I. Introduction
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and widely-used virtual private network (VPN) services available today. A VPN allows users to securely access the internet by encrypting their connection and routing their traffic through remote servers run by the VPN provider.
ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers across 94 countries and is known for its speed, reliability, and commitment to protecting user privacy. One of the key ways ExpressVPN secures user privacy is through its strict no-logs policy.
Using a VPN like ExpressVPN allows users to hide their IP address, which helps prevent cybercriminals from accessing their devices and protects them when accessing public Wi-Fi networks. Checking your public IP address while connected to ExpressVPN is important to ensure your real IP is hidden from websites and internet service providers (ISPs).
II. ExpressVPN’s No-Logs Policy
ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy across its entire network. This means ExpressVPN does not monitor, record, or store any user activity data that could identify a specific user or reveal browsing history.
The only information ExpressVPN temporality collects is the minimal data required to operate and maintain its VPN network. This includes basic connection time stamps and the amount of data transferred per day. Importantly, ExpressVPN immediately deletes this technical data after 30 days.
The use of RAM-only servers that run for a limited time before restarting also prevents logging, as no data persists across server instances. ExpressVPN’s approach ensures no permanent activity logs are ever kept, maintaining full user privacy.
ExpressVPN is also based outside US and EU jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands, putting it outside the reach of data-sharing agreements used by government surveillance programs.
Having such a strong no-logs policy gives users complete peace of mind that their real IP address and online activities remain hidden from everyone, including ExpressVPN itself. Users don’t have to worry about ExpressVPN recording what websites they access or having logs tying internet activity to them personally.
III. Creating a VPN Server with ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN makes it easy for users to set up their own VPN server using the MediaStreamer service included with all subscriptions.
MediaStreamer allows you to install VPN protection directly onto your router, configuring it as a secure ExpressVPN server. This blankets your entire home network with VPN encryption.
ExpressVPN has also partnered with router manufacturer Aircove to create dedicated routers with ExpressVPN baked in. Models like the Aircove Wi-Fi 6router come pre-configured to work seamlessly with ExpressVPN.
Setting up MediaStreamer is straightforward:
- Access the MediaStreamer tab in your ExpressVPN account and generate an activation code.
- Login to your router admin console and enter the activation code when prompted. This links your router to your ExpressVPN account.
- Select your preferred ExpressVPN server location and connection protocol like OpenVPN.
That’s it! MediaStreamer will now funnel all network traffic from connected devices through the VPN tunnel to your chosen server.
Having your home router act as a secure ExpressVPN server is incredibly convenient, allowing all smartphones, laptops, tablets and other connected products in your household enjoy VPN protection.
IV. Finding Your Public IP Address with ExpressVPN
When connected to ExpressVPN, it’s important to check what public IP address websites see when you browse. This confirms ExpressVPN is correctly masking your true IP and location.
Here’s how to easily find your public IP using ExpressVPN:
- Connect to an ExpressVPN server through their application or router MediaStreamer service. This establishes an encrypted VPN tunnel.
- Visit the ExpressVPN website section showing your current IP address. This displays the public IP assigned by ExpressVPN’s server.
Alternatively, go to a third-party website like ShowMyIP.com that reveals your public facing IP.
- Disconnect from ExpressVPN and check your IP on the same websites again. You should now see your actual local IP address and correct location details.
- Reconnect to ExpressVPN to reconfirm it is properly hiding your true public IP and allowing you to browse the internet anonymously.
Frequently checking the public IP exposed while using ExpressVPN is crucial to validating your privacy and security. It should display an IP belonging to the VPN server location rather than revealing your personal IP address.
V. Leak Testing Tools
In addition to checking your public IP, ExpressVPN also provides additional leak testing services that validate no identifiable data is escaping the encrypted VPN tunnel.
The VPN Leak Test checks for WebRTC leaks that can expose your local network IP. WebRTC is used for browser-based real time communications, but misconfiguration can cause leakage of your true IP address.
ExpressVPN blocks WebRTC leaks to keep your IP hidden, but their leak testing tool provides certainty by verifying no leaks are present from your browser or system configurations.
For iOS and Android mobile apps, ExpressVPN also offers leak testing capabilities to check the app configuration itself is not leaking data. This reassures VPN protection is fully enforced system-wide.
The ExpressVPN leak testing tools provide an added layer of assurance that your IP address and related connectivity data remains fully protected when accessing the internet via an ExpressVPN connection.
VI. Conclusion
Maintaining online privacy is increasingly vital in the digital age as cybercriminal threats grow. ExpressVPN provides one of the most reliable and trusted services for securing internet activity.
ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy paired with strong data privacy protections like leak prevention offer reassurance your browsing data is kept fully anonymous. Routinely checking your public IP address while connected to ExpressVPN servers also validates your identity and location are successfully obscured.
For anyone aiming to keep their online presence secure, ExpressVPN offers a premier solution for browsing the web safely while preventing eavesdropping and hiding your real location. Given rising cybercrime globally, putting ExpressVPN between you and the internet is one of the best investments you can make to protect your privacy in 2023 and beyond.