At a Glance
SWATTING is a dangerous prank and it’s on the rise. Recently, several popular YouTube streamers have been the targets of SWATTING attacks, with some YouTubers being targeted multiple times. SWATTING is dangerous and in some cases it has led to the death of innocent victims.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at what SWATTING is, why SWATTERS do what they do, and how you can use a VPN to protect yourself against SWATTING attacks.
What is SWATTING?
SWATTING is when an individual makes a hoax call to police, hoping to have armed police or a SWAT team sent to a victim’s location. While most SWATTING incidents end peaceably after police realize there is no real threat, there have been instances where such calls have led to injury and even death.
SWATTERS pull such “pranks” because they don’t agree with a YouTube streamer’s comments or opinions, because they were beaten in an online game, or simply because they’re bored and just want to see what happens when they call the cops.
How Do SWATTERS Determine Their Victim’s Location?
SWATTERS can use several ways to determine where you live. You may have included a bit too much information in your public social network, YouTube, or online gaming profile. If you’ve included your city and state while also using your real name, that makes it easier for a SWATTER to simply look up your address. If you’ve included your phone number, your address could be found by using a reverse lookup directory.
Depending on the device you use and the apps you use, your photos online could include your location. Perhaps the most popular way to determine your location is to use your IP address. Any internet-connected device has an IP address, which is a unique identifier that allows computers, gaming consoles, smartphones, and other connected devices to communicate with each other. An IP address can also be used to find a device’s approximate location.
IP addresses are public and sent out any time you connect an online service, online games, or streaming service like YouTube, Twitch, Rumble, and others. This makes it easier for a SWATTER to determine your IP address and general geolocation. Using this information, they can narrow your location down to your actual address.
Once a SWATTER determines your address they then call the police and convince them that there are some dangerous goings on at your place. But can’t the SWATTER’s own location be exposed by the police simply using caller ID? Nope. The jerk making the call can use a caller ID spoofing service, while hiding their own IP address by using a proxy or a VPN.
This leads to the police and possibly a police SWAT team responding to your house, expecting trouble. Meanwhile, the idiot who made the call sits back and watches the news coverage of his nefarious efforts.
How Can a VPN Help Protect Me Against SWATTING?
A VPN temporarily assigns a new IP address to your connected device. Since each country is designed with a specific range of addresses for use by their citizens, a fresh IP makes it appear as if you and your device are located in a different country. This hides your actual location.
In addition to being able to make it appear as if you’re located anywhere except your actual location, a VPN also offers several other services that protect you online, while also enhancing your access to online content.
A VPN has the ability to hide your online activities, as it encrypts your internet connection, preventing anyone from monitoring or recording your online activities. Some VPNs also offer additional protection, blocking ads, dangerous websites, and malware.
A VPN’s ability to temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your connected device not only hides your true location, it also provides access to geo-controlled content that is usually restricted to a certain country. This can include streaming content, such as provided by Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services, as well as gaming servers and content.
In this article, I’ll provide a close look at six top VPNs that can help protect you from SWATTING attempts, while also securing and enhancing all of your online activities.
Best VPNs for YouTube Content Creators to Avoid SWATTING
These are the six top VPN providers to help YouTubers avoid SWATTING.
The best VPNs to protect YouTubers from SWATTING are:
- NordVPN: Best anti-swatting VPN. NordVPN offers the top VPN protections for YouTubers who are looking for reliable protection from SWATTER. The provider also offers comprehensive online protection, as well as access to geo-blocked content. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best VPN for users on a tight budget. Surfshark provides top-notch VPN protection, while offering it for a bargain-basement price. The provider also boasts a massive global server network, the largest on this list.
- ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection for YouTubers. This provider is admittedly the most expensive VPN on this list. That said, its premium VPN services will make it attractive to many users. The provider boasts a large global server network and excellent app support.
- CyberGhost: Attractive VPN option for first-time users. YouTubers with little to no experience in using a VPN will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps. The provider offers one-click access to streaming and downloading servers, making it an excellent option for streamers.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection. PIA’s comprehensive online security and privacy keeps you protected, while its large global server network also provides access to geo-controlled content in many areas of the globe.
