Security vulnerabilities have always been an issue in data safety. Privacy and security is the two pillars of the digital world nowadays. There are security measures to be taken to ensure users of their data safety on the internet. VPNs are one of the ways to avoid any intrusion of privacy. VPNs come in two main ways; VPN Apps and VPN Extensions. In this piece we will talk more about VPN extension and review all of its aspects.
The use of vpns are for the secure and free access to the internet. Should you want to browse about content that is banned in your country, using some sort of VPN can help you. Now what is the best choice for you? After breaking down the VPN extension to you we go through your options in this article.
How does VPN Extensions work?
Browsers are not designed to work as VPNs. Consequently it raises the question that what is a VPN extension and how does it work on your browser.
Basically browsers can only set up a proxy to redirect the browser data traffic to a proxy server. Just like any proxy app that uses SOCKS and HTTP/HTTPS protocols, a VPN extension does the same in redirecting your data. This way you can use your browser to search the net through a proxy server.
Following the same path of proxies a browser extension would not encrypt your data. This is where calling a browsing extension a VPN is not truly suggestive. This is because VPNs use encryption of the data when connecting the users to the server.
VPN Apps vs. VPN Extensions
The key to a nice choice of a secure and private path in surfing the net depends on what you expect. If you want to just have free access on the internet on your browser you can use a VPN extension. Yet if you’re looking for a complete security of your data and activity logs, a VPN app is the way to go. It’s just like picking between VPNs or Proxies. To further analyze your options let’s go through their differences once again.
VPN extensions (basically proxies) use SOCKS and HTTP/HTTPS protocols whereas VPN apps use L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, SSTP, IKEv2, PPTP protocols. HTTPS protocol is basically SSL-level encryption. There is no encryption of the data in proxy protocols leaving your data vulnerable.
The other aspect to analyze is the traffic that is secure. A VPN plugin only secures (the little it does) your browsing data. The application of the VPN extension is only on the browser unlike VPN apps that cover system-wide level of security and free internet access.
One of the most important factors in choosing any kind of service is the support the company offers should you need it. Most of the companies developing proxy plugins are either new ones and/or have the plugins as a side project to their more profitable VPN services. Even the paid VPN extension services have the least support provided for users. So you would have to do with FAQ, Community-based support, or if you’re lucky enough Email support.
Be Picky in choosing a VPN Extension
Although these VPN plugins are proxies, but they suffice the need to have a private and secure browsing experience on the internet. Yet there are things to consider. Most of these plugins and even VPN apps are free and this might seem convenient. But does your privacy and security and quality of your experience on the internet worth this financial convenience?
Companies with no subscription fees must have a way to make their revenue somehow. There are companies that use ads to achieve this goal. But with the short time windows the user sees the extension pop up page to activate the plugin, this way seems a little bit off. There are potential risks in using free servies like VPNs and proxies that can get access to your important data.
Free Services’ Cons
Pay with Your Privacy
There has been cases in which the proxy and VPN providers sold their customers data to gain revenue. This is where you should take a step back and rethink your decision toward picking a free VPN app, proxy or VPN extension. Free VPN risks are to be taken seriously.
Low Quality Experience
The other problem with the free of charge services is that you are not ensured the continuous upgrade of their services. There is no guarantee that they will upgrade their technology and hardware. This might end in the poor experience of their app or plugins.
The other problem is that you would have to be on crowded servers while using free subscriptions. There are many who like the sound of a free service and/or using the services only for a brief period (yet sanctimoniously as you are using the service).
VPN Extension’s Perks
If you want to have quick free access to the internet only on the browser, VPN extensions are your pacy choice. Some VPN apps have some installation tricks that can be frustrating. The fact that they are easy to install makes them your first pick.
