What Is a VPN Kill Switch

How does a VPN kill switch work?

First, it helps if you understand how VPNs work. VPNs encrypt your traffic by routing it through a secure tunnel. This prevents your internet service provider (ISP), public networks, and cyber criminals from being able to access your private data as you browse the internet. Remember—protection only works as long as you’re connected to your VPN.

A VPN kill switch constantly monitors your internet and VPN connection, and it will disconnect your internet access from your computer, phone, or tablet if your VPN connection drops. This means that your IP address and other private information won’t be exposed if your VPN stops working.

Here’s a little more info on what a VPN kill switch does:

• Monitors: The kill switch constantly monitors your VPN connection by scanning for changes in IP address or status.
• Detects: The kill switch detects changes that may prevent your VPN from working.
• Blocks: If a drop or change in VPN is detected, the kill switch will block the internet access on your device until your VPN is reconnected.
• Restores: Once the issue is resolved, your kill switch will restore your access to the internet.

VPN kill switches work quickly and will try to restore your internet access as soon as possible. Sometimes, you may only be without the internet for a few seconds—you may not even realize it went out. Other times, it could be longer.

When will a VPN kill switch activate?

Because VPN kill switches are always monitoring your connection, they will quickly drop your internet connection whenever your VPN disconnects.

Some circumstances that might result in your VPN disconnecting include the following:

• If your internet connection is spotty and your VPN can’t connect
• If you turn your VPN on—the kill switch will drop your internet connection during the time it takes your VPN to connect
• If you’re using public Wi-Fi that keeps going out
• If your computer updates overnight and doesn’t open your VPN
• If you use a new firewall and don’t add an exception for your VPN
• If someone switches your VPN off or restarts your device and doesn’t turn the VPN back on.

Why do you need a VPN kill switch?

VPN kill switches are crucial for protecting user privacy when an unexpected drop in your VPN connection occurs. Hackers watch for vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi connections, and if your VPN is not active, they’ll be able to access your private data. If hackers access your personal information, they can use that data to commit crimes like identity theft and other types of online fraud.

Without a VPN kill switch, your data would continue to travel across an unencrypted connection. Even if you were disconnected from your VPN for a few seconds without a kill switch, you could unknowingly reveal your private data, including:

• Your location
• Your IP address
• DNS traffic
• WebRTC traffic
• And other data that could allow hackers access to your device.

Even if hackers don’t access your data, your device will revert to your ISP’s IP address when your VPN drops. Then your anonymity and privacy are gone because your ISP has access to your activity when you’re not using a VPN.

A VPN kill switch gives you the peace of mind that your privacy is protected should the unexpected occur.

How to use a VPN kill switch

To use a VPN kill switch, you must first choose a good VPN with this feature. Not all VPNs are created equally. A poor-quality VPN, even with a kill switch, could lead to data leaks.

So first, here are some critical features to look for in a good VPN:

• Customizable and reliable kill switch
• Little to no impact on device performance
• High-quality security features
• No-logs policy.

If you’re unsure where to start—check out our list of best VPNs for Android devices.

Once your VPN is connected to your device, you can set up and enable the kill switch. Many VPNs default to have their kill switch enabled, but it’s always a good idea to check this before browsing online.

The directions across each VPN may vary a little, but ultimately, you just need to go to your VPN settings and toggle the kill switch on to use a VPN kill switch.

Should you use a VPN kill switch?

We recommend that you enable your VPN kill switch at all times to maximize your protection. But there are a few situations when you’ll find a kill switch especially helpful:

• Torrenting—to prevent your IP address from leaking to a bunch of people
• Using public Wi-Fi connections—to prevent hackers from accessing your private information
• Using a mobile device—because connections drop frequently
• If you think someone is monitoring or spying on you.

You should use a VPN kill switch whenever you use the internet and a privacy lapse is not ideal.

For additional security, pair your VPN with Clario AntiSpy to protect your calls, messages, location, contact list, and more from unauthorized access. This solution provides a data breach monitor, antivirus protection, ad and tracking blockers, and more to give you the peace of mind you deserve across desktop, iOS, and Android devices.