Are NordVPN Servers Really that Secure? Let’s Break it Down

Hey there, Internet Explorer. Ever caught yourself wondering, “How does NordVPN keep its servers safe?” Yep, we have been there too. So we took NordVPN for a spin and guess what? We are about to spill the beans on all the cool things they are doing to protect you online.

Let’s talk about NordVPN servers first. With thousands of them spread all over the globe, their server numbers are seriously impressive. But it is not just about quantity. It is the quality that really matters. When it comes to NordVPN server security then these guys do not play around.

They have got military-grade encryption that is tougher than a two-dollar steak. Their server security setup? Rock solid. Each server is RAM-based, which means it forgets everything the moment you are done. Add in a strict no-logs policy and your online life stays hush-hush.

So we are diving into all the awesome ways NordVPN security gives you peace of mind on the internet.

What is a VPN Server?

A VPN server is a special type of server that is configured to provide virtual private network services. VPN servers are important for creating a secure and private connection over the internet.

How VPN Servers Work

VPN servers act like middlemen between you and the internet. When you browse the web using a VPN, your data first travels through one of the secure NordVPN servers before reaching its final destination.

This not only hides your real IP address but also adds a strong layer of server security to your connection.

Establish the Connection

Whenever you connect to a VPN, your device will create a safe and secure channel with an appropriate server for hiding your IP.

These capabilities, which are provided by the VPN service, verify this connection.

Data Encryption

After you successfully create a connection, all data that is sent from your device is also encrypted before that information leaves the source.

The VPN server then unscrambles this data before forwarding it to its last position on the internet.

IP Address Replacement

The original IP address is replaced with a new one by the VPN server, which comes from its pool of available IP addresses.

Data Transmission

The encrypted data is then transferred via the secure VPN tunnel to a server that relays it on its way to the right place.

It then brings the data back to the VPN server, decrypts it, and passes it down to your device.

NordVPN Servers Network

NordVPN operates a comprehensive network of servers designed to provide security, privacy, and performance.

Here is an overview of NordVPN servers and their key features:

Server Network

• Global Presence: With over 7,400+ servers in 118+ nations. Providing this connected network, users can connect from any corner of the world; it is guaranteed to be fast and reachable.
• Double VPN: Double VPN encrypts data twice using a NAT infrastructure and a virtual location.
• Onion Over VPN: The traffic from these servers is routed through the Tor network for additional privacy.
• Obfuscated Servers: They are designed when it is necessary, where governments don’t allow VPN use.
• P2P Servers: Ideal for peer-to-peer file sharing when you need fast and secure torrenting.
• Dedicated IP Servers: Dedicated IP servers give you a unique and non-shared IP.
• Standard VPN Servers: These are the standard servers that most ISPs use to provide general access for things like browsing and streaming.

For more details on each server category and its specific use cases, check out NordVPN’s complete server network guide.

Performance and Reliability

• Fast Speeds: NordVPN has fast servers that are perfect for streaming, gaming and downloading big files.
• Load Balancing: Traffic is automatically distributed across your servers so that one server does not become overloaded with traffic. This prevents any poor performance.

Advanced Features

• CyberSec: This feature stops ads, trackers and even malicious websites and gives you another layer of security.
• Kill Switch: It closes your internet connection if the VPN stops working, so that your information is not leaked.
• Split Tunneling: Split tunneling lets you choose the applications and websites that are connected through VPN.

Threats to NordVPN Servers

NordVPN is super careful with their security, but even they cannot be 100% safe from everything.

Below are some of the biggest threats to NordVPN servers:

Malware Attacks

Servers can get infected by malicious software, such as ransomware, spyware and viruses.

Malware is simply a burden that attackers use to get what they want, whether it is access to data or disruption of some business process in exchange for money.

Outdated Software

If the server software or security protocols are not maintained, they can easily turn into a point of attack.

Outdated software is a common target for hackers who can exploit known weaknesses that have not been patched by its developers.

DDoS Attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can flood NordVPN servers with fake traffic that can cause outages or server crashes.

For users, this can cause disruption in their service, even though it occurs as a pause.

