What is a VPN Kill Switch? It is an indispensable tool when you use a VPN.
Without Kill Switch, your device may revert to an unprotected network, exposing your real IP address to snoopers. This feature is like having a safety net that can instantly cut off your internet to prevent potential data leaks.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about VPN Kill Switch, including how it works, its types, and when you need it. In addition, we will introduce you to a VPN with everything you need.
What Is VPN Kill Switch?
You use a VPN to keep your online activities private and secure. Everything was going great, but you didn’t notice when your VPN connection suddenly dropped.
Without a VPN Kill Switch, your devices would be using an unprotected network, which could expose your real IP address and personal data.
A VPN Kill Switch is like a safety net. Built into many VPN services, it automatically cuts off your internet access if your VPN connection drops. When your secure VPN tunnel is breached, the Kill Switch kicks in, 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-level kill switch is a comprehensive safety net that removes all internet traffic if your VPN connection is lost.
A system-level kill switch provides extra security and is ideal for users who work with sensitive information or in public environments.
While offering strong protection, this type of kill switch can interrupt your internet access and make your connection unstable.
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 activity will not be disconnected.
If some of your apps require constant internet access, a VPN kill switch will not affect them.
While offering flexibility, an application-level kill switch does not provide the same comprehensive security as a system-level switch.
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How Does VPN Kill Switch Work?
If you want to know how a VPN kill switch works, It is easy. Here is a quick rundown of how the feature works:
1. Continuously monitors the connection:
The VPN kill switch constantly monitors your VPN connection. It checks in real-time to make sure everything is running smoothly. It immediately takes action if it detects that your VPN connection is unstable.
2. Disconnect:
Once a kill switch detects that your VPN is disconnected, it automatically disconnects you from the internet. This ensures that your real IP address and any sensitive information are not leaked to your ISP or hackers.
3. Auto-connect feature:
Many VPN kill switches come with an auto-connect feature. Once your VPN connection is restored, the kill switch will automatically restore your internet access.
4. Customizable options:
You can usually adjust the kill switch settings to suit your needs. Some VPNs allow you to choose which apps to disconnect from the internet. This flexibility means you don’t have to worry about losing important apps.
When You Need a VPN Kill Switch?
A VPN kill switch is important for internet privacy, but when do we really need it?
Using public Wi-Fi:
When you’re working in a bookstore or coffee shop, you might be connected to public Wi-Fi. To protect your personal information, you’ll choose to turn on a VPN, and a VPN kill switch ensures that if your VPN connection is disconnected, your device won’t accidentally send data over these insecure networks, keeping your personal information safe.
Handling sensitive information:
If you’re a journalist, lawyer, or someone who’s working with confidential information, a VPN kill switch is important to you. It stops any unencrypted data from leaking if your VPN connection fails.
Financial transactions:
You want your financial information to be securely protected when you’re doing online banking or shopping. A VPN kill switch ensures your data isn’t exposed during a VPN outage, especially on shopping sites with unknown security.
Avoiding ISP surveillance:
In some places, ISPs can monitor your online activities. A VPN kill switch ensures that your browsing activities aren’t exposed to your ISP if your VPN is down.
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 50+ 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.