- PrivateVPN: Small but powerful VPN. PrivateVPN’s server numbers are the lowest of any VPNs on this list. That said, the provider offers top-notch online security and privacy, hiding your real IP address.
TRY A TOP VPN RISK-FREE
If you’re a YouTuber in search of reliable VPN protection, you’ll be glad to know that there is an easy, no-risk way to do it. All of the VPNs on this list (including my #1 choice, NordVPN) offer no-risk free-trial periods ranging from 30 to 45 days. If you find that the VPN you’re trying doesn’t meet your needs, you can simply contact the provider to cancel your subscription and receive a full refund.
The top six providers were ranked according to the following factors:
- Connection speeds
- Global server coverage
- Online security and privacy features
- Additional features
- Customer support
Best VPNs to help YouTubers avoid SWATTING – Summary table
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for a VPN to protect YouTubers from SWATTING.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | CyberGhost.com | Private Internet Access.com | PrivateVPN.com | Best VPN to help YouTubers avoid SWATTING | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 73 Mbps | 39 Mbps | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TV's, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Routers | Total number of servers | 5,595 | 3,200 | 3,000 | 9,073 | 146 | 200+ | Simultaneous Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 |
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 Up to 74% off + 3 months free! | $1.99 87% off a 2yr Starter plan + 4 FREE mo | $6.67 49% off plus 3 months Free! | $2.19 SAVE up to 83% off 2 year plan + 2 months free | $2.13 Save 82% on a 2 year plan + Get 2 months free | $2.00 Save 85% on a 12 month plan + 24-mo/free |
The six best VPNs for YouTube content creators are:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN provides the best VPN protection for YouTube content creators, thanks to the provider’s comprehensive online protections and fast connection speeds.
The provider has you covered in the online protection category, thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider also blocks irritating advertising and malware.
NordVPN also offers a handy “Double VPN” feature that allows you to route your internet connection through a duo of VPN servers, which doubles up on your online protection and anonymity, making it that much tougher to trace your location.
The provider’s strict no-logs policy ensures that no records are ever kept of your online travels. Plus, a cryptocurrency subscription payment option helps to keep your subscription information private.
The provider’s global server network includes close to 5,800 servers in 60+ countries around the globe, providing reliable access to content around much of the world.
NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers keep outside contractors away from customers’ personal information. The provider runs its entire server network 100% from RAM, so no data is ever written to a physical hard drive. This means all data is completely wiped from a NordVPN server whenever it is rebooted or shut down.
Its connections can easily handle streaming, gaming, and other popular online pastimes. The provider never ruins a good time by throttling its users’ connections or by imposing data caps.
NordVPN native app support includes offerings for Windows, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions can be used to protect your browsing sessions.
The provider puts a six-device limit on simultaneous connections to its servers. The provider also offers compatibility with select routers, allowing users to simultaneously protect all of their devices via a single access point.
NordVPN support options include 24/7 chat, email support, and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Fast, well-protected connections
- Comprehensive native app support
- Top-notch privacy and security protections
- Extensive global server network
- Double VPN feature provides additional anonymity
Cons:
- No labeled streaming-optimized servers
BEST VPN FOR YOUTUBE CREATORS:NordVPN is my #1 choice for protecting YouTubers, hiding their true location while online. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections keep you secure while streaming. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
While Surfshark’s subscription prices are definitely a budget-minded streamer’s friend, its level of protection and service is also quite friendly.
Surfshark provides top-notch protection for your internet activities, thanks to its use of government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider’s “MultiHop” option routes your connection through a pair of servers to double up on encryption and anonymity.
Surfshark also follows a strict no-server-logs-ever policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option. Plus, the provider’s entire global server network is run 100% from volatile RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive or SSD.
The provider currently boasts the largest global server network on this list, with a server count of 3,200+ servers, based in 100+ countries around the globe.
