Top VPNs to Protect Yourself From Hackers in 2024
Gain reliable security against hackers with complex VPN privacy
11 min. read
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Key notes
- Hackers grow more resourceful with each passing year and attacks only become fiercer.
- You should keep your PC secured with the best anti-hacking VPNs and antivirus software.
- While VPNs can’t stop hackers from attacking you, they can mask your online identity.
- Spoofing your identity could make a hacker’s attempt to attack you not worth pursuing.
Many reputable VPNs use 256-bit encryption for your connections, the most reliable encryption protocol. It is practically hacker-proof and enables your information to stay hidden.
When you surf the web via a trusted VPN, hackers won’t be able to access your passwords, financial details, and email information.
Other security protocols, such as DNS leak protection and Killswitch features, enable users to surf the web anonymously. These protocols hide an IP address and prevent hackers from accessing user keystrokes when browsing online.
What is the best VPN to stop hackers?
? ExpressVPN – A VPN that protects you against online tracking
? NordVPN – Protects small businesses from phishing
? Private Internet Acces – Has all available security protocols to protect you against hackers
?️ Surfshark – Best protection against public wifi hacking attempts
?️ Cyberghost – We believe Cyberghost is the best anti-hacking VPN while browsing
Now that we have listed them, let’s look at the most important security-related information about each of those VPNs.
Express VPN – Best privacy tools online
Express VPN protects your data by connecting you to secure virtual servers. The VPN service is one of the best on the market and is well known for its strong encryption and transparent privacy policy.
With this service, you can enjoy fast-paced connections regardless of location. ExpressVPN has 160 server locations in 94 countries.
Along with protecting your data and identity with secure protocols and private DNS, Expres VPN also encrypts your traffic so you can surpass any geo-restrictions.
You can access localized websites worldwide and enjoy restricted content from video-on-demand platforms without being detected.
ExpressVPN implements secure features, such as a kill switch that blocks all traffic data in case the connection drops. It can also mask your IP address so no hacker can track your whereabouts.
Other key features of Express VPN include:
- Split tunneling
- 24/7 support
- Dedicated apps for multiple devices
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Lets you connect up to 5 devices simultaneously
ExpressVPN is a subscription-based service with a 30-day money-back guarantee for each plan.
Express VPN
Secure your online activity and enjoy unrestricted browsing with unlimited bandwidth.NordVPN – Threat Protection shield
NordVPN offers lots of security-rich features that can stop hackers from dead on their tracks. Users are provided with over 5,500 servers located in 59 countries to choose from.
The VPN uses strong 256-bit encryption to keep your information safe, and it also hides your IP address from hackers and your ISP.
CyberSec technology-powered, NordVPN is unmatched in terms of security, plus it has an automatic kill switch and a strict no-logs policy for more privacy.
You can test all these features and be more risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN
Secure your connection with over 5500 servers in 59 countries to choose from!Private Internet Access – Fast and exhaustive connection
When it comes to your safety on the web, Private Internet Access has leverage over all its competitors.
This world-class VPN provider relies on tunneling technology to provide multi-layered security, which basically means that it uses encrypted tunnels to create multiple layers of privacy around you.
Perfectly suited to protect your identity through IP cloaking, PIA also protects your traffic data with the highest level of encryption, making it your trusted partner in the battle against hackers.
Secure VPN tunnels shielded by the most advanced protocols like Wireguard, PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec make your connection as safe as it can get.
You can choose to connect on any of the 3292 + servers spread across 46 countries and never worry about your identity being exposed, your location compromised or your traffic and online activities tracked.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Extreme privacy and most encryption
- Secure connection to servers from all over the world
- Keep your data safe and private even on public Wi-Fi
- Unlimited bandwidth and fast download speeds
- Built-in ads malware blocker
- Integrated firewall
- Secure VPN Protocols (Wireguard, PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec)
- Protect up to 10 devices with one subscription
Private Internet Access
Be one step ahead of hackers and stay protected with PIA!Surfshark – Complete security tools
Surfshark is a VPN service provider with 1700+ servers in 63+ countries worldwide. This makes it convenient to find a VPN connection that is close to your vicinity.
Surfshark takes security seriously by providing AES 256-bit encryption, the same type of encryption used by most governments for their communication.
The use of IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols also provides ideal protection against hackers and other unwanted entities.
A kill switch option ensures that your privacy will stay intact if the VPN connection is ever down, and with a strict no-logs policy, you should have peace of mind in knowing that no one is watching or recording any of your activity.
The VPN shines in the area of device availability, allowing you to connect to as many devices as you like.
You can also stop the service with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark
Want the best protection against hackers and such? Surfshark is what you’re looking for.CyberGhost – Unbeatable anonymity benefits
Boasting over 6400 servers in 90 countries, CyberGhost is a trusted VPN service provider that has over 30 million users. According to Windows users, even hackers use CyberGhost to protect their information and identity.
Security-wise, CyberGhost protects data with 256-bit military-grade encryption; this ensures your information is unreadable to hackers, government, and ISP operators.
The DNS leak protection and kill switch options provide an even more secure connection and prevent the leakage of your passwords to hackers.
Meanwhile, this VPN enables connection to 7 simultaneous devices and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost
Keep hackers at bay and secure your digital life with the best VPN!Recommended security software to combine with VPN
VPNs work best to stop hackers when combined with additional security software, hence, you need to utilize quality antivirus solutions as well as anti-malware tools.
