In a world where cybersecurity becomes a crucial issue, journalists and whistleblowers must redouble their prudence to preserve their anonymity and protect their sources. In 2025, the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) remains one of the most effective solutions to guarantee private and secure navigation. But how can a VPN really make the difference? Discover in this article the multiple ways of which this tool protects professionals from the
The freedom to inform is one of the pillars of democratic societies, but it is today faced with many challenges. Between government surveillance, cyber attacks, and data collection by private companies, journalists and whistleblowers are facing increasing pressure.
In 2025, these issues were more complex than ever. Technology evolves quickly, as is monitoring and hacking methods. Journalists, who often work with sensitive information, must imperatively adopt solutions to protect their anonymity and secure their communications. VPNs, with their advanced encryption features, their ability to hide the IP addresses and their use on several devices, have become essential tools for this type of protection.
The best VPNs of the moment:
Why do journalists and whistleblowers need a VPN?
A VPN is not only a tool to watch geoblocked content on streaming platforms. It is above all an essential digital security solution for professionals exposed to increased risks. This is why journalists and whistleblowers in 2025 cannot do without it:
1. Protection of identity and location
Journalists who investigate sensitive subjects must imperatively mask their identity and their location. Without this protection, they may be located and monitored. A VPN replaces the real IP address with that of a server located in another country, making user location almost impossible.
This is particularly important for those who work in regions where surveillance of Internet connections is common. By redirecting their traffic via servers located in more permissive areas, such as in Europe or North America, journalists can protect their anonymity.
2. Securing communications
Exchanges between journalists and their sources must remain confidential. Whether it is a VoIP call, an email or a file transfer, a VPN ensures that this data remains invisible to hackers or surveillance organizations. The encryption protocols used by services such as NordVPN or Cyberghost guarantee that all the information exchanged is inaccessible to unauthorized third parties.
3. Bypassing access restrictions
In many countries, access to certain websites is blocked, including those in independent media or international organizations. A VPN allows you to circumvent these restrictions by connecting to a server in a country where these sites are accessible. For example, a journalist based in a country where censorship is omnipresent can use a VPN to access international information sites or secure data hosting platforms.
Encryption: a shield against data interception
Encryption is the heart of security that VPN offers its users. The best services, such as ExpressVPN or Cyberghost, use advanced encryption protocols, such as AES-256, to protect user data.
Concretely, what does that mean for a journalist? When an internet connection is secured by a VPN, the information sent and received (emails, documents, messages) is transformed into an indecipherable code. Even if a third party manages to intercept this data, it will be impossible for him to read them without the key to deciphering.
See also: Our price comparator of VPN offers
Good to know:
Modern VPNs also make it possible to encrypt connections on all devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful for journalists who work on several supports: laptops, Android smartphones, tablets, etc.
Essential features for optimal protection in 2025
Not all VPNs are created equal. Some stand out for their advanced features which particularly meet the needs of journalists and whistleblowers. Here are the main features to look for:
- Kill Switch: In the event of accidental disconnection from the VPN, this option automatically cuts internet access to prevent the real IP address or sensitive data to be exposed.
- Double VPN: Present on services like NordVPN, this mode transit the data by two secure servers instead of a single, thus offering double encryption.
- Protection against DNS and IP leaks: these features guarantee that the identity of the user will not be revealed, even in the event of a technical problem.
- Multi-Appareils compatibility: The best VPNs offer dedicated applications for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac, allowing journalists to secure all their devices with a single subscription.
- Specialized servers: Some services, such as Cyberghost, offer optimized servers for specific tasks, such as streaming or secure file transfers.
Trick :
Make sure you choose a VPN supplier with a strict policy of non-conducting business newspapers. This ensures that no data on your use of the service will be preserved.
Bypassing censorship and geographic blockages
In some countries, internet restrictions are particularly strict. Governments can block access to media platforms, prohibit certain messaging applications or monitor connections to track down dissidents. Journalists working in such conditions can use a VPN to circumvent these restrictions and find a certain freedom online.
A VPN allows you to connect to a server located in a country where these blockages do not exist, thus offering full access to the web. For example, if a news site is locally blocked, a VPN gives the opportunity to consult it via a secure connection.
Attention :
If the use of VPNs is legal in most countries, some governments have set up restrictions to limit access. Find out about local regulations before using a VPN in a risk area.
Protect communications and sensitive files
Journalists often exchange critical information which, if intercepted, could compromise their work or put their sources in danger. A VPN guarantees the confidentiality of these exchanges by securing the connection between the user and the communication or storage services used.
For example :
- E -mails sent via conventional services can be intercepted on an unsecured public network. With a VPN, traffic is encrypted, which makes this interception useless.
- Secure messaging applications, as a signal, work even better when used in conjunction with a VPN, because the network connection itself is protected.
- The files sent or received via online storage platforms (such as Google Drive or Dropbox) are also secure.
The essential criteria for choosing a VPN in 2025
Not all VPNs meet the same quality standards. Here is a guide to choose the service that best meets the needs of journalists and whistleblowers:
- Strict policy of data non-conducting: favor suppliers who guarantee not to keep any history of use.
- Extended network of servers: the more a VPN has servers in different countries, the easier it is to bypass geographic restrictions.
- Speed and performance: For activities such as heavy file transfer or video calls, opt for an optimal speed service.
- Reactive customer support: In the event of a technical problem, an assistance service 24 hours a day and 7 days a week can be vital.
- Compatibility with several devices: Make sure that VPN offers applications for all operating systems you use (Android, iOS, Windows, etc.).
Our selection of the best VPNs of the moment:
Conclusion: essential security for freedom of expression
In 2025, the use of a VPN is no longer an option, but a necessity for journalists and whistleblowers. Faced with growing threats linked to cybersecurity, these tools offer a simple, but effective solution to protect their identity, secure their communications and guarantee their freedom online.
Whether to circumvent censorship, protect sensitive exchanges or ensure the anonymity of their activities, VPNs like NordVPN, Cyberghost or ExpressVPN are essential as essential allies. In a world where technology can be a threat as an opportunity, these services make it possible to defend transparency and truth, even in the most hostile environments.
And find the best VPNs for all uses on our VPN comparator space.