The provider never places daily or monthly data caps on its customers’ usage, nor does it throttle their connection speeds. Plus, its well-protected connections are definitely fast enough to handle your favorite online activities.
Surfshark offers app support for iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, macOS (with native Apple silicon support), Windows, and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available to protect your browsing, along with support for several router makes and models.
Surfshark users can simultaneously connect an unlimited number of devices to the provider’s servers.
Customer support options include 24/7 agent chat, a support contact form, and a searchable troubleshooting library.
Pros:
- Fast connections
- Server network covers the globe
- Low-priced subscriptions
- Unlimited connections allowance
Cons:
- One month subscription price is expensive
LOW-PRICED VPN OPTION:Surfshark offers a reliable way to not only protect you and your YouTube streams but also protect your bank balance. The provider’s unlimited connections policy, comprehensive security and privacy protections, and large global server add up to excellent bang for the buck. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
While ExpressVPN is admittedly the most expensive VPN on this list, it provides excellent value for the money.
ExpressVPN provides top-notch protection including government-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider’s split-tunneling feature means users have control over which apps will access the internet through the VPN’s encrypted tunnel.
A strict no-server-logs policy is followed here, meaning there are no records kept of your online travels. Bitcoin is available as a private subscription payment.
Additional privacy protection is afforded by the provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology that runs all of its servers solely from RAM, with no data ever being written to a physical hard drive or SSD. This ensures that whenever an ExpressVPN server is rebooted or shut down, all information is securely wiped clean.
With 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries around the globe, ExpressVPN boasts an impressively large global server network, providing reliable access to geo-controlled content around most of the globe.
The provider’s fast connections are more than up to handling your favorite online activities. It never spoils the fun by imposing data caps or bandwidth throttling on its customers’ encrypted connections.
ExpressVPN provides native app support for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Chromebook, and Linux device platforms. The provider also protects your browser sessions with Brave, Vivaldi, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions. The provider is also compatible with several routers, offering custom firmware for some routers.
Users who opt for a monthly subscription can simultaneously connect up to five devices to ExpressVPN servers, while up to eight devices can be connected at once by long-term subscribers.
ExpressVPN customer support options include 24/7 chat, email support, trouble ticket system, and a support knowledge base.
Pros:
- Comprehensive connection protection
- Split tunneling feature
- Reliable geo-blocked content access
- Large global server network
Cons:
- More expensive than other providers
- Limited simultaneous connections
RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR YOUTUBERS:ExpressVPN‘s premium VPN service is an excellent option for YouTubers who are willing to pay a bit more for comprehensive VPN protection. It offers a large global server network and fast connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
First-time VPN users or YouTubers looking for a click-and-go VPN solution should take a closer look at CyberGhost’s service offering.
CyberGhost protects its customers’ connections with government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The provider also offers ad and tracker blocking, as well as a feature that can force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages.
The provider’s strict no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency subscription payment option help to protect your privacy.
The provider boasts over 9,100 servers, located in 90+ countries around the globe. A good number of CyberGhost’s servers supply fine-tuned connections for streaming and file downloads.
Those servers provide truly fast connections for streaming, gaming, and any other online activities. Data caps and bandwidth throttling are nowhere to be found.
CyberGhost’s easy-to-use app offerings include options for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome and Firefox extensions are available to protect your browsing. Meanwhile, the provider’s router feature protects all of your connected devices when they connect to your WiFi router.
Up to seven devices can be simultaneously connected to the CyberGhost VPN network.
CyberGhost’s customer support is made up of 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support database.
Pros:
- Fast connections
- Easy-to-use apps for popular device platforms
- Comprehensive privacy and security protections
- Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers
Cons:
- Lacks router support
- Doesn’t work in overly restrictive nations
GREAT OPTION FOR FIRST-TIME VPN USERS:Whether you’re a YouTuber new to the world of VPNs or if you just prefer easy-to-use apps, CyberGhost may be the right VPN for you. The provider’s large server network provides fast and well-protected connections. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers comprehensive online security and privacy for most popular platforms, while also delivering access to content in numerous countries.
