Here's My Take On NordVPN: The Review

Before we begin this review on NordVPN, we must first know what it is a VPN (a virtual private network). Many computer users still don't have basic knowledge of Internet security— or understand what a virtual private network is. Typically while browsing the Internet to access websites, you are connected to an internet service provider that provides your bandwidth. Internet traffic passes through your ISP's servers, meaning that operators who offer you web services can view your entire internet activity, Even hand your browsing history over to advertisers, government agencies, and other third parties.

The VPN's critical role is to redirect your internet traffic via a particular configured remote server. The VPN hides your entire IP address and encrypts all the data you send or receive. The data will appear as random numbers and characters to web snoops, making it very impossible to read.

Now that I've given some information on what VPN is and how it operates, now we can proceed with this review. Because a couple of days ago, I purchased and installed NordVPN on my computer. Here's my take on the widely used software. Follow along in this review.

Right off the back, the application is easy to install and get started. Just choose your subscription plan, I decided on the 1-month $11.95 per month plan, which is the cheapest. Then proceed right along and install the software. NordVPN is very intuitive, though there are several settings within that will allow you to tweak the app to your liking. But the main focus here is to connect a VPN server, which you can do instantly. A map with displays markers indicates which country accommodates the VPN server in the US, Canada, South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The NordVPN network approximately has 5,441 servers in 80 locations across 59 countries. For me, I chose the US Midwest server. In theory, it will ensure a fast connection since the distance between my area in NY and the Midwest is much shorter.

Once you've established connection, you will lose internet connection for about 5-10 seconds, depending on your bandwidth speed.

In the settings, you can tweak NordVPN by adding extra layers of protection with the Internet Kill Switch. It disables the Internet when not connected to the VPN. There is also an App Kill Switch; this disables selected apps when you disconnect from VPN or if connection suddenly drops. Both features are highly effective. And the reason why NordVPN is so appealing.

So you're wondering at of curiosity, does NordVPN offer a decent level of security? The answer is yes. I'm going to go out on a limb and say the level of protection is pretty damn good. Scoring well with IKev2/IPsec support, giving you AES-256-CGM encryption, and supporting regularly changed keys, that even if hackers compromise one session, they'll be out of the next one.

Now there are some issues I've experienced when using this app. At times, I would lose internet connection, causing me to restart the app entirely. For some reason, when using social platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, I would run into issues where the actual feed would stall—often having to refresh my web browser or reconnect to another VPN server. But those problems are few and far between.

So is NordVPN worth the purchase? The answer is yes. Especially for anyone who never used a VPN provider. It offers loads of servers, and the application itself does not have intimidating features. The service very user friendly while delivering positive results. On a quick note, NordVPN Is available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.