How Secure is to Use Oracle VPS as VPN​

With privacy becoming a major concern, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) have become the go-to tool for encrypting internet traffic and hiding IP addresses.

But instead of using mainstream VPN providers, some tech-savvy users prefer setting up their own VPNs using Virtual Private Servers (VPS).

One popular choice is Oracle’s VPS, known for its performance and free tier. But how secure is to use Oracle VPS as VPN? In this article, we’ll explore the security aspects of Oracle VPS, how it works as a VPN, and whether it’s a viable option for privacy-conscious users.

How Secure Is to Use Oracle VPS as VPN?

1. What Is Oracle VPS and How Does It Work as a VPN?

Oracle provides a cloud-based Virtual Private Server (VPS) that can be configured for a variety of purposes, including running your own VPN server. With a VPS, you get dedicated computing power, storage, and network resources in a remote data center.

When used as a VPN, Oracle VPS acts as a secure tunnel, encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a private server.

Oracle offers a Free Tier VPS, which has become a popular choice for personal VPN setups. It allows users to set up OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols, two industry standards for creating secure virtual private networks.

With full control over the server configuration, users can customize encryption levels and firewall rules according to their needs.

2. Security Features of Oracle VPS as VPN

So, how secure is to use Oracle VPS as VPN? Here are some important security factors to consider:

A. Customizable Encryption Protocols

• When using Oracle VPS, you can configure top-tier encryption protocols such as AES-256 or ChaCha20, which are widely recognized for their robustness.
• OpenVPN and WireGuard are two of the most trusted protocols, offering advanced encryption to keep your data safe from prying eyes.

B. Dedicated IP Address

• A major benefit of using Oracle VPS is that you get a dedicated IP address. Unlike shared VPN services, this reduces the chance of being blacklisted by websites or streaming services.

C. No-Logging Policy

• Since you control the Oracle VPS server, you ensure that no logs are stored about your online activities. Unlike some VPN providers, there’s no risk of data being shared with third parties.

D. Firewall Configuration

• You can set up custom firewall rules to block unauthorized access and manage traffic more effectively, providing an additional layer of security.

3. Risks and Challenges of Using Oracle VPS as VPN

While Oracle VPS offers many advantages, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved:

A. Technical Expertise Required

• Setting up a VPN on Oracle VPS requires a decent level of technical knowledge. Misconfiguring the server could leave it vulnerable to attacks.

B. No Built-In Security Audits

• Unlike commercial VPN providers, VPS services do not come with independent security audits. This puts the responsibility of ensuring security entirely on the user.

C. Data Breach Risks

• Although Oracle is a reputable cloud provider, data breaches are always a possibility with any cloud-based infrastructure. Users must keep the software up to date to minimize risks.

D. Bandwidth Limitations

• Oracle’s Free Tier VPS comes with limited bandwidth, which might not be enough for heavy usage, such as streaming or gaming.

How to Set Up Oracle VPS as VPN Securely

If you’re considering using Oracle VPS as your personal VPN, follow these steps to secure your setup:

1. Create an Oracle Cloud Account:
   • Sign up for Oracle Cloud and activate the Free Tier plan.
2. Deploy a VPS Instance:
   • Choose a lightweight Linux distribution like Ubuntu for the VPS server.
3. Install VPN Software:
   • Install OpenVPN or WireGuard for a secure and reliable VPN connection.
4. Configure Firewall Rules:
   • Set up firewall rules to block unnecessary ports and secure your VPS.
5. Test the VPN Connection:
   • Ensure that the VPN is routing your traffic securely and that your IP address is masked.

So, how secure is to use Oracle VPS as VPN? The answer depends on how well you configure and maintain your server.

Oracle VPS offers solid encryption options, a dedicated IP address, and full control over your VPN setup, making it a powerful tool for those who want privacy and security.

However, it’s not without challenges—technical expertise is required, and you’ll need to stay on top of updates to prevent vulnerabilities.

If you’re willing to put in the effort, Oracle VPS can provide a secure and private VPN solution that offers more control than many commercial VPN providers. But for those who prefer ease of use and built-in support, a traditional VPN service might be a better choice.