All PIA-provided connections are well-protected with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and malicious websites is also available.
PIA servers are run free of user logs, meaning there is no evidence left behind of your online activities. The provider’s Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your payment information private.
The provider has 3,300+ servers in 83+ countries. The provider’s network provides reliable access to geo-controlled content in most regions of the world.
PIA now runs its servers solely from RAM, so all data is securely wiped when a PIA server is rebooted or powered down.
Native app support includes options for Windows, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available, and PIA offers compatibility with select routers.
The provider puts no limit on the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the provider’s servers.
Even though PIA’s connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list, the provider’s connections are easily up to handling popular online activities. No data cap or bandwidth throttling worries here.
PIA support offerings include a live chat option, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Good-sized server network
- Supports many popular devices
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
Cons:
- No streaming-optimized servers
- Doesn’t work well in some restrictive regions
RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR YOUTUBERS:Private Internet Access provides reliable access to IP addresses and content around most of the globe, thanks to its above-average-sized server network. Unlimited concurrent connections are the rule here. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
All of PrivateVPN’s customer connections are well-protected by banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. The VPN’s “Stealth VPN” feature keeps users’ VPN traffic undercover, by disguising it as normal browser traffic.
The provider’s strict no-server logs policy ensures that there are no records kept of your online antics. A cryptocurrency payment option helps to keep your payment information incognito.
PrivateVPN’s server count stands at just 200+ servers, the lowest server count of any VPN on this list. The servers are spread (rather thinly) among 63+ countries.
The provider also took last place in the download speeds competition. Happily, though, those connections should provide more than enough bandwidth to handle most popular online pastimes, with no data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about.
PrivateVPN’s app support is limited to Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Some flavors of Linux and select routers can be manually configured for use with PrivateVPN. Browser extensions are not currently available.
Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to PrivateVPN’s server network.
The provider’s support options include chat, a support request form, and an FAQ page.
Pros:
- Stealth VPN disguises VPN usage
- Reliable access to content in 63+ countries
- Comprehensive privacy and security protections
Cons:
- Global server coverage is a bit thin
- App support could also stand to be improved
STEALTHY VPN PROTECTION:PrivateVPN’s global server network is admittedly spread a bit thin. However, those servers do a good job of unblocking geo-fenced content wherever they have servers. A “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN usage undercover. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for YouTube Content Creators
If you’re looking to use a VPN to protect yourself from SWATTING, there are several factors that you should always consider.
The following is a list of the most important features to research when deciding on a VPN provider:
- Security and privacy: A VPN should, at the very least, protect your internet connection with encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-server-logs-ever policy is also a must.
- Connection speeds: Fast connections are a must for today’s popular online activities (like streaming). The VPNs I included on my list performed well in my most recent connection speed tests.
- Global server network: The larger a VPN’s global server network, the better access it provides to geo-blocked content around the globe. Also, look for multiple servers in each country, as it helps prevent a single server from being overwhelmed by too many users at once.
- Value: A VPN’s true value can be determined by comparing its asking price to the features and performance it provides. Every VPN I included on my list offers an excellent return on investment.
- Ease of use: A VPN should offer intuitive apps for popular device platforms. Each VPN on my list offers easy-to-use apps.
- Streaming: Streaming is a popular online pastime, making it important for VPNs to offer reliable access to popular streaming services, including YouTube, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other popular services.
The features listed above do not include everything that I investigate as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven approach provides an excellent understanding of VPNs and their services, which allows my readers to have the knowledge to determine which VPN is a good fit for their needs.
How to Use a VPN To Protect You Against SWATTING
YouTube streamers who are looking to protect themselves from SWATTING need only to follow these steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN provider. (NordVPN is my top choice.)
- Install the VPN’s app(s) on your YouTube streaming device(s).
- Connect to the VPN provider’s network.
- Select a VPN server.
- Enjoy your newly secured connection and improved protection from being SWATTED!
Why Not Use a Free VPN?
There are plenty of free VPNs out there, but I can almost guarantee that you’re going to be disappointed with the free VPN experience.
