Utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in Syria is a time-tested strategy for ensuring the privacy and anonymity of your online activities. VPN software encrypts all internet traffic to and from your device, allowing you to access websites and applications that would be otherwise unavailable due to government-imposed restrictions. Additionally, it’s a tough decision to access geo-restricted streaming media services like US Netflix. As such, this essay will cover why Syrians should use a VPN and which ones are the best.
A VPN encrypts all online traffic that passes through an intermediate server on its way to and from your device. This trick hosts websites and applications into believing you’re in a different place, allowing you to access libraries of content that would have been unavailable otherwise. The encryption feature keeps governments and intelligence services at bay.
Before including a provider in our top VPN for Syria, we analyzed it against the following criteria:
- Has a global network of servers.
- Easily unblock geo-restricted streaming services.
- Provides prompt and dependable service.
- Secures your location using robust encryption settings.
- Allows for simultaneous connection of several devices.
- Provides superior customer service.
Best VPN for Syria
NordVPN
NordVPN is well-known for its commitment to privacy. Its network of over 5,000 servers covers several countries and offers a diverse range of services around the globe.
NordVPN broadcasts high-definition videos without noticeable buffering. We put it to the test in our user review, and it performed well, readily evading blockades on US Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, and ESPN, among others. Users may choose a server that is optimized for certain purposes, such as streaming HD video and double VPN.
NordVPN does not save any user data, and this policy is not subject to exceptions. Its servers were seized on many occasions, but no incriminating content was discovered. 256-bit encryption, the OpenVPN protocol, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak prevention are all included in the security protocols.
Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS applications are available. The basic package supports concurrent connections on multiple devices.
Is it necessary to use a free VPN in Syria?
As previously stated, Syria’s internet is heavily monitored by governmental officials. For consumers seeking unrestricted access, it’s critical to choose a VPN service that offers industry-leading levels of privacy, encryption, and speed, ensuring that government blockades are easily circumvented. Unfortunately, free VPNs will fall short of this claim.
The majority of free VPN companies seek to produce a bare-bones offering that barely works. This enables the corporation to attract naïve consumers and monetize the service via advertisements or repeated upgrade demands. Free VPNs will not provide you with the same degree of customer service, encryption, or speed as their paid counterparts. Instead, be prepared to face lengthy wait times for server connections, bandwidth restrictions, and significantly lower speeds.
Additionally, there are instances of free VPN providers with dubious ethics; some have been accused of exploiting user bandwidth to construct botnet armies and infecting host devices with malware to harvest data. We feel that it is in your best interest to avoid utilizing free VPNs when online.
Why should I use a virtual private network (VPN) in Syria?
Despite the country’s continuing civil conflict, Syrian authorities continue to aggressively ban and censor information. The internet is a critical lifeline for communication in certain locations, especially when cell phone networks are congested.
Internet advocacy group Freedom House described Syria’s online environment as ‘not free,’ citing blogger arrests and frequent content blockades as areas of worry. According to the report, law enforcement agencies imprisoned 15 digital activists and bloggers in 2017. 2018 data is not yet available. Additional citizen journalists and bloggers were assassinated while covering the violence, with both sides claiming responsibility.
According to the research, Russian, Iranian, and Syrian government hackers were tasked with launching malware and spear-phishing assaults on renowned human rights groups in an attempt to steal their data or wipe out their databases. Before government strikes, the internet was, in some instances, shut down, forcing Syrian people to rely on Turkish cell signals to access the internet. Freedom House connects the state’s heavy-handedness to the fact that ordinary individuals have utilized the internet to expose human rights violations, with some of the information being picked up by foreign news organizations as well.
Syrian authorities have blocked a slew of politically inflammatory websites critical of the regime, most notably those maintained by Lebanese and Jordanians. It accomplishes its censorship via the use of many commercially available software products, such as ThunderCache, which throttles access through deep packet inspection. Additionally, there is evidence that the Italian business area SpA collaborated closely with Syrian authorities to hone its censorship and monitoring capabilities. The VPN we mentioned will protect you from this technology.
A VPN is also a suggested alternative if you want to routinely use torrents. While it is unknown if torrenting is permitted in Syria, it is prudent to be cautious.
DISCLAIMER: PrivacyExplore does not advocate the use of a VPN to illegally watch content. Please research your local laws before embarking on this trek. If you have any concerns, it is recommended that you consult a lawyer in your country of residency.
How can I securely blog in Syria?
News organizations and the general public worldwide rely on citizen journalists and bloggers to provide first-hand accounts of current events in Syria. Those relaying information, on the other hand, may become targets of the state or rebel organizations. As a result, it may be prudent to conceal your identity when attempting to blog securely in Syria.
Obviously, using a VPN may assist. However, for a more extensive, step-by-step procedure, we recommend reading our guide to blogging securely.
Suggestions for using a VPN in Syria
To get a foreign IP address while in Syria, follow these steps:
- The first thing you should do is choose a provider that fulfills your specifications. We advise you to make your selection based on both the mini-reviews and the comprehensive user reviews linked at the bottom of each.
- Once you’ve decided, just register using your payment card details. Additionally, some providers allow PayPal, Bitcoin, and other forms of payment.
- Download the appropriate applications straight from the provider’s website.
- Once the installation is complete, restart all devices.
- Connect to the server of your choosing using your VPN software.
- Congratulations; your online behavior is now completely safe and confidential.
Syria’s access to Netflix libraries
Netflix does not function in Syria owing to limitations imposed by the US government. As a result, if you are an international development worker working in the country, you will be denied access to the service if you use a Syrian IP address to log in. The only way to get access to Netflix is to first install a VPN. Although the main Netflix library is located in the United States, you may access other catalogs by connecting to the proper VPN server.
If you attempt to use a VPN that does not support Netflix, you will almost certainly get a proxy error notice. It is preferable to choose one from our suggested list. While the majority of them function with Netflix, it’s a good idea to contact customer care if you come across any issues.