What is a VPN and why is it needed in Ukraine in 2021

What is a VPN? VPN or Virtual Private Network is a simple tool to protect your online privacy and hide your location and traffic from prying eyes. There are many reasons to use it in Ukraine. From securing your own security and preventing hacker attacks to gaining access to international streaming content and getting the best airfare deals, you can do it all with a VPN.

If you’re thinking about trying a VPN, you’ve come to the right place. After researching hundreds of services and analyzing all their offerings, I guarantee that the best VPNs are easy enough for anyone to use – and absolutely worth the effort. My simple but comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to get started using these networks.

Ready to get started? The best and most perfect service is ExpressVPN, which has a very user-friendly interface, high speeds and first-class protection. It is very easy to install and you do not need any technical knowledge or skills to start using it.

Get StartedGet started with ExpressVPN!

Do you need a VPN? Probably so, and that’s why

If you’re concerned about your own security, you need a one-hundred-percent VPN for both home and overseas use. The Internet was not designed to protect privacy, and it is now fraught with a variety of threats, from hackers to technology companies, government organizations, and advertising agencies. In addition, there are many restrictions on the Internet about what content you access and what you can do online. Fortunately, VPN can help you handle all of this.

VPN encrypts all your data

When you are connected to a VPN server, all your Internet traffic is encrypted. This means that no one can keep track of what you do online – not even your ISP. In addition, it means that your ISP will not be able to limit the speed of your connection, which it usually does when you watch videos online or play online games.

Encryption also prevents hackers from gaining access to your sensitive and important information that you enter on websites, such as passwords. Using a VPN on your phone is especially important if you use open public WiFi networks, as cybercriminals find it very easy to track your connection to public networks. However, VPN ensures that even if your data is stolen, the perpetrator simply will not be able to decrypt it.

VPN hides your real IP address

There are several reasons why you should use a VPN connection. First, your IP address can be used to determine your real location , which in turn threatens your privacy, especially when combined with other personal information.

Second, many websites, such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and many others, use your IP address to determine which content you will access. Also, due to the presence of geospatial blocks, you cannot access many popular TV channels, especially outside the countries where they are broadcast.

The only way to work around geo-spatial blocking is to mask your real IP address and replace it with another, and that’s what a VPN does. This means that no one will be able to find out your real location and you will be able to access any content , regardless of your region of residence. IP address masking is essential if you want to download torrents, bypass geo-spatial blocking or censorship, and enjoy absolute “digital” freedom around the world.

VPN blocks suspicious sites, ads, and trackers

Best VPNs have built-in protection against cyber attacks and can prevent malicious programs and trackers from downloading from suspicious sites to your device without your knowledge. Some of them also block ads and pop-ups , providing more secure protection and allowing you to enjoy watching videos on, for example, YouTube without annoying ads.

What is the principle of VPN?

From a user’s point of view, VPN is incredibly simple. All you have to do is download the app, install it on your device, select a server and connect to it. If you choose a high-quality VPN service, you can still not worry, because all your online activities will be securely protected.

How does VPN work? First, VPN encrypts your traffic and then sends it to one of its servers located around the world. With this encryption, your ISP cannot see what you are doing online. And because your traffic is sent to a network server, your ISP can’t see your IP address or your real location (and no one can).

And from your server, VPN directs your traffic to the website or web application you want to view or run. As a result, the site sees the VPN server, not your device from which the traffic originates , and sees the VPN server’s IP address, not yours. To avoid blocking sites, the best VPNs regularly update their IP address list and offer you a choice of thousands of different servers.

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How to use VPN to access international streaming content from Ukraine

Popular streaming video platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, use your IP address to determine the region of your location and determine which content to give you access to. Because licensing agreements may vary from country to country, you will not be able to watch certain movies and series in your area – or you will not be able to access platforms such as Hulu at all – unless you use a VPN.

