10 VPN Settings to Keep You Protected at All Times

Quick Findings:

• Regardless of the VPN you use, there are specific settings you may want to enable or disable for the best protection and privacy.
• The Launch app in startup settings on some VPNs ensures protection from the moment your computer turns on.
• It is also recommended that you enable the Kill switch so that internet access is cut off when you are disconnected from the Surfshark servers.

Launch App on Startup

One crucial setting you should know to maximize your VPN’s protection is to launch the app on startup. This setting automatically activates your VPN whenever you turn your device on, protecting your internet traffic instantly. It is crucial for the following reasons:

• To secure your connection without manual intervention.
• To enjoy consistent, automatic VPN activation without launching the app every time.
• Simplify your online routine with an automatic VPN connection, allowing you to focus on your tasks.

Additionally, consider enabling features like auto-connect when accessing new Wi-Fi networks to improve your protection further when using hotspots.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling is a feature provided by many VPN services that let you split your network traffic into two separate connections:

• VPN Tunnel: Part of your online traffic passes through the VPN server’s encrypted tunnel, ensuring it stays secure and anonymous.
• Direct Connection: The rest of your traffic bypasses the VPN tunnel and accesses the internet straight without encryption.

While split tunneling offers a way to balance security with functionality, it is a double-edged sword in VPN settings, requiring careful consideration. It lets you decide which apps or websites are routed through the secure VPN tunnel and which ones use your regular internet connection.

However, it weakens overall protection because some traffic remains unencrypted. To use split tunneling safely:

• Only exclude trusted apps and websites you need outside the VPN.
• Use a full VPN connection for maximum security when handling sensitive credentials.
• Consider using separate network profiles for trusted and untrusted connections for frequent local device access.

Kill Switch

The Kill Switch is a vital VPN feature that helps maintain your privacy even when the VPN connection falls unexpectedly. It works in the following ways:

• The Kill Switch feature ensures that if your VPN connection fails, your internet access is immediately cut off, preventing unencrypted data from leaking.
• When activated, the Kill Switch monitors your VPN connection and blocks all internet traffic if any disruption is detected until the VPN connection is restored.
• The Kill Switch is crucial for public Wi-Fi and sensitive data. Without it, your device may connect to an unsecured network without you knowing.
• Some VPNs let you customize the Kill Switch to block all traffic or specific apps when the VPN connection drops.

Automatic Reconnect

Automatic Reconnect is a critical VPN setting that ensures continuous protection. It works in the following ways:

• When your VPN connection drops, the automatic reconnect feature immediately re-establishes the connection, preventing unencrypted data from leaking during the downtime.
• Through auto-reconnect, VPN disconnections and reconnections occur seamlessly for privacy upkeep sans manual touch.
• Activating this setting guarantees that your VPN stays active continuously, protecting your online actions.

DNS Leak Protection

DNS Leak Protection in VPNs safeguards user privacy by preventing DNS servers from exposing user activity to external parties. It translates domain names to IP addresses for website access, making it a critical VPN feature.

Without DNS leak protection, your device might bypass the VPN and compromise privacy. When enabled, your VPN ensures that all DNS requests go through its encrypted tunnel, even if the connection drops momentarily. Most VPN apps have this feature built-in—check your settings to enable it and prevent leaks.

CleanWeb

CleanWeb is a built-in tool in some VPN services that battle online threats by blocking ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It matters because:

• CleanWeb eliminates annoying ads from websites, enhancing your browsing experience and reducing data usage.
• It prevents third-party trackers from monitoring your online behavior and maintaining your privacy.
• CleanWeb detects and blocks access to known malicious websites, protecting you from potential threats.

Check if your VPN offers CleanWeb. If so, enable it in the settings for a cleaner, safer online environment.

Stealth Mode

Stealth Mode, also called a Stealth VPN, disguises your VPN traffic to mimic regular HTTPS traffic. Employing a VPN prevents third parties from detecting your actions, proving beneficial in bypassing VPN blocks and firewalls.

Stealth Mode uses different tactics to obscure VPN traffic. For example:

• It adds an extra layer of encryption to simulate regular HTTPS traffic.
• It scrambles data to restrict algorithms from detecting VPN usage.
• Some providers use open-source protocols like WireGuard and TLS for their Stealth Mode.

Use Stealth Mode when:

• You live in or travel to countries with strict internet censorship.
• Facing VPN blocks or DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) that can detect VPN traffic.

No-logs Policy

A no-logs policy is crucial for VPNs, ensuring zero collection or retention of your online activities and safeguarding your privacy. Leading no-logs VPN services include:

1. ExpressVPN: A premier service with no logs, robust encryption, and a 30-day refund policy.
2. NordVPN: A budget-friendly choice with features that work well across different streaming platforms.
3. Surfshark: Popular for its fast speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA): This service provides a proven zero-logs policy, customizable features, and robust OpenVPN encryption.
5. VyprVPN: An all-rounder with thoroughly audited practices and lightning-fast speeds.

Invisible on LAN

Invisible on LAN means your device remains hidden from other devices on the local network (LAN) while connected to the VPN. When connected to a LAN, devices can communicate, share files, and interact directly.

However, a VPN masks your device’s IP address, making it invisible on the LAN and providing privacy and security benefits. Some VPNs offer LAN blocking to achieve this, but it may impact certain local services.

Rotating IP

A rotating IP address, also known as a dynamic IP, changes periodically. Rather than having a fixed, static IP, your device is assigned a different IP each time you connect to the internet. VPN services offer this feature, allowing you to switch IP addresses automatically regularly.

Benefits of Rotating IPs include:

• Enhancing privacy with rotating IPs makes tracking online activities hard for websites and services.
• Dynamic IPs boost security by frequently changing, making it harder for attackers to target you.
• Using rotating IPs can help you avoid getting blocked by websites or services.

Use Cases for Rotating IPs include:

• Researchers or developers often use rotating IPs for web scraping.
• Maintaining anonymity while browsing.
• Distribute traffic evenly across servers in large-scale applications.

We specifically discussed some Surfshark VPN settings for all-around protection that might interest you. You can also see our VPN article specific to your Microsoft Edge browser.