Why are we open source VPN?
In the realm of cybersecurity, trust is paramount. At VPNHouse, we believe in fostering this trust through transparency, which is why we have chosen to be an open-source VPN. But what does this mean, and why is it important? Let's delve into the details.
What Is Open Source VPN?
An open-source VPN is a Virtual Private Network whose source code is publicly accessible. This transparency allows anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance the code, fostering a community-driven approach to development. It's a stark contrast to proprietary VPNs, where the source code is kept secret and controlled by a single entity.
Why it’s important to use an open-source VPN
When you choose to use a virtual private network, you are placing an extraordinary amount of faith in that service provider. Here’s why:
When you are not connected to a VPN, your unencrypted Internet traffic may be intercepted by your WiFi provider, by your Internet service provider (ISP), by hackers monitoring the local network, or by the government authorities in your jurisdiction. Your common IP address is also exposed, including to the websites you visit, which could use that information to track you across the Internet. Even encrypted SSL traffic can be monitored to observe the websites you visit, and your IP address will remain exposed.
When you connect to a VPN, your Internet traffic is encrypted between your device and the VPN server, protecting it from local network surveillance. Even your DNS lookups (the names of the web domains you visit) are protected. And your IP address is masked to help protect your identity and location. However, when you connect to any VPN, the VPN provider can see the same kind of data that your ISP could when not using a VPN, including your browsing history and IP address. This is why choosing a trustworthy VPN service is so important.
A VPN application, therefore, has a lot of privileged access to your device and your online activity. Open-source code allows security researchers and the global security community to inspect how we implement encryption and how we handle your data, giving you more certainty that we are adhering to our strict privacy policy. Open-source code provides security through transparency, meaning that because the code is heavily scrutinized, potential vulnerabilities are quickly spotted and fixed. This reduces the risk of a security vulnerability in a VPN app putting you at risk.
In contrast, proprietary code relies on “security through obscurity,” meaning vulnerabilities are less likely to be discovered. Or worse, these vulnerabilities may be only known to malicious actors who exploit them secretly without users being aware.
When it comes to online privacy and security software, we believe free and open-source software is better for safety and provides better accountability to our user community. Open source has long been at the core of VPNHouse, and our open-source software includes the web app, iOS app, Android app, and windows app.
Pros and cons of free and open-source software
Like anything else, free and open-source software comes with its own set of pros and cons. On the positive side, it promotes transparency, fosters community development, and allows for customization. However, it may also lack dedicated customer support and could be less user-friendly for those not technically inclined. But at VPNHouse, we've got you covered. We offer dedicated support and multiple channels for communication, including Discord and Telegram chat. This ensures that every client can reach out to us with their queries and concerns, making our open-source VPN solution not just technologically sound, but also user-friendly and supportive.
Which VPN provider is open source and offers transparency, security, and user empowerment?
To be considered open-source, a VPN must meet certain criteria. The source code must be publicly accessible, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance it. This fosters a community-driven approach to development and ensures transparency.
At VPNHouse, we not only meet these criteria but go beyond them. We are licensed under GPL 3.0, demonstrating our commitment to the open-source ethos. Our dedication to transparency, security, and user empowerment sets us apart in the industry.
Whether you're seeking an open-source VPN for Mac, Windows, Android, or iPhone, VPNHouse has you covered. We offer a secure, transparent, and trustworthy solution for your internet privacy needs.
In conclusion, an open-source VPN like VPNHouse offers a secure, transparent, and trustworthy solution for your internet privacy needs. With the freedom to inspect and modify the code, users and developers alike can contribute to a safer internet environment. We're proud to be a part of the open-source community and invite you to check out our GitHub repository to see our code, contribute, or get a deeper understanding of our commitment to open-source development. Choose VPNHouse for a VPN solution that values transparency, security, and community collaboration.