You can use a VPN connection to disguise your IP address, so the streaming video service will assume you’re in a different region , so you can access content from different regions. For example, you would like to watch Harry Potter movies on Netflix, but this is not possible in your country because all Harry Potter movies are not available to you due to license agreements. However, you can use a VPN to overcome this geospatial block and connect to a server in the country where these movies are shown.

Using VPN to access streaming content is very simple. All you need to do is connect to a server located in the country where the desired content is available and run the streaming service application. as you usually do. See our step-by-step instructions for more information.

However, some streaming services make every effort to detect and block VPNs , so users will be limited by the content available in their regions. If the service finds that you are using a VPN, you may receive an error message. However, the best VPN streaming videos skillfully prevent these issues by constantly updating the list of IP addresses and using advanced ways to overcome geospatial blockages.

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Where to use VPN legally?

Short answer – yes! The use of VPNs is completely legal in Ukraine and you can use them without any problems. If you don’t use it to download copyrighted or other illegal content, you have nothing to worry about.

However, there are some exceptions. Countries such as China and Iran are subject to strict censorship, which prohibits the use of any VPN that is not approved by the government . And those who are approved cannot be trusted because they abide by censorship laws.

Therefore, if you travel to a country under strict “digital” censorship, you can still use VPN to access sites that are blocked there. Just make sure you choose a high-quality VPN that is proven to work in these countries, such as ExpressVPN , and download it (plus make at least one backup) before you travel .

Read our article on the best VPNs to use in China and get more recommendations.

Can I install a VPN on any device?

Top VPNs offer their versions for Windows, macOS, and all types of mobile devices , as well as extensions for different browsers. They also allow you to connect multiple devices at once – and some even provide an unlimited number of connections. This means you can install your VPN on almost any device you own, from laptops and iPads to smart TVs.

Some VPN providers, such as ExpressVPN, are especially suitable for iOS and Android devices because they have user-friendly applications that have the same functionality as PC versions. I always recommend installing VPNs on mobile devices , as this will protect them on unfamiliar networks and help prevent cyber attacks via public WiFi.

Another option is to install a VPN directly on your router , or order a router with a VPN already installed. This means that any device connected to your router automatically gets VPN protection, and you don’t have to download many different applications. Plus, you’ll be able to connect as many devices to your VPN as you like , even if your ISP limits the number of connections.

For more information, see our instructions for installing a VPN on your router.

How to choose a VPN

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, which makes the choice much more difficult. The key to winning is choosing a VPN based on your specific requirements and what you’re going to use it for. Of course, there are some basic characteristics that everyone should pay attention to. For example, you need a VPN with a handy app and enough connections to install on all your devices.

It’s also important to choose a VPN that really protects your privacy , otherwise why take it at all? Ideally, the service you choose should have advanced high-tech security tools, high speeds, servers located around the world, and excellent customer support. This may seem too good to be true, however Some services, such as ExpressVPN , actually have all of the above features .

Finally, it will always be useful to check the availability of current discounts and make sure you get the best deal. However, the final decision should be based on your personal requirements and the main reason for purchasing a VPN.

What to look for when choosing a VPN to view streaming content

Watching movies and TV series is one of the most popular reasons to use a VPN. If you want to find a service for accessing content from around the world , you should pay attention to the following features:

• Server Network Size: More servers means more IP addresses. Therefore, the more servers your VPN provider provides, the less likely you are to fall victim to a streaming service blocking. A large number of servers in different countries will also give you access to more content from different regions.
• Availability of servers in the right countries: If you want to access BBC iPlayer regardless of your country of residence, you need a VPN with a large number of reliable servers in the UK. This policy also applies to any other content or video streaming platform that is only available in certain regions. So when choosing a provider, make sure it has servers in the countries you want to connect to.
• High Speed: All VPNs slow down your connection a bit, but you need to make sure that the network you choose has high enough connection speeds to stream HD video without data buffering or latency. That’s why we’re running tests to determine the highest speed VPN for streaming content.
• Unlimited bandwidth: Streaming content takes up a relatively large portion of network bandwidth, so it’s important to check that your VPN can handle it. When choosing a network with unlimited bandwidth, you don’t have to worry about exceeding the set limits.
• Streaming-optimized servers: Some VPNs make it as easy as possible to find video-viewing servers and list the best servers in each country. This will come in handy if you’re new to VPN or don’t want to waste time testing different servers.

