VPN

VPN demand in Iran has surged due to new internet restrictions imposed by the government following recent geopolitical events, such as Israeli airstrikes. These restrictions have led citizens to rely heavily on VPNs to access global content and bypass censorship.

While VPN usage is restricted or illegal in many countries, including Iran, it remains a widely used tool for bypassing internet restrictions. Approximately 80% of Iranian internet users rely on VPNs to access the internet, despite legal restrictions.

VPNs can enhance anonymity by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address, but they do not guarantee complete anonymity. They are effective for protecting privacy but should not be relied upon for engaging in illegal activities or expecting absolute anonymity[2][4].

VPNs can secure your data in transit by encrypting it, but they do not protect against all cyber threats. They cannot prevent malware infections, phishing attacks, or social engineering scams. For comprehensive protection, additional security tools like antivirus software are necessary[3].

Private Internet Access offers servers in all 50 U.S. states and 91 countries, providing a wide range of server locations. Additionally, PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it suitable for covering multiple devices. In contrast, Proton VPN does not specify its server count but focuses on security features like Secure Core and offers a free plan with limited device connections[2][3].

Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, known for strong privacy laws, and offers features like Secure Core for enhanced security. It also provides a free plan with no logs. Private Internet Access, based in the U.S., maintains a strict no-logs policy audited by Deloitte, but its location might raise privacy concerns for some users[1][2].

PIA is affordable due to its long-term subscription plans, which can significantly reduce the monthly cost. For example, a three-year plan can bring the average monthly cost down to around $2.03, making it one of the cheapest VPN options available[1][2].

PIA offers excellent torrenting support, highly customizable apps, and unlimited simultaneous connections. These features make it a strong choice for users seeking reliable online privacy without breaking the bank[1][3].

Proton VPN operates in over 116 locations with 4,500 servers, offering 10 simultaneous connections. In contrast, IPVanish has servers in about 75 locations with over 2,000 servers, but it supports unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes IPVanish more suitable for multi-device households, while Proton VPN offers broader geographical coverage.

Proton VPN is known for its strong privacy features, including its Secure Core servers that enhance anonymity by routing traffic through multiple servers. It is based in Switzerland, which has robust privacy laws. IPVanish, while offering a solid no-logs policy, focuses more on speed and multi-device support. Thus, Proton VPN is better for users prioritizing privacy over speed.

A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet connection to prevent third-party snooping and reroutes your traffic through VPN servers worldwide. This process hides your real IP address, enhancing your online privacy and security by making your browsing activity more difficult to trace.

VPNs were initially used mainly by businesses and IT professionals, but as more aspects of life have moved online, the need for personal online privacy and security has grown. Additionally, VPNs help bypass geo-restrictions by making it appear as if users are browsing from different countries, which has contributed to their surge in popularity worldwide.