Importance of VPN Kill Switch to Every Internet User

Symlex VPN
5 min readJan 22, 2024

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A Kill Switch is a feature of a VPN that will not only ensure the ultimate safety and privacy of your product but also make your online experience smooth and convenient.

A Kill-Switch cuts your Internet connection the instant your VPN gets disconnected. It works as a failsafe to prevent data and IP leaks during sudden network drops or connection issues.

In this article, we’ll discuss all the reasons why your VPN might disconnect and the reasons for you to use the Kill Switch.

Why Might Your VPN Get Disconnected?

VPN is an application just like all the other ones you’re using on your devices so having connectivity issues is normal.

However, we are listing all the reasons you might have your device disconnecting from the VPN service so that you can be prepared for it.

  1. Internet Connection: If your internet connection is unstable or experiencing fluctuations, it can lead to VPN disconnects. A weak or intermittent Wi-Fi signal can cause interruptions in the VPN connection.
  2. Server Issues: If the VPN server you’re connected to is overloaded with traffic, it may disrupt your connection. Scheduled maintenance on the VPN server can lead to temporary disconnections.
  3. Antivirus Interference: Your firewall or antivirus software may block the VPN connection, causing it to disconnect. Conflicts between the VPN and other security software can lead to disruptions.
  4. Configuration Issues: Incorrectly configured VPN settings on your device or the VPN server can result in disconnections. Expired VPN credentials, emails, and passwords may cause disconnections.
  5. Network Changes: Moving between different networks, cellular data to Wifi, and sometimes switching between multiple WiFi connections in one place can cause a brief interruption in the VPN connection.
  6. Change in IP Address: If your internet service provider(ISP) provides you with a new IP address, it might affect the VPN connection.
  7. Outdated App: Using an outdated VPN app can lead to compatibility issues and disconnections. Keep your VPN application up to date.

What Happens When Your VPN Gets Disconnected?

As an internet user, you’d be really upset if you saw other platforms using your data for their purposes and, worse, your privacy getting breached. That’s exactly what happens when you get disconnected from the VPN service.

There are all types of sources waiting to slip up once so that they can collect your personal information, including your banking details and your browsing history.

This theft can be multi-purpose, such as businesses wanting to send you ads and notifications without your knowledge or hackers selling them for money. Regardless, it is risky and can cost a lot for you.

Another drawback is having pop-up ads and unnecessary viruses from random sites invading your device. This might slow down your device and create another scope for hackers to breach your privacy.

We encourage using a VPN to prevent all of these from happening. However, there are many instances that we mentioned that might be a hindrance to your Internet usage.

What is a Kill Switch, and How Does It Work?

Many VPN services aim to improve customer security and privacy, and one of the most essential features is a Kill Switch.

A Kill Switch’s main purpose is to automatically cut off the device from the Internet or end particular apps in the event that the VPN connection abruptly gets disconnected.

In the event of a VPN connection failure, this helps avoid data leaks and guarantees that your internet activity is not exposed to the unprotected network.

The Kill Switch keeps an eye on the VPN connection status and reacts quickly if it senses a disconnect. It can do this by either turning off the device’s internet connection altogether or just closing apps automatically that are using the VPN on your device using the Split Tunneling feature.

This feature is essential for protecting sensitive data and preserving user privacy in case the VPN connection is disrupted.

Before purchasing a Premium Subscription to a VPN service, you should ensure that the VPN provider supports the Kill Switch security feature.

Things To Consider While Using A Kill Switch

Even though a Kill Switch is a useful tool for ensuring security and privacy in a VPN service, there may be some disadvantages.

However, nothing is 100% efficient, so there is a slight drawback that users may experience sudden internet disconnection due to a badly configured Kill Switch.

Furthermore, if the Kill Switch is improperly designed, it might not activate when necessary, which could result in the unintentional exposing of private information when a VPN connection fails.

Hence, it is extremely important to ensure you are using a good VPN service and the Premium version instead of a free one. We absolutely do not prefer using a free vpn compared to a Premium one.

How To Use Kill Switch On Symlex VPN

You might or might not be used to enabling Kill Switch on VPNs, but we’re here for your rescue! Here’s a step-by-step guide to enabling the Kill Switch on Symlex VPN:

  1. Connect to a server after logging in.

2. Go to the Menu Bar and choose “Settings,” where you will find the “Kill Switch” option.

3. Click the button on the top right.

4. Choose both options displayed on the screen and proceed with the decision.

Once you click “On,” your VPN and Kill Switch will be activated and operate regularly without any issue, protecting you from any sort of data leak.

Ending Words

When we are on the vast universe of the Internet, some mishaps are bound to take place. It is our responsibility to teach every internet user the importance of a VPN Kill Switch to ensure maximum protection.

As a user, you should always prioritize your Internet safety over anything else. After all, this Internet has become our virtual world.

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Symlex VPN

Symlex VPN is an Application for #Android #Windows #iOS & Other Platforms. We Provide Secure #VPN. Protect your Privacy via Symlex VPN. https://symlexvpn.com