Kill Switch is a security mechanism integrated into VPN services or network traffic protection systems that automatically terminates or blocks a device’s internet connection in the event of a sudden VPN disconnection. The primary purpose of this feature is to prevent data leaks and the exposure of the user's personal information if the secure tunnel is compromised.
There are 2 main configurations of The Kill Switch:
- System-wide Kill Switch: Disconnects the entire device from the internet when the VPN connection drops.
- App-specific Kill Switch: Disconnects specific applications from the internet while allowing other apps to continue running, useful when only certain apps require protection.
Why do VPN services use a Kill Switch?
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Protection against IP leaks
Masking the user’s IP address is one of the most common reasons to use a VPN as this makes it challenging to track the user’s online operations. The absence of a Kill Switch means that when the user falls from the connection of VPN suddenly, their real IP address can be another uncovered one. The Kill Switch prevents this sensitive data from being leaked, ensuring that the anonymity users expect from a VPN are upheld. -
Prevention of data exposure
In case a VPN connection fails, your data is unencrypted and can be intercepted by potential evil IoT attackers. This is especially dangerous when users are performing sensitive functions like online banking, shopping or accessing sensitive data. A Kill Switch puts a stop to this by freezing internet traffic until the VPN reconnects, ensuring that not one byte of unprotected data slips free. -
Storing user privacy in a not trusted networks
Many users use VPNs when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are less secure than our encrypted home WI-FI networks and prone to cyber-attacks. On these networks, a dropped VPN connection can reveal private browsing activity to the prying eyes of potential attackers. A Kill Switch is used to shield the users on public networks by offering foot to internet when and only when the VPN connection is in a safe state. -
Fostering anonymity for confidential transactions
It also helps users who want to get around censorship, government spying or access content that may be blocked in countries with heavy internet monitoring. VPNs are often used by journalists and activists or people living in repressive areas to encrypt their communication. Kill Switch feature protects the users’ identities and communications by cutting the internet connection in case of an unstable VPN connection.
How to turn on the Kill Switch feature on a VPN
The vast majority of modern VPN services now include a Kill Switch in their settings menu, and it can usually be turned on with just one toggle. Users are encouraged to test the Kill Switch themselves by performing a connection test — only disconnect from the VPN server and check if indeed your internet connection is severed when the VPN is offline.
Examples of kill switch supported VPN services
- Surfshark VPN (Surfshark VPN's biggest draw is that you can connect an unlimited number of devices to a single subscription, which is not the case with most other VPN providers.).
- NordVPN (Strong privacy protection with military-grade encryption. It offers a large server network, allowing for fast and reliable connections, and is superb at unblocking streaming services. It has a few unique features such as strong security, fast speeds, and global coverage.).
- TurboVPN (TurboVPN is a popular and ultra-fast VPN service. It has servers across over 110 locations and a simple user interface).
- Proton VPN (Proton VPN is a well-known VPN service with 10 million+ users and is located in Switzerland. The tariff offering is not inexpensive either, but you receive stable and super-fast speed and every protection and innovative data solutions in return.).
- VeePN (VeePN is a very popular VPN service with over 40 million active users. It has a reasonable price, an easy-to-learn interface for all the platforms.).
- PureVPN (PureVPN is a fairly successful VPN service at low prices).
- IPVanish (IPVanish provides a cost-effective 2-year plan, ideal for those who want to use it for a while.).
- PrivateVPN (PrivateVPN is a VPN provider based in Sweden).
Kill Switch: A must-have feature for VPNs that care about security and privacy It makes for a safe & private internet experience, even if the VPN connection drops by preventing data leaks & exposure of users’ real IP addresses. The Kill Switch, while an essential feature in most credible VPNs, strengthens the trustworthiness of VPNs among users who are undertaking sensitive activities such as browsing on anonymous communication, or access to geo-restricted content. For those who use a VPN service to keep their Internet activity private, a Kill Switch is an additional level of security.
