IPVanish has launched RAM-only servers, in a move that significantly raises its privacy credentials.
The provider has joined some of the best VPNs in offering these servers. RAM-only servers store your data in temporary memory, or Random Access Memory (RAM), instead of on hard drives.
When these servers are switched off, all data is erased. This means your data is never logged and no information remains – even if accessed by a third-party.
RAM-only servers are being rolled out in stages, with 19 cities in nine countries being introduced first. The servers are live now on the IPVanish Mac and iPhone VPN apps, with additional platforms set to be supported later this year.
IPVanish's standard hard drive-based (HDD) servers remain fully secure and it completed a successful no-logs audit of its infrastructure earlier this year.
Improving privacy standards
HDD servers are secure but the presence of physical hard drives means theoretical privacy risks are present. If a server was seized or accessed, there may be fragments of information left – especially if the server wasn't set up correctly.
RAM-only servers eliminate this risk entirely. When the power is removed, so is the information stored. When it's rebooted, restoration takes place from a secure, read-only image, leaving no trace of prior activity.
IPVanish says "users experience true no-logs VPN privacy, as no metadata, logs, or identifying information are capable of remaining on the server."
No moving parts are involved in RAM-only servers, making IPVanish's server infrastructure more durable while generating less heat. The setting up and upgrading of RAM-only servers is also faster and easier compared to HDD servers.
19 locations in nine countries are the first to receive RAM-only servers. These are Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, England, and the US.
Further locations will be added soon and IPVanish plans to transition all of its 148 locations to RAM-only servers by 2027. IPVanish has a RAM-only Server Deployment Tracker which will be updated when new servers are added.
iPhone and Mac VPN users have access to the 19 RAM-only locations right now. Windows and Android VPN users can expect RAM-only servers by the end of 2025. RAM-only server support for Apple TV and Fire Stick VPN apps is planned for early 2026.
RAM-only servers can be accessed by navigating to the Locations tab of your IPVanish app.
IPVanish confirmed that during the first launch wave users can choose either RAM-only servers or HDD servers. Once RAM-only servers have been rolled out across all locations, HDD servers will be removed.
These RAM-only servers are just one way IPVanish is improving its privacy standards. It also announced that mobile in-app sign ups no longer require email or login credentials.
For web sign ups, only a valid email address, payment method, and zip code (US & Canada only) is needed – no name or other details are required.
Any IPVanish accounts that have been inactive for 45 days are anonymized and any identifiable information, such as an email address, is scrubbed from IPVanish's systems.
Secure Browser added to desktop apps
IPVanish launched its Secure Browser last year but has now added it to its Mac and Windows VPN desktop apps as part of the IPVanish Advanced plan.
Advanced plan subscribers can access 30 hours of browsing every month at no extra cost. It's not included for Essential plan subscribers but you can upgrade.
Users no longer need to enter the URL or download a browser extension. You can simply click the Secure Browser tab within IPVanish's desktop app menu.
IPVanish's Secure Browser allows you to browse the internet without linking activity to your device or IP address.
All activity runs in the cloud. This means threats like malware and viruses never reach your device. Cookies, trackers, identifiers, and fingerprinting are all blocked, and a disposable environment is created. Once the browser is closed, nothing is left behind and every session is wiped as though it never existed.
Secure Browser only protects your data within the browser tab, so a VPN is needed to secure your data everywhere else.
Subbu Sthanu, Chief Commercial Officer at IPVanish, said: "Secure Browser is truly unique in the consumer VPN and antivirus space. Its innovative approach of offering a sandbox in the cloud drastically improves our customers’ online security while browsing the web."
"If you want private, secure browsing, there isn’t a better solution. Secure Browser is a core part of IPVanish’s ongoing plans and is a key part of our move from being a VPN provider to a full security suite."
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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