One of the first things many new to the crypto scene learn is that the anonymity of digital currencies is more myth than reality.
Even Bitcoin’s website clearly states the flagship cryptocurrency “is not anonymous and cannot offer the same level of privacy as cash.”
Privacy-focused coins like Monero and Zcash do offer additional protection by allowing for private transactions without publishing information like the wallet addresses or amount. However, many understand the nature of blockchain technology means records are public and available for anyone to see.
This is a potential privacy pitfall, especially if a hacker is willing to take the time to piece details together to try and figure out a wallet’s owner or other sensitive information.
Using a VPN Adds Additional Protection
Many wonder if using a VPN (virtual private network) offers any additional security options. While no VPN is completely foolproof, VPNs can enhance the privacy of a trader by helping secure web traffic, protect against phishing attempts, and hiding key information like a trader’s real IP address that could reveal their location to prying eyes.
Not all VPNs, however, are created equal. Some cost more than others and could dramatically impact your Internet speed while browsing or trading. The locations of certain VPN companies could pose issues to users, depending on their jurisdiction and dedication to privacy. Others just might not deliver on claims of security, privacy, and anonymity.
The growth of the VPN market continues year-over-year as Internet users become more savvy about their digital privacy. A report from 2020 found how 68% of U.S. Internet users had used a paid or free VPN service across 2019. The influx of more work-from-home opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic only looks to expand overall VPN usage.
What are some of the best VPNs for crypto traders looking to securely transact and maintain as much privacy as they can? Keep reading for our 6 top VPN options for traders and more information about each of these providers.
1. NordVPN
Based in Panama, NordVPN is another popular option for crypto traders as the country has no mandatory data retention laws on the books. With more than 5,400 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN users also have a lot of flexibility to choose the location they prefer. NordVPN secures traffic with AES-256-CBC cipher, regarded by many as a gold standard and features the NordLynx encryption system protocol for extra protection. NordVPN users can also pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptos.
2. ExpressVPN
Located in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN has 160 server locations in 94 countries, giving users a wide range of options and the ability to switch as much as they like. ExpressVPN is an optimal choice for crypto traders as they can use the tool with the Tor browser and trading is secured with 256-bit AES encryption. ExpressVPN also features a kill switch to block Internet traffic if the VPN goes down and does not log activity. ExpressVPN’s website also goes into depth about its privacy policy and the information they do collect.
3. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN packs a massive punch for one of the most affordable VPN services on the market. Some of the features crypto traders love include the ability to use several IP addresses at a time, built-in malware and ads blocker, WireGuard® protocol, and a built-in feature that allows you to tunnel your connection through rotating VPN locations which adds even more layers of encryption. All that, and plans start at just $1.99 per month with a money-back guarantee.
4. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost has long been a favorite in the crypto community thanks in large part to the size of their network. CyberGhost offers over 8,000 servers across 91 different countries. They also default to an industry-leading default 7 simultaneous connections across what they call NoSpy servers. CyberGhost also offers the best money-back guarantee in the industry at 45 days, and do offer a free trial (at times).
5. SurfShark
Also based in the British Virgin Islands, SurfShark is newer on the VPN scene (founded in 2018) and might not be as well known as options like Express or Nord. However, SurfShark is a excellent VPN choice for crypto traders as the platform relies on state-of-the-art protocols like WireGuard and relies on RAM-only servers for additional security. Currently, SurfShark operates more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries and has a comprehensive no-logs policy.
6. ProtonVPN
Some might recognize ProtonVPN just because of the name – the company behind the tool also operates the popular ProtonMail email service. With more than 1,700 servers in 63 countries, ProtonVPN also owns and manages each server and connects to the Intenet with the company network. The VPN’s Secure Core routes traffic through multiple servers and also features a split tunnneling system, built in Tor support, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection – all valuable features for crypto traders looking to stay on the down low. Users can also pay for VPN services with cryptocurrency and can try out the service with the company’s free VPN plan (with limited features).
While there’s many VPN options out on the market to choose from, crypto traders should always do their research to understand the features and tools they need. The above 6 VPN options stand out as the best options in the industry. Each are secure, have a great reputation, and are effective tools for crypto traders interested in optimizing their privacy.