SQL Injection Brute Force Attacks

SQL attacks on the server side involve injecting commands into a database that are malicious in nature and can give control of the server to the attacker or make sensitive information available.

Brute force attacks are the simplest way to gain access. Numerous combinations of passwords are tried on servers that contain weak password protections.

Zero-Day Exploits

When hackers exploit software or hardware vulnerabilities that were not disclosed before, we call such attacks zero-day exploits.

The creative part of such threats comes before, so there is hardly any time for the developers to do something about it.

Insider Threats

Employees or anyone with access to the servers legally can also give rise to insider threats. It can be done by either maliciously trying to attack server security or not doing anything wrong.

These can include bad password handling, wrong server settings, or intentional sabotage.

Poor Physical Security

Servers are far from immune to physical intrusions. Where attackers physically touch the hardware devices.

This happens when server facilities are not properly secured and the data can be stolen or the servers can be physically destroyed.

Incorrectly Configured Ports

Servers with open or misconfigured ports are a helpful tool for attackers. This risk can be minimized by continuously checking and correcting the configurations.

How Does NordVPN Ensure the Security of Its Servers?

It is a complex combination of tough encryption, secure server management and NordVPN servers elegant security features that make it so safe.

Encryption and Security Measures

They use the AES-256-GCM encryption standard. This is a military-grade level of protection for data processed through NordVPN servers.

The company uses secure VPN protocols like NordLynx protocol, which is a WireGuard-based protocol for faster secure connection speed. But security is one of the main reasons we choose this provider over others.

No-Logs Policy

NordVPN does not store any of your activity or connection logs with their service. This policy has passed an external security audit.

Secure Server Infrastructure

They run entirely in RAM. So all of the data is wiped on every boot. This also increases security and makes it less vulnerable to data theft.

NordVPN has a network of more than 7,400+ servers in around 118+ countries and they offer specialty servers like Double VPN & Onion Over VPN.

And to add additional layers to the security, they route the traffic through many different authorities.

Regular Security Audits and Updates

NordVPN undergoes regular independent security audits to ensure compliance with the latest security standards and practices.

The service frequently updates its software and infrastructure to patch weaknesses and increase security features.

Meshnet Feature

For business users, NordVPN offers Meshnet. It allows file sharing and remote device access more securely.

Making sure that sensitive business data always remains protected even when they are accessed from a far location.

NordVPN’s Policy on Data Sharing with Third Parties

NordVPN does not log any of your information. It means the service keeps no logs of its users’ online activity.

This policy is audited over time by independent bodies like PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Switzerland and Deloitte, which have shown that they don’t keep any log of connections.

Data Sharing with Third Parties

NordVPN’s data sharing policy is very clear. NordVPN does not share your data with any third parties. They do not log your activity, so there is no information to share.

This is important to make sure your privacy and security are maintained and if there are any legal requests, then there wouldn’t even be data to provide.

Exceptions

NordVPN only shares information in a few cases and those are solely the minimal customer data required to operate their service.

This can be data regarding payment processing or an email address for account maintenance. This data is protected under strict privacy rules, and it cannot be used to track your online activities.

Legal Jurisdiction

It is located in Panama, where there are no laws requiring the storage of data. NordVPN is headquartered in this jurisdiction to enable the provider to maintain its no-logs promise.

This gives them independence from any external data-sharing agreements of any kind, such as those Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes alliances.

Discover more about NordVPN’s ownership and how it affects your privacy.

NordVPN’s Dedicated IP

NordVPN offers a dedicated IP feature, which gives you an exclusive address that no one else uses.

There are many benefits to this, especially for those who need a fixed IP for certain things they do online.

What is a Dedicated IP?

You are given a fixed IP that is assigned for your use only.

A dedicated IP address, unlike the shared one, is used only by you and it is the same every time your VPN connects to any of the VPN servers. It is especially useful for specific applications that require a stable IP address.

Benefits of a Dedicated IP

A dedicated IP gives you your own unique online identity. One that does not change every time you connect.

This means fewer annoying CAPTCHA checks, smoother logins and way less chance of getting flagged as suspicious. It is perfect for online banking, remote work and managing secure platforms.

Improved Access to Restricted Networks

Usually, many corporate networks and other secure systems need a predictable IP address to allow even the simplest access.

