You may already know that a VPN hides your IP address, but it actually protects much more than that. Thanks to encryption technology, a VPN keeps all your online activities hidden from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), Wi-Fi network administrators, and other organizations or individuals who want to track you.
However, a VPN is not a “panacea” against all online threats. Therefore, to optimize your privacy and safety online, you should combine a quality VPN with other security tools and measures.
In this article, we will learn what a VPN can hide, what it can’t hide, and how to combine a VPN with additional solutions to further protect your personal data.
What does a VPN really hide?
Your IP address

When you connect to the Internet, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns you a unique IP address. This helps websites and apps identify you and provide personalized content. However, it also allows advertisers, data brokers, and trackers to track your online activity.

When you use a VPN, you receive a new IP address from the VPN server. This masks your real IP, so trackers can only see the VPN server's IP — they can't identify you.

Your Location
Your IP address can reveal the country, city, or even region you're in. A VPN will mask your real location and replace it with the location of the server you choose.

For example, if you're in Vietnam but connect to a server in the US, websites and apps will think you're in the US. With RICE VPN, you can choose from dozens of countries, easily “moving” your virtual location at any time.

The websites you visit
Your ISP, public Wi-Fi network administrator, or web trackers can all monitor your browsing activity. VPNs solve this by encrypting all traffic, turning it into unreadable encrypted data.

RICE VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption technology, trusted by security experts worldwide to protect personal data.

What you're looking for
Want to search the web without being tracked? A VPN will mask your IP and encrypt your data, making it difficult for advertisers or ISPs to link your search queries to you.
However, for added protection, you should:
Sign out of your personal search account when using a VPN

Regularly clear your cookies

Use a privacy-focused search engine
Streaming and gaming
Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) implement “bandwidth throttling” policies based on the type of activity you do. For example, if you frequently stream movies or play games during peak hours, they may intentionally slow down your connection. With a VPN, your ISP can see that you’re streaming a lot of data, but they can’t see what that data is being used for. This helps you avoid content-related throttling, although your overall traffic may still be limited.
Protect your data from cybercriminals
Connecting to public Wi-Fi without a VPN means you’re at the mercy of the security (if any) of that network. If the security is weak, hackers can intercept your data, redirect you to fake websites, or read unencrypted information. A VPN encrypts your entire connection, preventing snooping and keeping your data safe. So turn it on before accessing the internet over public Wi-Fi.
What a VPN hides from your ISP
Your ISP can normally track all of your online activity, including:
The websites you visit

How long each page is visited

What you download

What you play or stream

Who you contact

What files you share

And more

With a VPN, all of this information is encrypted, leaving your ISP with only “encrypted data” and no way to see the specific content.
What a VPN doesn’t hide (and why it matters)
What a VPN can’t hide completely
While a VPN can hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic, some of your information and activities can still be identified.
1. Online Profile and Account Activity
When you log in to services like Google or Facebook, the provider can still track your account activity. For example, Google still associates your search history with your logged-in Google account, or Facebook still shows your new posts to your friends, even if you are using a VPN. So, maintain good security habits when using social networks and online services, even with a VPN.

2. Cookies and Tracking Scripts
Cookies store information that helps personalize your experience, but some can also track you across multiple sites. VPNs can’t delete or block existing cookies, so you should clear them regularly to increase your privacy. Many sites also use real-time activity tracking scripts — these are harder to detect. Specialized tracking blocking tools (like Threat Manager) can help reduce this.

3. Device Information and Browser Fingerprinting
Your browser sends information like your device type, operating system, screen resolution, and more to websites. When combined, this data can create a “fingerprint” that can identify you, even when using a VPN. To reduce your risk, use a privacy-focused browser that blocks fingerprinting.

4. VPN Provider Logs
If your VPN doesn’t have a “no-logs” policy, your activity may still be logged. Some reputable providers are independently audited to ensure that this information is not stored.