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What to look for when choosing a VPN to protect your privacy and security

Most users want to protect their privacy to some degree. However, if security is your priority, you should be especially careful when choosing a VPN. Make sure you have all of the tools below (this is the minimum list) to make sure your privacy isn’t compromised. at risk:

• 256-bit AES encryption: This is the gold standard for encryption, and this is the type of encryption used in the US military. All the best VPN providers use this type of encryption, so it’s easy to find – but before you sign up, make sure your ISP uses it as well.
• Automatic emergency shutdown: If you lose your connection while using a VPN, the auto-disconnect feature will suspend your traffic until a secure connection to the server is restored. Without this tool, you will be exposed to accidental data leaks, so your privacy will no longer be protected. Many VPNs do not offer an auto-shutdown feature for all devices, so pay special attention to this when choosing a service.
• User opt-out policy: You may believe that a VPN provider should not register and track your default actions, but unfortunately this is not always the case. When using a VPN, only your ISP can see what you are doing or viewing, so it’s important that they don’t save your action log files under any circumstances.
• Protect against data leakage over IPv6 and IP: There are several ways to leak your data over the network when using a VPN, but these are the two most common. The best VPNs use special methods to prevent leaks through both IPv6 and DNS, maximizing your security.

Stay safe with ExpressVPN

What to look for when choosing a VPN for business

Not all VPNs are designed to protect your business. If you want to use premium VPNs in your company, You should carefully evaluate your requirements and then choose a service that meets them and has all the necessary features and tools:

• Unlimited connections and users: If you are not the only employee of your company, you may need to be able to use VPN with multiple employees at the same time. I advise you to choose services such as ExpressVPN, which provides simultaneous connection of 5 devices to one account for future development.
• Administration tools: If you have multiple employees connected through the same account, you’d like to manage them from the same control panel. Therefore, pay attention to VPN, which allows you to simultaneously manage the settings for all connected devices.
• Attractiveness: Subscribing to VPN services is the same as other business expenses. That is why the use of VPN should bring such benefits that will justify the money spent. Although premium VPNs are worth paying a little more for, you don’t have to spend all your money. Look for a service that fits your budget.
• Protect when using public WiFi networks: It’s important to make sure that no matter where your employees are connected to the network – in the office, at home or in a cafe – the security of connections and work sessions has always been at its highest. levels. Choose security VPNs that connect to public WiFi networks to extend security to all work devices.

How to set up a VPN

If you choose a quality service, installing and configuring a VPN will be a quick and easy process. To demonstrate, I will explain and show you how to install ExpressVPN, a service from my favorite provider. The first step is to download the appropriate application, which is listed on the company’s website:

Once downloaded, you need Install it on your devices . Follow the instructions provided to install the application on your PC, and then repeat the process on mobile devices. You can also install browser extensions if you wish.

Once the software is installed, all you have to do is select a server and connect. ExpressVPN has greatly simplified the process of selecting the country you want to connect to and then selecting the server with the highest speed from ‘ connection or optimized for downloads or resource browsing.

How to choose the right VPN server

Depending on what you’re going to do, some servers may work better than others. For example, if your top priority is privacy, I recommend choosing the server closest to your real location. This will maintain a high connection speed and provide the same level of protection.

If you want to view content that is banned in your country, you need to connect to a server located in the country where that content is available. For example, to access Netflix libraries in the United States from Ukraine, you need to connect to a server located in the United States. Some VPNs provide a list of servers optimized for streaming video.

If you are going to download torrents, make sure you choose a server optimized for P2P file sharing. In general, it is recommended to study the provider to find out which servers are offered and for what purpose. If in doubt, always use the server provided by your VPN provider.

