Do You Need a VPN in 2025? Threat Models Explained

Summary

VPNs protect your IP address and encrypt traffic between you and the VPN server. They help against ISP tracking, public Wi-Fi risks, and location-based blocking. They don’t protect against website tracking, browser fingerprinting, or data you voluntarily share. Assess your threat model to decide if you need one.

What VPNs Actually Do

VPNs Protect Against:

• ISP Tracking: Your ISP can’t see what websites you visit
• IP Address Exposure: Websites see VPN IP, not your real IP
• Public Wi-Fi Risks: Encrypts traffic on untrusted networks
• Location-Based Blocking: Access content blocked in your region
• Basic Network Surveillance: Hides traffic from network administrators

VPNs Don’t Protect Against:

• Website Tracking: Cookies, fingerprinting still work
• Browser Fingerprinting: Your browser still reveals information
• Data You Share: Information you voluntarily provide
• Malware: VPNs don’t protect against malicious software
• Phishing: VPNs don’t prevent phishing attacks
• End-to-End Tracking: Tracking by websites you visit

Understanding Threat Models

Low Threat Model (General Privacy)

What you’re protecting against: - Basic ISP data collection - Casual website tracking - Public Wi-Fi snooping - Location-based content blocking

Do you need a VPN? - Maybe: Helpful but not essential - VPN provides basic IP protection - Good for public Wi-Fi - Useful for accessing blocked content

Alternatives: - Privacy-focused browsers (Brave, Firefox) - HTTPS Everywhere - Ad blockers - Good security practices

Medium Threat Model (Enhanced Privacy)

What you’re protecting against: - ISP surveillance - Government monitoring (basic) - Corporate tracking - Location tracking

Do you need a VPN? - Yes, recommended: Provides significant protection - Hides IP from websites - Protects against ISP tracking - Useful for privacy-conscious users

Best practices: - Use privacy-focused VPN (Mullvad, IVPN) - Combine with privacy browser - Use HTTPS - Enable kill switch

High Threat Model (Maximum Privacy)

What you’re protecting against: - Government surveillance - Advanced tracking - Censorship - High-risk activities

Do you need a VPN? - Yes, essential: Critical for protection - Use privacy-focused VPN - Combine with Tor Browser - Use multiple layers of protection

Best practices: - Use audited VPN (Mullvad, IVPN) - Combine with Tor for maximum anonymity - Use privacy-focused operating system - Practice good operational security

When VPNs Help

1. Public Wi-Fi

Scenario: Using coffee shop Wi-Fi Protection: VPN encrypts traffic, prevents snooping VPN needed: Yes, highly recommended

2. ISP Tracking

Scenario: Don’t want ISP to see browsing history Protection: VPN hides traffic from ISP VPN needed: Yes, if this concerns you

3. Location-Based Blocking

Scenario: Access content blocked in your country Protection: VPN shows different location VPN needed: Yes, if you need access

4. Basic Privacy

Scenario: General privacy protection Protection: Hides IP address from websites VPN needed: Maybe, depends on priorities

When VPNs Don't Help

1. Website Tracking

Problem: Websites track you with cookies and fingerprinting VPN impact: Minimal—tracking still works Solution: Use privacy browser, ad blockers, clear cookies

2. Browser Fingerprinting

Problem: Browser reveals unique characteristics VPN impact: None—fingerprinting still works Solution: Use privacy browser, disable JavaScript

3. Data You Share

Problem: You voluntarily provide information VPN impact: None—you’re still sharing data Solution: Don’t share unnecessary information

4. End-to-End Encryption

Problem: Need encryption for specific apps VPN impact: VPN encrypts to VPN server, not end-to-end Solution: Use apps with E2EE (Signal, etc.)

VPN Limitations

What VPNs Can’t Do:

• Complete Anonymity: VPNs provide pseudonymity, not anonymity
• Stop All Tracking: Cookies, fingerprinting still work
• Protect Against Malware: VPNs don’t scan for malware
• Prevent Phishing: VPNs don’t block phishing sites
• Hide from Advanced Adversaries: Determined attackers can still track you

VPN Trust Model:

• You must trust the VPN provider
• VPN can see your traffic (though good ones don’t log)
• VPN could be compromised
• Choose reputable, audited VPNs

Do You Need a VPN? Decision Guide

You Probably Need a VPN If:

• ✅ You use public Wi-Fi regularly
• ✅ You’re concerned about ISP tracking
• ✅ You need to access blocked content
• ✅ You want basic IP address protection
• ✅ You’re in a high-surveillance country

You Might Not Need a VPN If:

• ❌ You only use trusted networks
• ❌ You’re not concerned about IP exposure
• ❌ You don’t access blocked content
• ❌ You prioritize other privacy tools
• ❌ You have a low threat model

Alternatives to VPNs:

• Privacy Browsers: Brave, Firefox with privacy settings
• Tor Browser: Maximum anonymity (slower)
• HTTPS: Encrypts website traffic
• Ad Blockers: Reduce tracking
• Good Security Practices: Strong passwords, 2FA, etc.

Choosing a VPN (If You Need One)

Privacy-Focused VPNs:

• Mullvad: Maximum privacy, anonymous accounts
• IVPN: Excellent security, privacy-friendly
• Proton VPN: Good privacy, free tier available

What to Look For:

• No-logging policy (audited)
• Kill switch
• DNS leak protection
• Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
• Open source (preferred)
• Regular security audits

What to Avoid:

• Free VPNs (often sell data)
• VPNs with logging
• VPNs in 14 Eyes countries (if concerned)
• VPNs with unclear ownership
• VPNs with poor security track records

Best Practices

If Using a VPN:

1. Choose privacy-focused VPN
2. Enable kill switch
3. Test for DNS leaks
4. Use HTTPS (VPN + HTTPS = better)
5. Combine with privacy browser
6. Don’t rely solely on VPN

General Privacy:

1. Use privacy-focused browser
2. Enable HTTPS Everywhere
3. Use ad blockers
4. Clear cookies regularly
5. Use strong passwords
6. Enable 2FA

Conclusion

Whether you need a VPN depends on your threat model. For most users concerned about basic privacy, a VPN is helpful but not essential. For users with higher threat models, a VPN is recommended or essential.

Key takeaway: VPNs are one tool in your privacy toolkit, not a complete solution. Combine VPNs with privacy browsers, ad blockers, and good security practices for comprehensive protection.

For most privacy-conscious users, a VPN is worth it, especially for public Wi-Fi and ISP tracking protection. Choose a privacy-focused VPN like Mullvad or IVPN, and remember that VPNs are part of a larger privacy strategy, not the only solution.