Windscribe has emerged as a popular VPN service known for its generous free plan and strong privacy features. But how secure is it really? This in-depth review examines Windscribe’s security protocols, logging policies, and overall reliability to help you determine if it’s truly safe to use for protecting your online activities.
Windscribe’s Security Features
Windscribe incorporates several industry-standard security measures:
Military-Grade Encryption
Windscribe uses AES-256 cipher with SHA512 authentication and a 4096-bit RSA key – the same encryption standard used by governments and security experts worldwide.
Secure Protocols
Offers multiple protocol options including:
- IKEv2 (default for mobile)
- OpenVPN (most secure)
- WireGuard (newest and fastest)
Kill Switch
A network lock feature that blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
Privacy Policy and Logging
Windscribe maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been verified through:
Independent Audits
Their no-logs claim was verified by security firm VerSprite in 2018, though some users wish they’d conduct more recent audits.
Data Collection
Windscribe collects minimal connection logs (timestamps and bandwidth) for free users but deletes them every 3 minutes. Paid users have no logging.
Jurisdiction Considerations
Based in Canada (part of Five Eyes alliance), which raises some privacy concerns. However:
Server Locations
Windscribe uses RAM-only servers in many locations that physically can’t store logs.
Legal Protection
Their warrant canary and public transparency reports demonstrate commitment to user privacy despite location.
Potential Security Vulnerabilities
While generally secure, Windscribe has faced some criticism:
Past Security Incidents
In 2016, a vulnerability was found in their browser extension (since fixed). They maintain a public bug bounty program.
Free Plan Limitations
The free VPN version has data caps and fewer security options than paid plans.
How Windscribe Compares to Other VPNs
Security comparison with leading competitors:
vs NordVPN
NordVPN has more frequent audits but Windscribe offers better free options.
vs ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has a better jurisdiction (BVI) but Windscribe has more configurable security features.
vs ProtonVPN
Both have strong free plans, but ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland (better privacy laws).
Best Security Practices with Windscribe
To maximize your security when using Windscribe:
Recommended Settings
Use OpenVPN or WireGuard protocol with firewall enabled for strongest protection.
Multi-Hop Connections
Enable double VPN for extra security on sensitive activities.
Regular Updates
Always keep your Windscribe client updated to the latest version.
Conclusion
Windscribe is a secure VPN service that offers robust encryption and thoughtful privacy features, especially for a service with a free tier. While its Canadian jurisdiction and past vulnerabilities warrant consideration, its strong encryption, configurable security options, and verified no-logs policy make it a reliable choice for most users. For maximum security, we recommend using the paid version with OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols and enabling all available security features.