Advanced VPN settings

In most cases, you don’t have to worry about advanced settings. You can use VPN even without making changes to the default settings. However, learning about all the possible options and tools will also be helpful.

For example, some VPNs allow you to turn the auto-shutdown feature on or off. Normally, you should always keep this feature turned on for optimal protection. However, if you need to ensure uninterrupted connection and traffic (even if there is a risk of data leakage), you can turn it off.

Most VPNs also allow you to manually change the security protocol. You can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP, PPTP and many more. Changing the security protocol is one way to overcome VPN blocking, and this is the first step you should take if your VPN stops working.

You can also get a separate data tunneling tool that lets you choose which application traffic to route over VPN. This tool comes in handy when you need to upload large files and you don’t want to use your bandwidth for other operations. But remember: Only VPN traffic will be encrypted , so choose carefully.

For more information on using advanced VPN settings, visit the Help section. I always recommend providers that provide many step-by-step instructions and quality customer support to help you with all processes. .

Best VPN for Beginners

Here’s my recommendation for a VPN that is best for beginners. If you are a complete beginner in the field of cybersecurity, this service will make your first steps in this direction as easy as possible.

ExpressVPN – High speeds will allow you to watch streaming video and web resources in one go

When I am asked about my favorite provider, the answer is always the same – ExpressVPN. It has extremely high connection speeds and is super secure. In addition, the provider has thousands of servers optimized for streaming content that help you easily access Netflix, Hulu and other popular platforms, as evidenced by the results of our tests.

ExpressVPN servers provide high enough speeds so you don’t have to worry about data buffering or endless download waiting times. In addition, the service is extremely secure: 256-bit AES encryption and user opt-out policy : guarantee complete protection of your personal data.

Additional security tools include the automatic shutdown feature and TrustedServer technology, which provides an extra layer of protection through the use of servers that run exclusively on RAM. In other words, ExpressVPN does much more than just protect your online privacy.

The service is incredibly easy to use , has handy apps that make it accessible to anyone – even those with no VPN experience.

If you are interested in downloading torrents, you will be happy to know that P2P file sharing is supported on all ExpressVPN servers. This means you can easily and securely share files with other users without revealing your own IP address.

One ExpressVPN account supports up to 5 devices connected at a time , so you can protect all your devices at once. The service provides 24/7 customer support, via live chat, which is incredibly accessible and useful – and you will be given a 30-day money back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN and determine , whether it suits you before you subscribe to a paid tariff plan.

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How VPN Provides Your Protection

VPN protects you by masking your IP address so that no one can find out your real location or see what you’re doing online. This is achieved by directing your traffic to a server located in another part of the world, and from there to the site you are trying to visit.

In addition to this basic feature, the best VPNs have other advanced security tools to prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands. When it comes to privacy and privacy, keep in mind that not all VPNs are the same, so choose one that has the following characteristics.

Non-Registration Policy

When you use a VPN, no one has access to your data except the provider. Therefore, it is very important that your VPN provider does not record your actions or store your personal information. The best VPNs strictly adhere to the opt-out policy , which means that they do not store any of your personal information.

This is very important, because in the event of an attack or hacking of the VPN server, there will be no possibility of leaking or stealing your data. And even if the government body requires VPN to provide user data, the company will not be able to to pass.

Data leakage protection

There are few ways to expose your personal information when using a VPN. This can be due to data leakage via DNS or IPv6, in both cases your data is accidentally sent via an ISP instead of a VPN.

Of course, the best VPNs have certain tools to prevent such leaks. Look for a provider that provides both types of protection – from DNS and IPv6 leaks – and read our reviews to see how effective they are.

Emergency shutdown:

When using a VPN, your security depends entirely on connecting to the VPN server. If this connection is interrupted for any reason, your privacy is compromised – that’s why you need the automatic emergency shutdown feature.

