Thread by @MrCrypPrivacy

Does a VPN give you privacy?
Only if you know how it works… and choose the right one.
This thread explains everything that matters in 2025

✅ What a VPN really is
✅ How it works
✅ When it helps and when it doesn’t
✅ What to avoid
✅ Scandals, logs, payments & more

Real privacy, no empty promises.
This content is for educational purposes only. I do not promote or justify the illegal use of any tool.
Let’s go 🧵👇

#VPN #Privacy #CyberSecurity

What is a VPN and how does it work?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. All your internet traffic goes through that tunnel, hiding what you do online.

What does it achieve?

- Your internet provider (ISP) can’t see what websites you visit.
- It changes your IP, making it look like you're in a different country.
- It protects your data on public Wi-Fi.
- It encrypts your traffic, so others can’t intercept it easily.

Simple example:
Without a VPN: Your ISP sees you accessed x (.)com and the destination IP.
With a VPN: Your ISP only sees you connected to a VPN server. That’s it.

But here’s the catch:
Your VPN can see your traffic. So choosing the right one is crucial.

Wondering “what if I use VPN + Tor?”
VPN + Tor = hides Tor usage from your ISP
Tor + VPN = bypasses site blocks on Tor
But be careful: if misconfigured, you may reduce your privacy instead of improving it.
Tor already offers strong anonymity. A VPN can help in specific cases (like censorship), but it's not always better.
If needed, I’ll explain this in detail in a future thread.
Next up:
✅ Does it really protect you from your ISP?
✅ And what does the VPN actually know?

What does your internet provider see when you use a VPN?

When the VPN is active, your ISP can no longer see:
- Which websites you visit
- Which apps you use
- What you do online
All they see is that you’re connected to a VPN server. Nothing more.
But here’s the catch: the VPN can see all that traffic, because it goes through their servers. That’s why choosing a trustworthy provider is critical.

👉 What should you check?

- A strict no-logs policy (and independent audits)
- The country they’re based in (data retention laws)
- Their privacy record (have they ever cooperated with authorities?)
- Transparency reports and public legal cases

VPNs aren’t magic. They route your traffic, but now your VPN sees it. If you don’t trust your provider, you’ve just moved the problem.

In upcoming posts we’ll explain what “no logs” really means, and how to tell honest VPNs from shady ones.

#VPN #Privacy #CyberSecurity

Not everyone needs a VPN

Despite the marketing, the truth is: it depends on your threat model and how you use it.

WHEN A VPN MAKES SENSE:

✅ To stay safe on public Wi-Fi
✅ To hide your IP from websites and apps
✅ To bypass censorship or geo-blocks
✅ If you live in a country with mass surveillance

WHEN IT CAN BACKFIRE:

⚠️For banking or sensitive logins.
Many banks flag VPN traffic or foreign IPs.
Your account might get locked for “suspicious activity”.
If you're making financial transactions, turn the VPN off or use a local server to avoid raising red flags.

A VPN won’t make you anonymous by default.
It’s a tool for situational privacy, not a magic shield.

How do you use or disable your VPN?

What is Split Tunneling and why does it matter?

Split Tunneling lets you choose which apps or connections go through your VPN and which don’t.

This is super useful if, for example:

🏦You want to stay safe browsing but keep your banking app connected directly without VPN.

Why?

Because many banks block access from foreign IPs (like those from VPNs) for security, which can cause account locks or alerts.

With Split Tunneling you avoid those issues and keep your privacy where you need it.

Remember: using a VPN isn’t “all or nothing.” You can customize it based on your risk and needs.

Do you use Split Tunneling? What cases has it worked for you?

The truth about “No logs”: it doesn’t always mean real privacy.

Many VPN providers claim they don’t keep logs of your activity, but how can you trust their word alone?

Here’s the key difference:

🔒“No logs” policy: a statement that the provider doesn’t store data about you, but often there’s no way to verify it.

🛠️Constant technical verification and dedicated hardware: some providers use servers designed to avoid storing data (“wiped” hardware), with independent audits and 24/7 monitoring ensuring no logs exist.

💳 Also: choose VPNs that accept anonymous payments like @monero or gift cards. Avoid services that force you to use credit cards or submit ID

⚙️ Tip: pick VPNs that use WireGuard or other modern protocols, they’re faster and more secure than legacy options like PPTP or even OpenVPN.

Providers like @mullvadnet , @nymvpn or @ivpnnet stand out for these practices. Some also publish transparency reports and have faced court cases proving they have no data to hand over.
Always check their transparency reports and any legal cases to verify their compliance

Why does it matter? Because if a VPN keeps logs, they can be used to track you, hand over info to third parties, or compromise your privacy.
Not all “no logs” policies are equal: get informed, ask questions, and demand proof.

Would you trust just a statement or prefer real transparency?

#Monero

Why are permissionless decentralized VPNs (dVPNs) often better than centralized VPNs?

Traditional VPNs rely on a single provider controlling servers and data. This creates a single point of failure and vulnerability to censorship, surveillance, or leaks.

In contrast, permissionless dVPNs run on distributed networks with no single controller. This means:

✅ More resistance to blocks and censorship
✅ Lower risk of data collection or leaks
✅ Transparency and trust through blockchain technology and open source
✅ Real user control over data and connections

While newer and with challenges, they represent the future of online privacy
Have you tried any dVPN? What do you think about this innovation?

#dVPN #VPN

When choosing a VPN, not all are created equal.

ProtonVPN is a solid choice with good transparency and security. However, it’s not 100% private, some minimal data logging and cooperation with legal requests mean full anonymity isn’t guaranteed.

Beware of VPNs promising “total privacy” but with shady business models:

❌ Many free VPNs collect and sell your data.
❌ Some popular apps have been caught logging user activity despite “no logs” claims.
❌ Always avoid VPNs without clear transparency reports or independent audits.
🚫 Never trust free VPNs, if you’re not paying, you are the product.
✅ Providers like @mullvadnet , @ivpnnet , and @nymvpn set the bar higher with verified no-logs policies and privacy-first designs

Your best defense is informed choice: check transparency reports, look for audit results, and research any legal cases involving your VPN.

Remember: a VPN can boost privacy but won’t make you invisible. Choose wisely

VPNs are powerful tools, but only when used right.

Don’t fall for marketing. Know your needs, choose your provider wisely, and combine tools for real privacy.

This thread is part of a broader privacy series.
More guides are coming: firewalls, metadata and beyond.

Follow for more privacy content and share this thread if you found it useful
Let’s help more people take control of their digital lives.

#VPN #Privacy #OpSec