Member Spotlight: NordVPN

NordVPN is a personal virtual private network service provider with desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, mobile apps for Android and iOS, and other platforms like Android TV.

Manual setup is also available for wireless routers, NAS devices and other platforms, making it a favourite among regular users and techies alike.

But for NordVPN, this technology is a part of building a better world. For instance, the company offers a program for nonprofits to privately access online information and communicate in parts of the world where digital infrastructure is used for oppressive surveillance.

NordVPN is a company that sees the importance of continuing to keep Internet infrastructure an important driver of economic and social progress. And they’re partnering with other industry leaders to make as the latest member of the Internet Infrastructure Coalition (“i2Coalition”).

We had a chance to ask NordVPN’s team a few questions about the world of VPNs and why it was important for them to work with other Internet infrastructure providers as members of the i2Coalition.

i2C: How have you seen VPNs become more mainstream in recent years?

NordVPN: There are a number of reasons behind the global rise of interest in VPN services. However, there were two factors that made the greatest impact. The first was a series of Internet laws adopted by multiple countries. The UK’s ‘Snoopers charter’, the repeal of net neutrality in the US, and various changes in mandatory data retention laws raised people’s concerns about the possibility of their data being misused. That made them look for means of protection.

The second factor that made people look for ways to safeguard their personal information was a rapid increase of huge data breaches, which plague companies up until now.

i2C: NordVPN has strong encryption and a no-log policy, which are some features that not every VPN can claim. What do you think consumers should know when choosing a VPN provider?

NordVPN: There are few things one should pay attention to when looking for a VPN service. First and foremost, users should research the basic security features. The service must have a strong enough cipher suite and contain necessary features, such as kill-switch. It should not leak any sensitive data.

Then comes the privacy policy. VPN services should not monitor user activity and, more importantly, they should not collect it or try to monetize it.

There are also a number of perks that might be useful to some customers, such as ad-blocking features, protection from malicious websites, or P2P support. However, these depend on personal preference.

i2C: Some businesses may see commercial VPNs and access online content that might be restricted in a region. How do you think we can change the perception that VPNs could lead to illegal activity?

NordVPN: We don’t think that VPN services as such lead to illegal activity. In a nutshell, VPN services are tools and, like most tools, they can be misused. We should focus on the vast benefits these services could bring to businesses and private customers alike. We should also educate the public about digital security, while at the same time working on technical means to minimize the abuse.

i2C: Why do you think it’s important for VPNs to band together and collaborate with other Internet infrastructure providers?

NordVPN: We all care about the Internet’s future and we all face similar obstacles. We want to make a positive change, and that can only be done by working together.