The main task of automatic emergency shutdown to prevent leakage of your data by automatically stopping your traffic In case of loss of connection to the server. The app will keep your traffic from sending until a secure connection is restored, after which you will be able to visit sites again, watch streaming videos, or download files.

Suite Tip: Not all VPNs automatically turn on the auto-shutdown feature, so make sure it’s turned on to provide complete protection (this can be easily done in your VPN settings).

WiFi protection

If you plan to use the Internet outside of your home (and who doesn’t?), you should seriously consider finding a VPN that will provide extra protection when using public WiFi networks. This means that even when connected to unsecured public WiFi networks, such as a cafe, your data will still be protected.

All the best VPNs include data protection tools when using public networks, but some additional features significantly improve this protection. For example, some of them will automatically turn on when they detect a connection to a public WiFi network , or send you an alert when using an insecure connection.

Secure your connection with ExpressVPN

Does VPN have flaws?

First of all, you need to understand that the benefits of using a VPN far outweigh any potential disadvantages. That is, you need to know a few things before connecting to a VPN server.

Your Internet connection speed will drop slightly.

Data packets take time to move, and when you connect to a VPN, your data packets have to travel even further to get to a VPN server located elsewhere in the world. It takes a few more seconds to encrypt and decrypt your traffic. As a result, You should expect your connection speed to drop slightly. However, when using the fastest VPNs, the difference will be minimal!

Unverified VPNs can compromise your security.

If you’re using an unproven VPN provider, there’s no way you can make sure it doesn’t track your online activity or share your information with outsiders. If your home office is If the VPN is located in a country that is a party to the Alliance 5/9/14 Eyes agreement, it may be forced to transfer your data at the request of the government.

Fortunately, this is easy to avoid by choosing a reputable VPN and opt-out policy, as well as other tools to protect your privacy. If in doubt, choose a service that uses RAM-only servers and has an office in a country that has a positive privacy policy. For example, the ExpressVPN office is located in the British Virgin Islands, where there are no laws requiring companies to register your data.

Some websites make every effort to block VPNs.

This is a common problem with streaming content sites such as Netflix. Due to licensing laws and interstate agreements, companies are forced to prevent you from viewing content that is not available in your area. That’s why companies check users’ IP addresses to see if they match the addresses of known VPN servers.

If your IP address is marked as a VPN, the streaming site immediately blocks your connection. To resolve this issue, try connecting to other servers until you find one that works. (and choose one of the best to view streaming VPN content that is constantly updating IP addresses).

VPN blocking can also cause problems with PayPal and some other online banks, which may mark your activity as suspicious if you sign in to your account from a foreign IP address. In general, the reason for this block is quite noble: in this way, banks keep international fraudsters from logging in to your account.

However, when using a VPN, you may be barred from accessing your own account. You may even need to contact your bank to resolve this issue, but this is a hassle. To avoid these issues, you can either temporarily disable VPN or connect to a server located in your country.

For more information and tips, read our article on overcoming VPN blocking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a VPN?

Due to all these advanced features, it may seem to you that VPN is too expensive a pleasure for the average user. In fact, VPNs are very attractively priced – especially with all the discounts and coupons available.

My personal choice, ExpressVPN, is available for only $ 6.67 / month. For the price of one latte in a coffee shop, you get access to thousands of lightning-fast servers, advanced security tools and access to any streaming video service you want.

Are there free VPNs on the market that you can use?

Of course, there are many free VPN services on the market. However, I don’t recommend using them , and I’ll tell you why. First of all, because most of them have a lot of loopholes designed to deceive you. They promise high-quality service, but have significant shortcomings in those areas that matter most.

Free VPNs have a very limited number of servers, low connection speeds, limited data, and a severe lack of security tools and tools. Usually, they are unable to overcome geo-spatial blockages, making them completely unsuitable for streaming video. Moreover, they can compromise your privacy , which completely discredits the purpose of using a VPN.

Of course, not all free service providers are scammers. We’ve found some free VPNs that offer secure and reliable services with few restrictions – but those restrictions don’t apply to privacy or security. You will be set limits on the amount of data allocated, bandwidth, number of servers, and some other features.

