ExpressVPN has 18 independent audits under its belt – here’s why they’re so important
How can VPNs prove that they value your privacy? With an independent audit.
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The sites, apps, and services we use every day are getting more and more data-hungry – just take a look at LinkedIn, for example, which was recently found quietlytraining AI with user information.
Naturally, nobody wants their personal details harvested and used without consent. It’s why data privacy is such a big deal – and why I recommend relying on today’sbest VPNsto give you (and your data) a much-needed privacy boost. The big question, however, is whether these VPNs are trustworthy.
VPNs handle a lot of customer data, too, and the most reliable services undergo independent audits to prove that they’re not doing anything unethical (or plain illegal) with it.ExpressVPN, in fact, has invited auditors to comb through its service and privacy policy a whopping 18 times.
Wondering why that matters or what happens during a VPN audit? I’ve got you covered – just keep reading.
What is a privacy audit?
Sites and services use your browsing data and personal information to tailor users' experience – and some allow third-party tracking. This isn’t ideal from a privacy perspective, seeing as your data gets passed around in a way that’s not always clear, and these shady parties can even create eerietargeted adsbased on what you’ve purchased previously.
Wondering what makes a VPN ano-logs VPN? We get into the details in our in-depth explainer.
Unfortunately, all this can get everyday internet users caught up inphishing scamsanddata breaches.
Given the value of personal data, and the fact that it can be weaponized by bad actors, any site or service that handles it should be scrutinized. How does it manage user data? How is it protecting the data?
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The same goes for VPN services – and it’s where VPN audits enter the picture.
An independent audit involves a non-biased third party that examines a VPN’s infrastructure, system, and records. It’s a way for the VPN to prove that it lives up to its privacy promises and reassure users that, if any vulnerabilities are found, they’ll be addressed quickly.
VPN audits typically come in two flavors:
Any VPN audit takes a lot of time, effort, and resources – but it’s well worth the investment.
Once the audit is complete, the auditing team writes up a report of their findings which ultimately declares whether the VPN upholds the promises outlined in its various policies. VPNs aren’t required to publish these reports, but I always prefer when they do – transparency is key, after all.
ExpressVPN’s most recent audit
ExpressVPN is no stranger to the auditing game. Itsmost recent audit took place earlier in 2024and, in May, the service announced that KPMG had completed its audit of the provider’s privacy policy.
In the end, it was all good news – KPMG didn’t uncover any issues or non-compliance regarding the ExpressVPN privacy policy, there was no unusual logging activity, and all systems were working as intended as of December 12, 2023.
The audit also confirmed thatExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technologywas working as intended, too.
Regular assessments and audits by independent third parties help validate the strength of our security measures, bolstering our confidence in safeguarding our users.
TrustedServer was created from the group up to boost ExpressVPN’s overall data protection. The RAM-only design means that servers never write to the hard drive, mitigating potential data risks, and that all data is wiped after every reboot. This ensures that any potential intruders are given the boot, and that no sensitive data is ever logged– or, subsequently, made accessible to the VPN or third parties.
KPMG combed through the design and implementation of TrustedServer technology to confirm that it wasn’t gobbling up user logs and storing them for later.
ExpressVPN had previously undergone 17 audits – with the KPMG making 18. It’s an unmatched commitment to transparency that secures ExpressVPN’s place as one of themost secure VPNsavailable today.
“We’re delighted to have KPMG scrutinize our systems, TrustedServer technology, and validate our adherence to our no-logs policy as at 12 December 2023." said Aaron Engel, Chief Information Security Officer, ExpressVPN. “Regular assessments and audits by independent third parties help validate the strength of our security measures, bolstering our confidence in safeguarding our users.”
Why are privacy audits so important?
Each and every VPN on the market should be undertaking regular independent audits – after all, they each handle a huge amount of personal customer data that could be misused.
These audits have benefits for customers and VPN services alike, too, including:
ExpressVPN– from $6.67 per monthThe best VPN for beginnersExpressVPN is a titan of the VPN world thanks to its 18 audits and uncrackable encryption. Plus, it’s my #1 recommendation for anyone new to VPNs. Why? Well, because it’s just that easy to use. ExpressVPN apps are sleek, easy to use, and available for pretty much every device in the house. You’ll also have reliable access to streaming platforms around the world with servers in 94 countries – which is good news for any avid Netflix fans. Check out ExpressVPN with a risk-free30-day money-back guarantee.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1.Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2.Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
River is a Tech Software Editor and VPN expert at TechRadar. They’re on-hand to keep VPN and cybersecurity content up-to-date and accurate. When they’re not helping readers find the best VPNs around (and the best deals), River can be found in close proximity to their PS5 or being pushed about the countryside by the lovely Welsh weather.
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