A VPN kill switch is a crucial feature that helps you instantly cut off your internet connection and prevent potential data leaks.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about VPN kill switches, including how they work, their types, and when you might need one.
What Is a VPN Kill Switch?
When you use a VPN to protect your online activities, you might experience sudden disconnections.
Without a VPN kill switch, your real IP address and personal data could be exposed.
A VPN kill switch acts like a safety net. If your VPN tunnel is compromised, the kill switch activates, preventing any data from being transmitted unprotected.
Types of VPN Kill Switch
A VPN kill switch is a better tool for protecting your network. Now, we can learn about the types of VPN kill switches.
1. System-level kill switch
A system-wide kill switch is a comprehensive security measure that cuts off all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops.
This is ideal for users who handle sensitive information or work in public environments, but interrupting all internet access can lead to network instability.
2. Application-level kill switch
Unlike a system-level kill switch, an application-level kill switch terminates the internet for select specific apps when the VPN connection drops. Other internet activities will not be disconnected.
If some of your apps require constant internet access, a VPN kill switch will not affect them.
Welfare: LightningX VPN provides a powerful Kill Switch function, TUN mode, and local DNS features to enhance online security. It offers 2000+ nodes, making your network connection options rich and fast.
Download now to get a free trial and high-speed nodes.
How Does VPN Kill Switch Work?
If you’re curious about how a VPN kill switch works, here’s how it works:
Step 1: Continuously Monitor VPN Connection Status
A VPN kill switch continuously monitors your VPN connection. It checks in real time to ensure everything is running smoothly. If it detects an unstable VPN connection, it takes immediate action.
Step 2: Disconnect from the Internet
Once the kill switch detects that your VPN is disconnected, it automatically disconnects you from the internet. This ensures your real IP address and any sensitive information isn’t exposed to your ISP or hackers.
Step 3: Automatically Restore Connection
Many VPN kill switches come with an auto-reconnect feature. Once your VPN connection is restored, the kill switch automatically restores your internet access.
When Do You Need a VPN Kill Switch?
A VPN kill switch is important for internet privacy, but when do we really need it?
1. On Public Wi-Fi: When you’re at a café, bookstore, or airport, public Wi-Fi can be unsafe. If your VPN disconnects, a kill switch makes sure your data doesn’t leak onto the open network.
2. Handling Sensitive Information: If you’re a journalist, lawyer, or anyone dealing with private data, a kill switch is a must. It blocks any unprotected data from slipping out if the VPN drops.
3. Financial Transactions: When shopping or banking online, you want your payment details to be secure. A kill switch keeps your information safe, even if the VPN suddenly stops working.
4. Preventing ISP Tracking: In some countries, internet providers can track what you do online. A kill switch ensures your browsing stays hidden, even during VPN outages.
Best VPN with Kill Switch
Based on the above information, a VPN with a kill switch is essential. LightningX VPN is one of the best choices for this.
LightningX VPN provides a powerful kill switch and has various features that enhance your online security and browsing experience.
1. Local DNS support: By providing local DNS support, LightningX VPN ensures that your DNS queries are handled securely and privately. This reduces the risk of DNS leaks and can also increase connection speeds.
2. Disconnect when proxy switches: LightningX VPN can disconnect all connections when switching proxies. This ensures you do not accidentally leak data during the node conversion process.
3. TUN mode: TUN mode can enhance compatibility with different network configurations and improve connection stability. It encapsulates your Internet traffic, making it safer and less interruption-prone.
4. Powerful kill switch: Although LightningX VPN does not provide the function of automatically turning on the kill switch, it supports cutting off your Internet connection when the VPN connection is disconnected.
5. Fast speed: With 2000+ nodes in 70+ countries, LightningX VPN ensures users enjoy fast and stable connections.
6. Strong encryption: LightningX VPN uses advanced encryption standards such as AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20-Poly1305 to protect your data from prying eyes.
Whether you work remotely, travel, or browse at home, LightningX VPN has the tools to ensure a secure and rich connection.
FAQ about VPN Kill Switch
1. Which VPNs come with kill switch?
Having a kill switch feature is very important for a VPN. Most of the top VPNs have this feature, such as:
- NordVPN: NordVPN has a built-in kill switch, which is usually enabled by default.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its speed and reliability and comes with a kill switch. It keeps you safe even if your VPN connection is interrupted.
- LightningX VPN: LightningX VPN has a kill switch feature. Not only does LightningX stop your internet connection if the VPN goes down, but it also offers local DNS support and proxy switching disconnection features.
2. What Data Leaks Can a VPN Kill Switch Prevent?
- Protect IP Address: Kill Switch kicks in as soon as your VPN connection drops, cutting off your internet to hide your real IP address from snooping eyes.
- Protect DNS leaks: DNS leaks occur when your internet requests bypass the VPN and go directly to the web. The kill switch ensures that all your DNS requests stay within the secure VPN tunnel.