First of all, you may have to wait in a queue behind other free VPN users before you’re allowed to connect to a server. Once you’re allowed to connect, you’ll likely find that you have a limited number of server locations to select from, or that you’re connected automatically to a server of the provider’s choice.
Once you’re connected, you’ll likely find that your connection speeds are suffering, maybe even below YouTube’s requirements for a smooth stream. This is because VPN providers preserve most of their available bandwidth for their paying customers, so they throttle their free users’ connections.
Also, most free VPNs impose daily or monthly data caps on your VPN usage. They’re usually quite small, amounting to one or two hours of high-definition streaming. That’s not exactly enough time to entertain your followers each month, is it?
Your privacy is also put at risk. Free VPNs make money monitoring and logging their free users’ online activities and then selling that information to advertisers and other nosy types. Free VPNs have also been found to be inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions.
What Else Does a VPN Do For Me?
In addition to hiding your true location from SWATTERS, it also hides your online activities from prying eyes, and improving your access to content on the internet.
A VPN encrypts your connection, preventing anyone from monitoring your online activities. This comes in especially handy when you’re connected to a public WiFi hotspot. Hotspots are usually unencrypted, and while that makes it easier for everyone to connect to the hotspot, it makes it easier for hackers to monitor other hotspot users’ online activities. If your connection is encrypted, bad actors can’t track you.
While your home WiFi network is encrypted (please tell me it is), your connection from your router to the internet is not. This allows your ISP to monitor your activities. They can then sell the information that they collect to advertisers, the government, or anyone else who is willing to pay for it.
Some ISPs have even been caught throttling or blocking a user’s internet connection because they engaged in “unapproved” activities like file sharing or streaming video from certain sources. A VPN’s encrypted connection protection prevents your ISP from monitoring your online activities, so they can’t block a video or file source if they can’t see which one you’re connected to.
A VPN also provides access to geo-blocked content around the globe, as a VPN can temporarily assign a new IP address to your connected device, providing access to content located in other parts of the world.
Conclusion
YouTube content creators are strongly encouraged to take advantage of a VPN’s online security and privacy protections, while also protecting you from the horrors of being SWATTED. NordVPN is my top pick for YouTube creators.
NordVPN’s encrypted connections protect your internet activities and your private information, protecting you from bad guys with bad intentions. It also opens up access to a world of geo-fenced online content.
NordVPN offers app support for popular connected devices, protecting you, no matter which device you’re streaming on. Fast stable connections are the rule with this provider. NordVPN’s customer support is always there when you need it.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
Anti-SWATTING VPN FAQs
Does SWATTING Still Happen in 2023?
Unfortunately, SWATTING has been going on for years and it shows no signs of slowing.
Twitch streamer Supcaitlin posted on Twitter on January 18 2023 that her grandparent’s house had been SWATTED. The perpetrator apparently directed the attack there because they thought that she lived there.
In 2022, U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene was SWATTED. The US politician said that the October 2022 SWATTING was “the sixth time” she’d been SWATTED.
What are the Laws and Penalties for SWATTING?
SWATTERS in the United States can be in violation of several federal, as well as state laws, including:
- Sending threatening interstate communications
- Conspiring to obstruct justice
- Conspiring to retaliate against a victim, witness, or informant
- Conspiracy to commit device fraud
- Unauthorized access to a protected computer
Contents [hide]
- At a Glance
- What is SWATTING?
- How Do SWATTERS Determine Their Victim’s Location?
- How Can a VPN Help Protect Me Against SWATTING?
- Best VPNs for YouTube Content Creators to Avoid SWATTING
- Best VPNs to help YouTubers avoid SWATTING – Summary table
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs for YouTube Content Creators
- How to Use a VPN To Protect You Against SWATTING
- Why Not Use a Free VPN?
- What Else Does a VPN Do For Me?
- Conclusion
- Anti-SWATTING VPN FAQs
- Does SWATTING Still Happen in 2023?
- What are the Laws and Penalties for SWATTING?