Which VPN is the best in Ukraine?

We are constantly researching and evaluating VPNs according to fairly strict criteria. The results of our current tests show that ExpressVPN demonstrates the most stable performance regardless of your location and purpose of use – finding high speeds of streaming content, the ability to bypass even the most powerful blockages and restrictions – the service works even in China.

How to choose a suitable VPN?

You should choose a VPN based on your own needs and how you will use it. For example, if you want to access streaming content sites, you should look for a wide server network and high connection speeds. However, regardless of your priorities, you should choose a VPN that has a solid reputation, is easy to use, and is secure enough that you trust it with your personal information.

How do I set up and run a VPN?

Setting up a VPN is a fairly simple process. All you have to do is download the software from the company’s website, install it on your device, start it, select the server and connect to it! Most convenient VPNs have an optimized installation process that takes only a few minutes.

Should I keep my VPN enabled?

Ideally, all your online activities should be VPN-protected. That’s why I always recommend keeping your VPN turned on for as long as possible. In reality, you’ll sometimes need to turn it off. Finally, make sure you’re connected to a VPN when using unfamiliar or public WiFi networks.

Do I need to use VPN at home?

Yes! VPNs are not just for use on public WiFi networks or when traveling. When you are connected to your home network, your IP address will be visible and easily accessible to others – which can pose a risk to your privacy and privacy. That’s why you should always use a VPN to hide your location and activities , no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

Do I need a VPN on my phone?

Yes. I always recommend installing a VPN on each device to protect all your connections. Phones and other mobile devices can be particularly vulnerable, as they automatically connect to public networks, which can be dangerous. However, the VPN needs to reconnect every time you lose and find mobile network coverage, so this can slow down the connection a bit.

Do I need a VPN for my business?

If you’re concerned about protecting your company and the privacy of your employees while online, you definitely need a business VPN. Fortunately, some services offer an unlimited number of devices to connect to a single account, allowing you to have one subscription for the entire company.

Can my ISP keep track of my browsing history if I use a VPN?

No; VPN hides your browsing history and online activity from your ISP (and everyone else). Your ISP will receive certain information, such as connection time and amount of data used, but will not be able to see which sites you browsed, which files you downloaded, or any other online activity.

How do I access Netflix with a VPN?

Accessing Netflix from your country or from outside your country (when traveling abroad) via VPN is extremely easy if you choose a quality provider. All you need to do is choose a VPN server in the country where your preferred Netflix library is located and then do as usual. For more detailed recommendations, see our list of best VPNs for Netflix.

Is it legal in Ukraine to watch Netflix via VPN?

Yes, using VPN to view Netflix in Ukraine is perfectly legal . Some Netflix content is only available in some countries through various licensing agreements. That’s why Netflix is ​​working hard to block VPN users. However, overcoming these blockages is not a criminal offense – it is simply not in the interests of the service that broadcasts video.

How to get a discount when buying a new VPN

I like hunting for discounts to some extent, so I spend a lot of time online looking for ways to save. As a result, I’ve found that VPN providers regularly publish new coupons and special offers , but the availability of fraudulent sites makes it difficult to know which coupon is genuine and valid.

To solve this problem, our team has created a huge database of valid VPN coupons , which we are constantly updating. We have researched and tested each proposal to make sure they are valid and working in 2021.

Summary

More and more users are beginning to realize that VPNs are essential to their own security on the web. In addition to protecting your privacy, VPNs help circumvent geospatial constraints – whether or not you’re struggling against “digital” censorship or just trying to watch your favorite movies.

If you are willing to spend some money and invest it in the services of a premium provider, I recommend ExpressVPN in the first place. This network is super-fast, secure and easy to use , making it ideal for anyone new to the world of VPN .

Want to know more about VPNs and how they can be useful to you? Learn about the pros and cons of using VPNs, or read about our favorite VPNs for streaming movies.