VPN logs your data. It is clearly stated in their privacy policy and terms of service.
Furthermore, the antivirus software firm McAfee manages and backs Verizon's Safe WiFi VPN app data. As a result, McAfee also monitors you "at your own risk."
Clearly, Verizon’s VPN, while it can hide your IP address and block malware, does not do half the things a real VPN should do.
Choose a VPN that Actually Works
To safeguard your online security and shield your personal data, it's crucial to choose a trustworthy VPN provider that truly fortifies your internet connection and keeps your personal details hidden online.
- Stay away from free VPNs. They may give you access to georestricted websites, but they won’t protect your privacy.
- Make sure you get a VPN that does not keep logs. I recommend ExpressVPN — it exercises a strict no-logging policy to safeguard your personal information.
- Look for strong encryption. To ensure the security of your internet connection, get a VPN that uses advanced encryption levels (AES 256 bits) and supports strong tunneling protocols like OpenVPN. A kill switch is extremely crucial in a VPN to secure your data, if your connection drops. If you want to take it to the next level, these VPNs offer advanced encryption features such as Double VPN or Split-tunneling to overcome data inspection and online tracking by ISPs.
As you can see, getting a VPN from your ISP provider is a huge risk, especially if it's the ISP you want to protect yourself from. That’s why you need a VPN that won’t sell you out. Take a look at the top no logs VPNs favored by users. If you think Verizon’s Safe WiFi VPN is cheap, check out first the best VPN deals and coupons before you make a bad decision.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Privacy Alert!
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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering48% off.
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