This will prevent malware attacks and safeguard your personal information and online identities.
1. ESET HOME Security Essential – Ideal cyber attack security
ESET HOME Security Essential is a very good choice when it comes to reliable and powerful antiviruses. It works under the multi-layered protection principle, combining several technologies in order to protect your PC on all fronts.
It is easy to use and has a small footprint, so you can let it run in the background as it won’t hurt your PC’s speed.
With a large and constantly updated threat database, ESET HOME Security Essential can block all sorts of threats. It also includes advanced machine learning that can detect suspicious activity and block new threats that have not previously been known.
This tool promises a secure online presence and blocks the risk of downloading malicious files, as it scans everything you download before the process is complete. If the download files are suspicious, the process is automatically stopped.
Other key features of ESET HOME Security Essential:
- Ransomware shield
- Gamer mode
- Powerful firewall
- Webcam protection
- Network inspector and network attack protection
- Registry scanner
- UEFI scanner
ESET HOME Security Essential is available under a subscription. You can try it out for free for 30 days, and you can also use its online scanner to run an advanced system check-up for free.
ESET HOME Security Essential
Protect your PC against all threats with this up-to-date antivirus.2. BitDefender Total Security – Ongoing malware shield
Bitdefender is rated as one of the top antivirus programs in the cybersecurity world. With this antivirus software, you can be guaranteed continuous protection against viruses, malware, and spyware used by hackers.
Meanwhile, in the latest AV Test results, Bitdefender was benchmarked and scored highly on protection, performance, and usability metrics.
This makes Bitdefender a reliable antivirus that can be combined with VPNs to protect your computer against hackers.
Also, Bitdefender is easy to use due to its minimal design GUI. Some of its key features include:
- Bitdefender VPN
- Antivirus, anti-malware, anti-theft
- Firewall
- Complete data protection
- Rescue mode
- File Shredder
Bitdefender Total Security
Protect your system with one of the best antiviruses on the market.3. Malwarebytes – Efficient malware removal
Malwarebytes is an excellent malware security software that detects and removes malware and advanced threats, preventing them from taking over your system.
In addition to its specialized ransomware protection feature, Malwarebytes is efficient in removal of PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). Some of its key features include:
- Anomaly detection
- Behavior monitoring
- Application hardening
- Web protection
Malwarebytes
Keep your computer secure in real-time with this light and powerful antivirus.For Binance users looking for specialized VPN options, our guide offers VPN recommendations for Binance users in the US and worldwide, tailored to enhance security and access.
Note that the popularity of VPNs in the last decade has come with a lot of misconceptions since many people do not really know what a VPN does and its mechanism for protecting devices.
Among these misconceptions is the idea that VPNs protect against hackers and viruses.
VPN is software that enables safe passage through which data travels from your PC to the web server you’re trying to connect. This is particularly important as hackers and malicious programs cannot access this safe passage, so your data is protected.
As encryption technology makes your data unreadable, your ISP, hackers, and even security agencies cannot access your information.
What software prevents hackers?
You can find many effective programs to safeguard your PC from risky hacking attacks. Some of them are described above, so don’t miss them.
All said you have particular anti-hacking software for Windows devices that secure the OS from phishing attacks, spyware, and more to go.
VPNs bring valuable security features to the table; however, we believe they can best stop hackers when combined with strong antivirus software for maximum protection.
What anti-hacking tools do you use? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Can you be hacked while using a VPN?
The answer to this is Yes and No. A hacker cannot directly access your system if you’re using a trusted VPN, but your information can be acquired in several ways.
If you download malware-infected files from a suspicious website while browsing anonymously, this will infect your system with malware and your VPN would be powerless to stop it.
Also, you may click on a link online that may have malicious spyware in hidden code.
Your VPN does hide your internet activities and data from hackers. However, the spyware downloaded and installed would record your keystrokes, mouse clicks, and other computer patterns.
This is one reason why you should not download a free VPN. Many hackers use these free VPNs as bait to lure unsuspecting users to download malware or trackers on their systems.
➡️ Can hackers see your incognito history?
They can, indeed, if you don’t use any security methods like VPNs or antivirus. Hackers can track Incognito history through different cyber practices.
➡️ Does Incognito mode stop hackers?
No, for sure. The Incognito mode helps you hide specific information, like browser history or cookies, but it doesn’t protect your IP address.
That means hackers can break into your system using your unprotected IP address.
➡️ Can hackers see what I Google?
More than probable, yes. There are experienced hackers who use complex strategies to track sensitive data. So, seeing your Google queries may be a piece of cake.
➡️ Can browsing history be tracked through a VPN?
A VPN should encrypt your connection so that your personal browsing history is private and inaccessible to others.
For extra protection, you should consider a VPN with threat security to stop advanced attacks from skillful cyber criminals.
Why is it best to combine an antivirus with a VPN?
It is essential you combine antivirus and a trusted VPN service to ensure complete protection of your system. This is because they both go hand in hand while ensuring secure connections, online security, and privacy.
Many computers either come with antivirus or users download some form of antivirus. This is essential as antivirus removes malware, viruses, and malicious software from your system.
Another important feature of antivirus is it prevents exploit attacks. A hacker can exploit vulnerable patches in the computer software to hack your system. Using a VPN alone cannot secure your system from exploit attacks.
Since a VPN majorly hides your IP address and encrypts your internet connection, you need trusted antivirus software to shield you from malicious software, phishing websites, and other online malware. So the bottom line is antivirus and VPN are complements of each other.