CyberGhost VPN Review—Security, Performance, and User Experience
With the increasing amount of personal data shared online, individuals are more vulnerable to data compromises than ever. According to a report by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), there were 2,365 cyberattacks in 2023, with over 340 million victims. Cyberattacks have also become more sophisticated, necessitating the adoption of more advanced security measures, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Launched in 2011, CyberGhost VPN emerged as one of the popular services with an extensive global network. But what makes this service a preferred choice for millions worldwide, and does it offer what you need?
This CyberGhost VPN review will examine the VPN's features and performance, shedding light on whether it's the best fit for you. You will also learn how you can shield your sensitive financial details using virtual cards, enhancing the protection you get with the VPN.
Disclaimer: The information in this review is accurate as of April 2024. CyberGhost VPN's features may vary over time, depending on the changes made by the provider.
How CyberGhost VPN Works
CyberGhost VPN is designed to provide a secure and private connection to the internet. The VPN conceals the user's original IP address and assigns them a new one from its server's location. This process, also called IP masking, makes the internet traffic appear as if it's coming from the VPN server's location, not the user's actual location.
When a user requests to access a website or service, that encrypted request is sent to the VPN server, which forwards it to the intended website. The website then sends the requested data back to the VPN server, which relays it to the user's device, where it's decrypted and read.
CyberGhost VPN's Key Features
We'll review CyberGhost VPN's offering by looking at six key areas:
- Privacy and security features
- Speed and performance
- Server network
- Device compatibility and support
- User experience and customer support
- Pricing
Privacy and Security
Like most other VPNs, CyberGhost VPN has a no-logging policy. It promises not to store or share user data or activity with third parties, reducing the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands[1].
Other notable features of CyberGhost VPN[1] include:
- Military-grade encryption—AES 256-bit encryption makes data transmitted over the VPN almost impossible to crack with brute force methods.
- Secure VPN protocols—The support for WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols strikes a unique balance between speed, security, and performance.
- Kill switch—Automatically blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, reducing the risk of data exposure.
- DNS leak protection—Private DNS servers help prevent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from tracking users' online habits.
- Split tunneling—Users can choose to give some applications a direct connection to the internet even when the VPN is on.
- Content blocker—Blocks DNS domains that are known to be used for ads, malware, or trackers.
Speed and Performance
Recent tests[2] show that the VPN attains average speeds of 80–90 Mbps, which can be ideal for individuals who require fast and stable connections for browsing, video conferencing, and online gaming.
The VPN's speed and performance can vary depending on several factors, including the base internet speed, server location, and the device being used. Like other VPNs, using CyberGhost may slightly reduce the base internet speed due to the encryption process.
Here's a breakdown of how CyberGhost VPN performs in some server locations:
Server Network
CyberGhost VPN's server network spans the globe, providing users with a wide range of options for secure and fast connections. This vast network allows users to connect to a server that best suits their needs, whether it's getting the best speed or accessing local content from abroad.
The table below lists some details regarding the VPN's server network:
Device Compatibility and Support
CyberGhost VPN offers extensive compatibility, ensuring individuals can use it regardless of their device or platform of choice. Some of the devices it supports[5] include:
- Computers (desktops and laptops)—The VPN supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
- Mobile devices (smartphones and tablets)—The service has a dedicated app for iOS and Android devices.
- Smart TVs and consoles—CyberGhost VPN is compatible with Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and even gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
- Routers—The VPN can be installed directly on routers, protecting all devices connected to them.
- Others—CyberGhost VPN supports devices like Synology NAS, Raspberry Pi, and more.
User Experience and Customer Support
To ensure users can make the most of its service, CyberGhost VPN offers the following:
- An intuitive layout with the power button prominently positioned, allowing users to establish a VPN connection with a single click
- A “Best Location” feature that lets users choose their preferred server location, positioned below the connect button for quick access
- A haptic response setting that provides sensory feedback to enhance user interaction with the app
The service provider also offers good customer support. Users get 24/7 live chat support, allowing them to get immediate assistance at any time. Users can also reach out to the support team via email or explore an extensive FAQ section and in-depth guides available on the VPN's website.
