Glossary
Key terms for understanding VPNs, explained in plain language.
- No-Logs Policy
- A commitment by a VPN not to record your online activity. It's most trustworthy when verified by an independent audit.
- WireGuard
- A modern, lightweight VPN protocol known for fast speeds and strong security. NordLynx and Lightway are built on or inspired by it.
- Kill Switch
- A feature that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP from leaking.
- Split Tunneling
- Lets you choose which apps or sites use the VPN and which connect directly, useful for speed or local services.
- RAM-Only Servers
- Servers that run entirely in volatile memory, so all data is wiped on every reboot and nothing is written to a disk.
- DNS Leak
- When DNS requests bypass the VPN tunnel and reveal the sites you visit to your ISP. Good VPNs include built-in DNS-leak protection.
- Jurisdiction
- The country a VPN is legally based in, which affects what data-sharing or surveillance laws it's subject to.
- Simultaneous Connections
- How many devices can use one VPN subscription at the same time — from a handful up to unlimited.