Is VPN Safe for Online Banking?

Is VPN Safe for Online Banking?

If we are asking is VPN safe for online banking in general, the answer would be: it depends. But, if we narrow it down to premium providers than it is a clear ‘yes.’ On your home devices, and especially on your smartphone, using a VPN will greatly improve the security of your transactions.

The benefits of using VPN are:

  • No spying on the connection
  • No data logging from third parties
  • Improved safety of the device

For online banking, these three aspects will make it impossible for someone to use the network you are connecting to as a base to steal your banking information.

If you are using services from companies like Le VPN, there will be military-grade encryption shielding your connection. If you are abroad or would like to do your online banking from a cozy café or bar, the reason why use a VPN is safety.

There are some drawbacks. Mainly, there will be more checks from your bank, and some transactions might go through slower. But, even this increases the security of your account. If you don’t mind the hassle, you will also be safe from digital pickpockets.

Safer than the Alternative

The alternative for using a VPN when you manage your accounts is not using one. Because it is such a small and non-intrusive app, there is no direct benefit for not turning it on.

If you are using your home connection and provided that your devices are not already infected with spyware or viruses, the difference will be minimal.

But, if you are out and about using a mobile device, things will be different. The safety of your connection is not guaranteed at such places. Because public Wi-Fi providers don’t invest as much in cybersecurity, the connection they provide might be compromised, to begin with.

Once you connect to such Wi-Fi without a VPN, your entire transaction, including your passwords and security questions, will be monitored.

How is VPN Safe for Online Banking?

Is VPN Safe for Online Banking ? | Le VPN

There are no general downsides to using a VPN for online banking. Some of the disadvantages might arise from using a ‘’Free VPN” that would go through an unknown or unreliable server.

But, if you are using a premium VPN, there will even be direct benefits.

Even if we disregard the security benefits of such a connection unrelated to banking, some remain. For instance, the fact you will mask your IP address is important for the safety of your device in general but isn’t crucial when it comes to banking.

All of the benefits in this field stem from the connection encryption. Because you are connecting to a secure website, over a secure server, and have everything encrypted on the way, there is virtually no chance for a hacker or snooper to harm your device or have an insight to your banking data.

No Interceptions

Even if you are not as paranoid as you should be when it comes to data security, there are still issues that you should cover. Namely, every public connection is problematic.

New mobile data towers are usually too high and too protected to be hacked directly. But, there are Wi-Fi options, as well as Bluetooth and NFC, that will try to intercept your connection and use it as they see fit.

But with a personal VPN, anything short of direct access to your device will make it impossible for anyone to intercept your connection.

No WiFi Spoofing

You can be generally safe in assuming that your ISP will not steal your banking data. They only sell your browsing data for sales purposes… allegedly.

But, when you are out in public and using your mobile device, the number of risks multiplies. WiFi spoofing is just one of the issues you should be aware of. This is especially the case if you are traveling and accessing your account from a new place.

Some hackers will make a free WiFi hotspot with the same name as the bar or the café with the idea you would connect to it and give them your data willingly.

But, with a VPN encryption, you will just be spending their data capacity.

3-Point Data Safety

With a VPN, you will be covering an important point in your account security. If you have a secured device, especially for mobile banking, with a VPN and antivirus  you will achieve 3-point security.

What this means is that you have all three access points in the transaction process safe.

First of all, there is your device. Proper cybersecurity and cyber hygiene would make it safe. And, if you keep these tools on at all times, you shouldn’t have a problem.

Next, there is the server in the middle. Often this process is done by your ISP. But, in many countries, such servers are not as secure as it should be. When using a VPN, the server used will be impossible to compromise.

Finally, you have the bank’s website or app. Even though you can’t guarantee the safety of such sites, you can’t be penalized if a hack comes from that side. The reason why you can trust any banking app or website is that they are insured to pay you out if they make a mistake.

Conclusion

If you know what is a VPN connection than most of the security benefits of using such a tool will be obvious. By securing your connection to your bank, snoopers, hackers, and data thieves won’t be able to see your online banking password and other data.

And, if you are using a premium provider like Le VPN, you will enjoy all of the benefits without downsides.

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Written by Vuk Mujović @VukMujovic

Vuk Mujović is the founder of MacTíre Consulting, an analyst, data management expert, and a long-term writer on all things business & tech. He authored blogs, articles, and opinion pieces aimed to help both companies and individuals achieve growth without compromising their security. Vuk is a regular guest author to Le VPN Blog since January 2018, where he gives his expert opinion on the topics related to cybersecurity, privacy, online freedom, and personal data protection. He also often shares his tips and best practices in relation to internet security and digital safety of private individuals and small businesses, including some additional applications of using a VPN service.

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