A VPN is a handy tool to have in your privacy toolbox, even on iOS. Here’s how to find the one that will work for you.
Why Should You Get a VPN for Your iPhone? You’re allowed to feel just a tiny bit smug about your iPhone, because Apple really has done a good job of protecting its mobile platform from the worst kinds of malware. But don’t get too smug. A VPN, or virtual private network, goes beyond malware protection by making it harder for advertisers, ISPs, and snoops to monitor your online activities. It’s true that modern cellular communication is thoroughly encrypted and not easily tapped without police-level tools like the Stingray device, or data dumps from cell towers. That said, there are well-documented attacks that can intercept cell transmissions and phony cell towers may be a bigger problem than you think. There are also phony Wi-Fi networks that mimic networks your iPhone already trusts, enticing them to connect without your knowledge. We’ve seen this attack in action, and it’s a staple of security researchers showing off their tricks. The real day-to-day problem is companies out for your data. Advertisers track your movements across the web and can build up detailed records of your preferences that they can transmute into cash with the dark alchemy of targeted advertising. Facebook, Google, and other big name companies have driven an industry built on hyperspecific ad targeting. Even your own ISP can now aggregate and sell anonymized information. Encryption and Location Spoofing When your VPN is active, all your network traffic—whether from browsers, apps, or iOS itself—gets encrypted before it leaves your phone. This encrypted data travels to a server owned by the VPN company, where it’s decrypted and sent on its way. Encrypted web traffic isn’t the only reason you need a VPN. With a direct, no-VPN connection to a website, your IP address not only identifies you to that site, but it also identifies your geographic location. When you’re using a VPN, however, the IP address that others see is that of the VPN server you’re connected with, not your own. Beyond protecting your traffic, VPNs can also let you spoof your location and tunnel past local internet restrictions. Journalists and political activists working against repressive regimes have long relied on VPNs to communicate safely with the outside world. Of course, you may be breaking local laws just by using a VPN. For example, Russia has banned the use of VPNs, claiming a need to block terrorist activities. China also banned most VPNs, though some still manage to connect. Spoofing your location can also get around restrictions of another kind. It’s not uncommon for online streaming services to offer content in one region, but not another. Offerings from Netflix and Hulu differ by country. Brits can watch BBC shows for free, while the same shows require a subscription in the US. Spoofing your location with a VPN can get you access to shows not normally available to you. But take care: Location spoofing may violate your terms of service. In addition, companies like Netflix are cracking down on VPN users. Streaming is often not an option when your VPN is running. What an iPhone VPN Can’t Do The widespread adoption of HTTPS does mean that most of your traffic is already encrypted. That makes it much harder for anyone snooping on your activity to see much beyond what websites you’re visiting, but your ISP still has remarkable insight into your online activities and there is a benefit to hiding your IP address with a VPN.
