When you enter a website, your ISP will be able to see and monitor everything you do. Along with that, they also have a record of your actual IP address and can track it back to you. But, once you connect to a VPN, your connection is immediately encrypted, through the many security features it provides.
Your ISP will still be able to tell that you’re connected to a VPN. They, on the other hand, won’t be able to track anything back to you, since you’re provided with a new IP over a VPN connection. Each server you connect to shields your original location, IP, and data being shared online. All trails will lead back to the VPN IP address you’re provided with.
Along with knowing that you’re connected to a VPN, your ISP can also tell the time you connect to it and what protocol is being used. If you’re not willing to connect to a VPN, make sure you only access TLS (Transport Layer Security) protected sites, which allows secure connections between a server and a browser.
What does your ISP lose access to when connected to a VPN?
If your VPN is strong and secure enough, your ISP won’t be able to see:
- The kind of websites you visit.
- Control over speed and bandwidth throttling.
- Search history
- Visibility towards what your stream or download.
- Access to store or retain sensitive information also termed as user-logs.
How do you choose a VPN that restricts your ISP from tracking your activities?
There are certain aspects to look into when choosing a VPN that shields your activities from your ISP. Here’s what to look for:
- Strong military-grade encryption preferably AES 256-bit
- Strict no-logging policy
- Safe jurisdiction far away from the 14-eyes alliance, a group of countries that monitor, store, steal, and share user data. The countries within the alliance also follow heavy censorship laws.
- DNS and IP leak protected
- Offers Shared IP addresses
Can my ISP spy on me while using a free VPN service?
Free VPN services aren’t something you should be looking at especially since they also come with tremendous vulnerabilities or risk factors. Most free VPN providers often steal or store user data and share them with third parties. So, what’s the point of using a risky VPN service that steals your data when your ISP is putting you through similar circumstances? There are, however, only a handful of free VPN services that are reliable and safe.
Does my ISP care if I use a VPN?
An ISP will care about its users connected to VPN services, only if the country they’re located in, prohibits the use of VPNs and certain websites from being accessed. Your IP address is registered, and when you connect to the VPN using a new IP, your ISP will be able to detect it.
Can my ISP track my activities if I connect to a server of the same country I’m located in?
No, it can’t. No matter what server you connect to, using a VPN, your connection is encrypted and secured. For instance, if you use a US server, you’ll be able to unblock Disney Plus in Philippines, Mexico or any other country for that matter. Your ISP won’t even be able to detect your VPN IP even if it’s a Filipino one.
Can I hide torrenting activities from my ISP using a VPN?
Yes and no. Torrenting is considered illegal in most parts of the world. There are also secure providers that condemn the downloading of the copyrighted material but at the same time protect you and offer privacy features. Torrenting safely is the ultimate goal, it needs to be done carefully. If you’re caught by your ISP or the government, penalties can be pretty harsh.
Can my ISP block a VPN?
In theory, your ISP could block a VPN. They may not be able to see the activities carried out, but they can block certain IP addresses that may have been blacklisted in the past, in relation to a particular provider.
Will my ISP be able to detect my activities using a VPN on incognito mode?
Yes, they can. Just because you’re using incognito mode, doesn’t mean your activities are completely secure. This also largely depends on the VPN you use and how secure it is.
Lastly…
Make sure you’re well-protected online using a top VPN provider! They also come at affordable prices. For a better idea, take a look at our page for the best VPN deals and discounts!
