My Private Internet Access Review

Recent research results indicated that there are more than one million viruses and malware that can attack and corrupt computer files and systems. The common medium through which these malware are distributed is internet which is a fundamental element for any modern person. Securing the internet access gadgets and online operations from hackers and crackers is very important as slight loopholes may result in severe losses including ID theft. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) provide a perfect way to protect internet access and limit the chances of information tapping. One company that has achieved credible success in providing VPN services is PIA (private internet access).

Here is a complete Private Internet Access Review including service description, advantages, concerns and overall rating;

PIA Services and Advantages

This Private Internet Access Review stated that since its inception in 2009, PIA has gone on to become the most preferred VPN service provider. This explains the rapid growth in the number of servers from 260 to 920 in a span of only 10 months. The main features that distinguish PIA VPN services include the following;

• Servers – PIA has over 900 servers in ten different countries including UK, US, Canada, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, France, Romania, Germany and Hong Kong. 


• Encryption – the most important aspect of VPN services is encryption which should be strong enough to prevent cracking. PIA has AES 128-bit, BF 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption ciphers for data. The handshake encryption features RSA-2048 3072 and 4096, as well as the unique Elliptic Curves (ECC-256k1, 256r1 and ECC-521). Data authentication encryption features SHA1 160-bit and SHA 256 256-bit. In the recent additions, PIA allows clients to use other anonymous payment methods including various gift cards. 


• IP Cloak – This is the best selling point for most VPN providers and PIA extends its advantages. IP cloak is used to conceal users IP addresses when they access the internet. This prevents hackers and other websites from tracking your activities, searches as well as geographic location. PIA allows three different simultaneous connections using a single VPN account which makes it easy for family communications. It also includes a proxy service within the subscription. 


• VPN software – PIA offers their OpenVPN client which is configured with users own username and password in the sent activation email. Other features include a VPN Kill Switch that deletes IP internet gateways when the VPN disconnects to prevent IP leakage. There is also a DNS leak protection that removes the default DNS server to replace it with the PIA assigned DNS as well as an IPv6 leak protection that further limits IP leakage. 


• Pricing – PIA provides VPN services at very affordable prices of $6.95 per month or $39.95 per year. They accept payments through PayPal, Google wallets, OKPay, Bitcoin, CashU, Liberty Reserve and hundreds of gift cards. They also provide a 7 day refund option which is guaranteed.

Concerns

This Private Internet Access Review shows that there is no great concern regarding PIA services apart from the fact that they have grown to become a very large provider. Their incorporation in the US raises fear that NSA may target them and crack down activities, although PIA promises to move oversees in case they become a target. 

Conclusion

In overall rating PIA offers secure services at incredibly cheap rates and they have been expanding their servers to other countries. They are a definite A- rated company and that is my Private Internet Access Review rating.