How to found out does your VPN online server save the logs?

Logs are files that store information about the actions of users or applications that they launch. In addition, they may contain some information about a visitor of an Internet resource, for example, personal data or equipment parameters. Unfortunately, log files may end up in the hands of fraudsters or law enforcement structures. Of course, in this case it’s just pointless to hope for confidentiality and security.

It is an electronic journal where all information about a user's activity in the network is stored, namely: his individual IP address, gadget characteristics, connection and web history of various web resources, as well as some other technical information.

Information is collected to ensure the security and ease of use of the Internet. Unfortunately, when choosing a not very reliable VPN, cybercriminals can kidnap confidential data. In this case, in addition to the individual IP address, the VPN user has the ability to use the system ID, gadget parameters, etc. for authorization.

How to find out if logs are recorded on a VPN server?

To find out, the easiest way to ask your service provider. However, it is not always possible to get a truthful answer. In addition, you can perform actions that are not allowed by the service rules. If the logs are recorded, the account will certainly be banned. But it's not so bad. Remember that the supplier must share information with law enforcement agencies. Therefore, for a risk-free test to choose best VPN we recommend using our checklist.

If the logs are written, you should find out from the technical support specialists of the service: what specific information fall into the log. The server on which personal information about the visitor and the characteristics of his gadget is stored will not provide confidentiality.

Does VPN guarantee anonymity?

To reliably verify whether a server is recording visitor data, read its Terms of Use or similar document. Pay special attention to the text written in small print. If you notice a phrase like “The service has the right to record information about users for security guarantees,” then no matter how pathetically there is stated on the main page, such a service will not be a priori confidential. It is also recommended to read the user reviews about the VPN online provider, and with those that are published not on its official website, but on third-party resources. The latter, as you might guess, are more objective.