5. Payment information
VPNs do not anonymize bank or credit card payments, as the data is still processed and linked to your identity. However, if you are using public Wi-Fi, a VPN will encrypt your connection, which helps prevent bad guys from stealing your information during the payment process. Some services support cryptocurrency payments for added anonymity.

VPNs cannot hide everything you do online

1. How much data you use
Even when connected to a VPN, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can still see how much data you use. A VPN does not help you avoid bandwidth caps or data charges.

2. Information you enter on websites
Any data you manually fill out forms, log in, or comment on a website can be collected by the site administrator, even if you are using a VPN. VPNs only encrypt your traffic, not “protect” what you actively share.

3. Who can still track you
ISP: When a VPN is on, your ISP can’t see the details of your online activity, only that you’re using a VPN and how much data you’re consuming.

Websites: Can still track you via cookies, browser fingerprints, or tracking pixels, even if your IP is hidden. These techniques rely on device information, browser type, or previously stored data.

Employers/Schools: If they use a network or device they manage, they can still see when and how long you’re connected to the VPN, and even track your activity if they have monitoring software. Using a private device and network is safer.

Legal authorities: Can only access data if the VPN provider keeps logs and is required to provide them. So choose a reputable VPN with a “no logs” policy.

Steps to Protect Your Online Privacy and Security
1. Use a secure browser and search engine
Private browsing helps limit the collection of personal data, block trackers, and reduce the risk of device fingerprinting. If you still want to use a popular browser, adjust your privacy settings, such as enabling tracker blocking in Firefox, preventing behavioral tracking, and opting out of selling your data. Use a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo to reduce the amount of data collected.
2. Block trackers and ads
Ads and online trackers can analyze your browsing habits. Use a VPN with built-in ad and tracker blockers to prevent connections to malicious servers and reduce ad impressions.
3. Clear cookies and cache periodically
Cookies help personalize your experience, but they can also be used for tracking. Clear your cookies and cache regularly to reduce the risk of data collection, improve browser performance, and avoid page loading issues.

4. Combine VPN with antivirus and firewall software
VPNs are not a substitute for antivirus software. Use antivirus software to scan for and remove malware, and enable a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your network.

5. Use encrypted messaging and email
Send messages or emails over an end-to-end encrypted platform to avoid eavesdropping or man-in-the-middle attacks, even in everyday communications.

6. Use a password manager
Password managers help you create and store strong passwords, avoid reusing old passwords, and autofill when logging in.

7. Enable two- or multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA)

Add an extra layer of security to protect your account even if your password is compromised. You can use a 2FA code generator app or receive codes via SMS.

8. Monitor for data leaks on the dark web
Regularly check to see if your personal information is for sale on the dark web, and promptly change your password if you discover a leak.

9. Choose a trustworthy VPN
A third-party verified no-logs policy.

Independent security audits from reputable organizations.

Don't use a free VPN that sells your data or has limited resources.

Consider reputation and jurisdiction: choose a VPN that respects privacy and has no mandatory data retention laws.

Transparency report to learn how to handle data requests.

VPNRICE – Online freedom & safety at your fingertips!

Think VPNs are just for hiding your IP? VPNRICE offers more:
1: Absolute security – Military-grade encryption, keeping all your activities away from ISPs, network administrators, and bad guys.
2. No logs – We don’t record your data, not even any agency can get it.
3️. Lightning speed – Stream 4K videos, play games, download files smoothly without bandwidth throttling.
4️. Overcome all restrictions – Access global content, from movies, games to blocked websites.
5. Protect public wifi – Use the internet at cafes, airports without worrying about being hacked.
6. Hide your VPN usage – Obfuscation technology makes your connection look like normal internet.
7️. Built-in ad blocking – Say goodbye to annoying pop-ups and trackers.
8️. Multi-platform support – Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS… just 1 account for all devices.
VPNRICE – More security, faster, more freedom.
Download today and feel the difference!