We recently hosted a lively Q&A with the developers and engineers behind today’s leading VPN services. This session dug deep into what it really takes to build and maintain a trustworthy, high-performance VPN. We covered everything from no-logs policies to speed challenges, privacy laws, and common VPN myths.
Whether you are looking for the best VPN for privacy, wondering how VPNs stay fast while staying secure, or curious about what actually happens when a government demands user data, this Q&A will give you the answers straight from the experts.
1. How do you make sure a VPN is truly “no-logs”?
It starts with infrastructure designed so there is literally nowhere for logs to be stored. We use RAM-only servers, meaning all operational data is automatically wiped whenever the server reboots. We disable or remove any services that store session data, and only keep aggregated, anonymous performance metrics. This is not just a promise the system is built so logs cannot exist, even if we wanted them to.
2. What’s the biggest challenge in building a VPN that’s both secure and fast?
Speed and security can work together, but it takes careful engineering. Strong encryption consumes processing power, which can slow connections. To balance this, we use optimized protocols like WireGuard, strategically place servers worldwide, and dynamically scale bandwidth. Neither speed nor security needs to be sacrificed but it takes constant tuning.
3. Why do some VPNs work great one day and slow the next?
Most often it’s due to server traffic or internet routing issues. If a server is overloaded or internet routes are congested, speeds can drop. We monitor usage in real time and reroute traffic when needed. Occasionally, issues like ISP restrictions or submarine cable outages can slow things down unexpectedly.
4. Do users expect too much from a VPN?
Yes. A VPN hides your IP address, encrypts your data, and blocks many trackers, but it is not an invisibility cloak. If you log into Facebook, Facebook still knows it’s you. A VPN should be part of a broader online privacy strategy, not your only defense.
5. How do you choose which countries to host servers in?
We review each country’s internet freedom laws, data retention rules, and infrastructure stability. Countries that require VPNs to log user activity are excluded. We prefer fewer locations with strong privacy laws over a larger network with questionable jurisdictions.
6. What happens if a government demands user data?
We comply with legal obligations, but because we store no identifiable logs, there is nothing meaningful to hand over. The way our systems are designed means that even if compelled, the requested data simply does not exist.
7. How much user data is actually needed to run a VPN well?
Very little on an individual basis. We only need essential account information, like your email address and payment details, plus anonymized statistics to help us maintain performance. Your actual browsing data never reaches us.
8. What’s the hardest part of keeping a VPN secure over time?
Hackers constantly evolve their tactics, and encryption methods eventually become outdated. Security is a never-ending process. We continuously patch vulnerabilities, upgrade protocols, and monitor for new threats. It’s like painting a bridge once you finish, you start over again.
9. How are new VPN features tested?
We run lab simulations, conduct closed beta tests with selected users, and stress-test new features before rolling them out gradually. This staged release process helps catch unexpected issues early.
10. What does a typical day for a VPN engineer look like?
About 30% coding, 30% reading server logs, 30% problem-solving meetings, and 10% unplanned incidents — often in the middle of the night. Coffee is a constant factor.
11. What’s the biggest VPN myth that makes you cringe?
That VPNs make you immune to phishing or malware. A VPN protects your privacy but cannot stop you from downloading malicious files.
12. Do you personally use your own VPN?
Yes, every day. But even engineers occasionally forget to connect before starting a download. It happens to everyone.
13. Can VPNs really block ads and trackers?
Yes, but with limits. We can block known ad domains and trackers before they reach your device, but the ad industry constantly invents new tracking methods. It’s an ongoing battle.
14. If the internet was redesigned for privacy, would VPNs still exist?
In a perfect world where the internet was private and encrypted by default, VPNs would not be necessary. Until then, they remain one of the most effective tools for protecting online privacy.
Protect your privacy today. Download Novix VPN on Google Play
This behind-the-scenes look shows what makes VPNs powerful privacy tools and where their limits lie. If you have more questions about VPN technology, online anonymity, or internet security, feel free to reach out to our team.