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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- PVanish moves to RAM-only servers, joining NordVPN and others.
- RAM-only servers support no-logs by wiping all data on reboots.
- IPVanish also uses full disk encryption to protect user data.
IPVanish is upgrading its server fleet with RAM-only servers in a move that should improve privacy protection by wiping all data on reboot cycles.
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In a blog post, the VPN service provider said the move is “the latest step in strengthening user privacy and VPN performance,” and as of now, RAM-only servers are available in 19 countries.
Joins competitors
IPVanish’s push to roll out RAM-only servers within its network ensures it joins competitors, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, in enhancing its infrastructure with new data protection measures — something that may give existing and potential customers more peace of mind, considering how many countries are moving closer toward censorship and online restrictions.
It used to be the case that most VPN networks would run standard hard drives, protected by full disk encryption. While this method is still valid and can prevent the exposure of user activities and metadata until deletion, with many VPN firms committing to no-logs policies, a means to ensure that all data is wiped and irretrievable makes more sense.
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RAM-only servers operate in Random Access Memory (RAM), and so when they are powered down or rebooted, any and all information stored within RAM is wiped. The server is then restored from a read-only image, and so no user information — including metadata or logs — is kept.
“This design removes the possibility of stored information, providing customers with greater assurance that their activity cannot be retained or recovered,” IPVanish says.
Available in 19 locations
RAM-only servers are now available in 19 locations, including 10 US states, Australia, England, Sweden, and Japan. A full rollout and transition to RAM-only infrastructure is planned by 2027.
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IPVanish will update its RAM-only server deployment tracker as new locations go online. To access RAM-only servers, head over to the “Locations” tab and click “RAM Only Server,” as highlighted in green.
UI change
To complement the rollout, IPVanish is also changing the user interfaces of Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, and both Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV apps. Server filtering, which allows users to quickly find and select RAM-only servers, will be introduced over time — although RAM-only filtering is already available in Mac and iOS IPVanish apps.
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“HDD servers remain secure worldwide with full disk encryption and a certified no-logs policy, while RAM-only servers add speed and peace of mind,” IPVanish commented. “RAM-only servers extend [user] protections by making the physical storage of data literally impossible. Even if a RAM-only server were seized mid-operation, rebooting immediately clears all information.”
Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s parent company. For more information, see our Editorial Guidelines.