Pricing
CyberGhost VPN has three plans[6]:
- 1-month plan
- 6-months plan
- 2-years + 4 months plan
The table below breaks down CyberGhost VPN pricing:
The service also offers a money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free before committing to it. The 1-month plan has a 14-day money-back guarantee, while the remaining plans have a 45-day money-back guarantee.
While other services like Norton Secure VPN, Mozilla VPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark VPN offer similar guarantees, CyberGhost VPN's 45-day limit is one of the longest, allowing users to test the service extensively.
CyberGhost VPN's Limitations
CyberGhost VPN can improve online safety and privacy, but only to an extent. The service encrypts data in transit, but once it reaches the destination, it may become vulnerable to other risks. Some of the specific issues you should still watch out for include:
- Malware attacks—These software attacks can occur when you download infected files or visit compromised websites, potentially leading to data loss or system damage.
- Phishing attacks—Even with a VPN, cybercriminals may pose as trustworthy entities, deceiving you into sharing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.
- Data breaches—Once your data reaches a merchant's servers, it's only as secure as the measures the merchant has taken. If the merchant’s platform experiences a breach, your information could be exposed to cybercriminals.
Ways To Safeguard Your Personal Information Online
A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy includes measures that protect your data at all possible points, whether at the source, in transit, or at the destination. Some of these methods include:
- Doing regular software updates—Keeping your devices and applications updated helps patch security vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of malware attacks.
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA)—2FA adds extra access security to your online accounts. Even if cybercriminals manage to get your password, they will still need the second factor to gain access.
- Using virtual cards—These cards can help you protect your financial information against data leaks. They consist of a unique card number you can use at checkout, masking your actual card details. For robust security and advanced customization options, like spending controls and card pausing, you should consider a comprehensive virtual card provider like Privacy.
Use Privacy To Protect Your Financial Information
While CyberGhost VPN protects your online activities, Privacy Virtual Cards add a layer of security between your financial details and anyone who may attempt to steal them.
Privacy employs military-grade 256-bit encryption to safeguard information during transactions, ensuring your data cannot be read or modified by potentially unauthorized parties.
Other security measures employed by Privacy include the following:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)—Once activated, this feature reduces the risk of losing access to your Privacy Account.
- Transaction alerts—Privacy tracks your transactions in real time and sends notifications whenever a Privacy Card is used, helping you quickly identify potentially unauthorized transactions.
- Fraud protection—If Privacy receives a report of a fraudulent charge, they will investigate it and file a chargeback to the merchant to recoup your funds if it's a valid claim.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers security and flexibility. You can connect your Privacy Cards to your debit card or bank account, letting you shop online safely.
Depending on your needs and preferences, Privacy offers three types of virtual cards to choose from:
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards enable you to make multiple payments with a single merchant. Any attempt to use them elsewhere will be blocked. They're an ideal choice when subscribing to services like Audible, Amazon Prime, and LinkedIn Premium.
- Single-Use Cards—These cards allow you to make one payment, and they become invalid shortly afterward. They're recommended for one-time purchases and transactions with unfamiliar vendors.
- Category-Locked Cards—These cards "lock" to a merchant type rather than a single merchant. They can be helpful for budgeting and tracking spending in certain categories, such as groceries, utilities, and digital goods.
You can set spending limits, pause, or close your Privacy Virtual Cards anytime without affecting the funding source. Pausing and closing a card can help shield your account from unexpected charges. When you set a spending limit on your virtual card, any attempt to charge you more than the preset limit will be blocked. This feature can be useful in case of undisclosed price hikes and hidden fees.
Convenience Features
Beyond enhancing online security, Privacy is user-friendly. The Privacy App, available on Android and iOS devices, allows you to manage your virtual cards directly from your device. You can use it to create new cards and monitor transactions, providing a secure and convenient way to handle online payments.
Privacy also offers a browser extension for Edge, Firefox, Safari, Safari for iOS, and Google Chrome, simplifying how you use your virtual cards online. It enables you to autofill card information, eliminating the need to enter card details manually.
If you want to secure your passwords and use virtual cards with one tool, you can do so with 1Password, thanks to its integration with Privacy. It allows you to create and use Privacy Virtual Cards directly within your 1Password browser extension.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get started with Privacy, you only need to:
- Sign up for the service
- Provide the required information to verify your identity
- Connect a funding source
- Request your virtual card
You can choose from four monthly plans offered by Privacy:
