Internet Explorer has been the laughing stock of the internet for years. Due to the slow speed, outdated interface, and lack of features, Internet Explorer is not able to compete with modern browsers like Chrome and Firefox. That’s why Microsoft decided to upgrade to Microsoft Edge in 2015 and ‘kill’ Internet Explorer once and for all. However, as you may need to reach an outdated website sometimes or because your company still works with this browser, there are some instances where you will be forced to use it. As you would expect, Microsoft no longer follows Internet Explorer closely, which leads to outdated software that hackers can take advantage of to reach your personal data. This is why using a VPN while browsing with IE is imperative.
Internet Explorer’s latest version, 11, was replaced by Microsoft Edge in 2015 and since then, Microsoft has stopped paying attention to this browser. In fact, as of 2019, Microsoft no longer sees Internet Explorer 11 as a browser, but a tool to reach older websites which have compatibility issues with modern browsers. Because of this, it’s no surprise that IE is entirely outdated and only gets a security update once a month.
As you probably know, outdated software is the holy grail for hackers as well as a highway for cyberattacks, and you can see the proof of that by reading news about Internet Explorer. In December of 2018, Microsoft had to issue an emergency update for Internet Explorer to fix a flaw which was already under active exploitation. This flaw implied that if the cyberattack was successful, the attacker would gain the same privileges as the currently logged-in user, as well as being able to create user accounts with full admin rights. Only five months later, in April of 2019, a zero-day vulnerability related to another bug was revealed. With this bug, hackers could steal files from Windows PCs through MHT files processed by the browser. This was something that Microsoft decided not to fix right away, and waited until the next update to do so.
Basically, using Internet Explorer currently is dangerous, and your privacy is always at risk.
Although Internet Explorer has become obsolete now and we strongly recommend using a more modern browser, you might be obliged to use it for several reasons such as website compatibility issues.
Keeping in mind the concerns stated above, as well as the amount of information Microsoft takes from you and shares with its other services, using a VPN with Internet Explorer is essential.
Even though Internet Explorer does not offer browser extensions, it’s still possible to change the configurations to work with some VPN providers. However, it’s so user-unfriendly that we advise you to download the Windows app and just install the VPN on your computer. Nonetheless, if you still want to add the VPN directly to the browser, here’s how you do it.
First, you need to open Internet Explorer, click ‘Settings’ and then ‘Internet Options’ which will open IE’s configuration panel. While in the configurations, you need to go to the connections tab and click on ‘Lan settings’ which will open a new window. In the Lan configurations, you need to check the ‘Use a proxy server for your LAN’ setting, and write the server’s address and the port for the VPN you want to use. Last, but not least, make sure to leave the bypass proxy server for local addresses unchecked, click ‘Ok’ in all the opened windows, and you’re done!
Although it’s possible to add a VPN directly to Internet Explorer, finding a VPN provider servers’ addresses can be a headache. Moreover, since Internet Explorer is basically dead, VPN services do not take IE into account when creating their guides. Therefore, we advise you to download the desktop application and use the VPN from there since it will be easier and less time-consuming.
NordVPN has already managed to conquer the market by being one of the most reputable and trustworthy services ever made. Among its vast arsenal of features, the close attention given to security is one of the major highlights, thanks to the presence of an automatic kill switch, protection against DNS leaks, ads and malware, and even double VPN servers.
Speaking of which, these are only some of NordVPN's special servers that compose a global network filled with unusual locations, P2P countries, support for Onion over VPN, and more. NordVPN has a handful of different subscriptions in the form of simple apps for all kinds of devices and user types.
For as little as $3.09 per month, users can enjoy all the perks of having a secure and high-speed VPN. Plus, a generous refund policy allows you to get your money back if you decide NordVPN isn’t for you during the first 30 days.
Established in 2011, CactusVPN is a well-rounded service that focuses on improving online browsing privacy and security. The small yet successful Moldovan VPN provider offers access to 36 servers across 22 countries and places emphasis on maintaining user anonymity at all costs. CactusVPN adheres to a strict privacy policy and so will never hold onto user data.
Although Netflix is unstable with the service and no gaming servers are available, the provider does offer cutting-edge apps for multiple platforms – and all at an affordable price. Each plan includes all possible features, and the company’s free trial also provides an expansive taster of everything the service has to offer.
Plus, there are numerous intriguing features, such as several European servers that allow P2P, the choice of seven VPN protocols, and a free proxy. Such advanced security features help put CactusVPN at the frontline of the industry and prove that even small packages can be mighty.
HideIPVPN is a VPN service that provides access to safe networking with multiple privacy protocols from a limited but good selection of countries. They are a U.S.-based company, founded in the fall of 2009. Among their services, you can find a built-in kill switch, and a separate smart DNS service that focuses on providing access to restricted content across the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The company provides a diverse range of plans, one more interesting and competitively priced than the other. Since the company’s pricing structure strictly divides regular VPN and smart DNS, our best bet is that this commotion is aimed at purchasing both, though there are some packages that come with free smart DNS anyway. We also have to highlight that P2P traffic is supported, but only on the servers of mainland Europe: The Netherlands and Germany. The rest impose restrictions in this matter. And finally, a rare addition among their services is the SoftEther security protocol that even has its own client software available.
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