One of the most powerful tools an online user can wield to protect their online privacy and secure their internet connection is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The global VPN market is worth $44.6 billion. But even the best VPNs suffer from sudden disconnections. Such incidents might expose a user’s secure internet connection to online risks. This is where the VPN kill switch comes into play. In this blog, we’ll explore why a VPN kill switch is important, how it works, and who needs it the most.

What Is a VPN Kill Switch?

A VPN kill switch disconnects a user’s internet connection immediately after the VPN connection drops. This feature prevents the user’s authentic IP address from being exposed alongside their browsing activities and any data they were transmitting. Basically, a VPN kill switch protects users’ information from being exposed to their internet service provider (ISP), hackers, or third parties.

How Does a VPN Kill Switch Work?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a VPN kill switch operates:

1. Monitoring the VPN Connection: While a user connection goes through a VPN, the kill switch feature is monitoring the status of that connection in real time. This ensures that the VPN kill switch is ready to act instantly if the internet traffic stops being routed from the encrypted VPN tunnel.
2. Detecting a Disconnection: In some instances such as when server issues, network problems, or app crashes happen, the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This disruption is immediately detected by the VPN kill switch.
3. Blocking Internet Traffic: The VPN kill switch swiftly blocks all internet traffic. This ensures that the user’s device doesn’t revert back to an unsecured connection.
4. Restoring the Connection: The VPN kill switch reconnects the internet connection as soon as the VPN reconnects. 

Why Does a VPN Kill Switch Matter?

Though VPNs are sturdy apps that regularly provide robust security, accidents happen. When an unexpected connection drop happens the user will be exposed to potential dangers such as exposing sensitive personal information. Here’s why a VPN kill switch is essential:

1. Protects Your IP Address

Your IP address can be used as a unique address revealing your location and personal information. A VPN’s encrypted tunnel hides your real IP address but if the VPN connection drops without a kill switch present to also stop your internet connection, your real IP address is exposed to websites, ISPs, or hackers. A VPN kill switch protects your IP address from being revealed to external parties.

2. Safeguards Sensitive Data

A VPN connection safeguards your internet connection including any sensitive data. When you are sending emails, accessing financial accounts, or transferring files, any interruption in your VPN connection could expose sensitive data. A VPN kill switch ensures that no unencrypted data is exposed to the outside world.

3. Prevents Privacy Leaks on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are generally not a safe place. They are notoriously insecure and one should always use a VPN connection when connecting to them. When a VPN connection suddenly drops, it leaves users connected to a public Wi-Fi network vulnerable to attacks from malicious parties. The kill switch stops data from being transferred and keeps the user safe.

4. Avoids ISP Tracking

Many users rely on VPNs in order to hide their browsing activities and online habits from their Internet Service Providers (ISPs). If a VPN connection suddenly comes to a halt, it’s best to use a kill switch so that ISP tracking doesn’t resume and stays disabled until the VPN connection comes back online.

Types of VPN Kill Switches

The two main types of kill switches are as follows:

1. System-Level Kill Switch

A system-level kill switch cuts off all internet access on your device if the VPN disconnects. This type of kill switch doesn’t discriminate between apps and won’t allow any internet traffic to be routed through your device unti the VPN connection back on and running. This type of kill switch is best used by users who want to prioritize privacy across all their activities.

2. Application-Level Kill Switch

An application-level kill switch is more selective and only cuts off internet access for specific apps if the VPN connection drops. This allows other apps to function properly with an internet connection while preventing sensitive apps such as banking and file-sharing apps from connecting to an unsecured internet connection. This options is best used by users who want to have a flexible approach to their use of VPNs.

Conclusion

A VPN kill switch is a critical feature that should be used by users who are privacy-conscious when it comes to their online presence. By automatically cutting off internet access when a VPN disconnects, a kill switch doesn’t allow your real IP address to be exposed to the outside world, whether it be websites or advertisers. Whether you’re a privacy-conscious individual, a remote worker, or someone who regularly uses public Wi-Fi, a kill switch offers an extra layer of protection that can’t be overlooked.

HorizonVPN includes a robust kill switch feature to safeguard your connection, ensuring that your data is never left vulnerable during unexpected VPN disconnections. Take your privacy to the next level with HorizonVPN’s kill switch feature. Visit HorizonVPN.org to ensure your online security is never compromised.