A dedicated IP lets you access these systems in a natural fashion without raising too many security alarms or experiencing visibility issues.

Bypass IP Blacklists

Using a sliding set of IP addresses is usually no big deal, but if enough people use the same IP address, then bad actors can ruin it for everyone.

Dedicated IPs prevent you from being on a blacklist and gives continuous access to your most used services and sites.

Better Email Deliverability

You should consider sending emails via a dedicated IP to increase the deliverability rates.

While shared IPs can be affected by other users on the same IP address. But a dedicated IP means that your email reputation is yours alone.

Secure Online Transactions

This is very helpful for using an online bank or conducting any other monetary transactions because it will lower the chance of being marked for any suspicious activity, because your IP keeps changing.

Stable Remote Access

Anyone working from home or trying to access their office network remotely will benefit from being able to rely on a dedicated IP for a continuous and secure connection.

It also works well for creating secure channels to your home server or CCTV system.

Enhanced Online Gaming

A dedicated IP can save gamers from getting banned, as shared IPs are usually the first to get an IP ban. It is a great solution for gaming online as well.

How to Get a Dedicated IP with NordVPN

Getting your own dedicated IP with NordVPN is super simple.

All you need to do is choose the dedicated IP option when you are signing up or if you already have a subscription, you can easily add it later from your account dashboard.

Subscription

Dedicated IP addresses are available as an add-on to your basic NordVPN subscription. This is during the signup or can be added later through your account’s dashboard.

Server Locations

NordVPN servers are very secure. NordVPN has dedicated IPs in massively available countries like the USA, UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.

This gives the feature a future-proof nature by allowing users to select the most suitable location among them all.

Setup

It is very easy to create a new dedicated IP address.

After you complete the purchase, you are given some configuration details to enable connecting from within the NordVPN app or manually in the network settings of your device.

Did you know?
A fixed IP and a shared VPN are not that different. Your data is fully encrypted and securely transferred, like the shared IP. The only difference is that every time you connect a dedicated IP, your data will go through the same route. However, in shared IP, your data will go through different routes every time.

Concerns Related with NordVPN’s Dedicated IP

Despite NordVPN implementing some good measures for using a dedicated IP, there are concerns you might want to know when using one.

Here are the main concerns:

Reduced Anonymity

A significant disadvantage of a dedicated IP address for anonymity is that it ties you to all connections, like all web traffic, P2P activity, and everything else you do online.

This can be affected, meaning making you a lot less anonymous than you may think. As the dedicated IP does not change, it can be associated with your activities over time and different sites of visit.

These attributes can assist third parties in constructing a profile based on your browsing actions.

Cost

Dedicated IPs can be added with the regular NordVPN subscription but they are sold as an extra and you have to pay more money for it.

This is a downside for users who seek to choose standard VPN features and do not wish to add more if they prefer.

Potential for Misuse

In addition to the above, dedicated IPs may be blacklisted if they are not configured or used correctly.

This can occur in the event that some websites or services quit enabling accounts from your IP address.

Limited Server Locations

NordVPN servers are very secure. It offers dedicated IP addresses at selected places only, which are the USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands, and France.

This might be a little restrictive for users who want to have a dedicated IP in other parts of the region.

Less Effective for Bypassing Geoblocks

A few streaming services and VPN locking websites tend to recognize dedicated IPs, especially in cases where the same IP has more than one user trying to connect to access their service.

This can make it harder to use a VPN for accessing content around geo-restrictions.

NordVPN Server Security: FAQs

The Bottom Line

Well, that was quite a tour through NordVPN servers. From unbreakable encryption and servers with amnesia, NordVPN is like a magician in that it has an endless supply of tricks. They are not sitting back on their crown either. They never stop figuring out new ways to protect us on the internet.

They have a few security concerns but nothing is perfect. At least NordVPN got our backs. After digging into all of that, we truly recommend NordVPN. Whether you are just checking your email or doing some serious online detective work, NordVPN always has you covered.

So next time you are surfing the web, just remember, with NordVPN, you are not just browsing, you are walking confidently down the internet sidewalk with your very own digital bodyguard.

Happy browsing and stay safe out there, fellows.