The ultimate VPN checklist—8 essentials your VPN should have

VPNs are among the most convenient cybersecurity tools out there. They help mask your actions online, making them virtually invisible to online snoopers looking to steal your personal information or financial data. Simply put, they provide online privacy.

However, as technology evolves at a rapid pace, so do cybercriminals. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, utilizing a toolkit of cyber threats like malware, deepfakes, phishing, and more.

With that in mind, a VPN plan should offer more than just privacy—it should also provide comprehensive online protection and security. When shopping for a VPN, here’s a checklist of cybersecurity essentials you should also be on the lookout for, all of which Norton has integrated into its new Norton Ultra VPN plans.

Let’s dive in.

1. Scam protection 

With the prevalence and advancements of scams in our day-to-day lives, wouldn’t it be great if your VPN could detect them? VPNs like Norton Ultra VPN can help you navigate the online world by identifying and blocking known scams and phishing links on Windows devices.

2. Strong and fast connection

In its most basic form, a VPN should maintain a strong and fast connection. A reliable VPN ensures uninterrupted online activities—crucial for streaming, video conferencing, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks. Slow or unstable connections can be frustrating and leave you vulnerable to cyber threats if the VPN crashes. When choosing a VPN, prioritize one that offers strength and speed, ensuring a secure and seamless online experience.

3. Privacy and anonymity

Check that your VPN doesn't collect or save any of your online activity while using it. A no-log VPN is always the better option—protecting your privacy and anonymity online. Our VPN plans operate under a no-log policy and have been audited and verified by a third party.

4. Content unblocking

Want to watch your favorite show, but the content is unavailable? Your VPN should allow you access to content from other parts of the world. A good VPN can help you unlock streaming services, websites, and other online resources that might be unavailable in your location. With access to worldwide content, a VPN enhances your online experience, making it more versatile and enjoyable.

5. Dark web monitoring

While it’s impossible to protect yourself from all cyber threats, wouldn’t it be helpful if your VPN could keep an eye out for your compromised personal information? An advanced VPN plan can notify you if your personal information has been found on the dark web. With this, you can identify potential threats to your accounts, passwords, and data—and take the necessary steps to safeguard your identity quickly to help mitigate damage.

6. Password manager

Creating strong, unique passwords is mandatory when securing your digital life, but secure passwords are often difficult to remember. A password manager is a nice touch to add with your VPN plan. It’s a convenient tool that helps you generate and store difficult passwords to help keep your accounts secure.

7. Protection against cyberattacks

As for security, a robust VPN plan can help protect you and your devices from cyber threats, such as malware, ransomware, and viruses. Look for one that scans for harmful apps or websites and prevents them from modifying or deleting data.

8. Parental control tools

Cybersecurity is important for the whole family. When shopping for a VPN or cybersecurity solution, parental control tools are a must to help protect your kids. Look for a plan that allows you to block unsuitable content and manage screen time. This feature ensures that your children are not exposed to inappropriate material and helps you maintain a healthy balance of online activity.

Moving beyond privacy

Privacy is very valuable—particularly online. However, only keeping your online activity private can protect you from cyber threats to an extent. No one knows when and how they’ll be targeted by cybercriminals online. To help protect yourself and your loved ones, take advantage of all the tools available.

When looking for a VPN, consider ones that you can truly rely on for your comprehensive digital safety. Check out Norton Ultra VPN or Norton Ultra VPN Plus for families.