Nord VPN Keeps Logs.

Long story short they house logs on your hard drive under the folder that contains the client files on your C: drive. It's a .txt file named "Logs". If LE got ahold of your computer and it wasn't encrypted or even if it was and cracked, you have footprints of everything you've done.

I've seen posts here constantly about whether or not VPN's keep logs. And even though NORD VPN claims they don't, they in the least store your them on your os.

Just thought I'd give everyone a heads up if you didn't already know. This is the first I've seen something like this. I wonder if many of the other VPN's do something similar?


Comments


[3 Points] Jdibs77:

PC repair technician here.

I don't know why some programs do this, but plenty of programs will leave a log file. It is not an unusual thing at all. Where is this log file stored? And have you opened it? What's inside? I'm willing to bet that there's nothing bad in there at all. Most likely, it's stuff that's sole purpose is to aid in debugging, troubleshooting, or support.

So, here's my theory. You seem like you know your way around a computer well enough that I'm not doubting you found a log. I definitely believe that. I'm more interested in what that log contains. If they really wanted to keep track of your browsing history (which a VPN is probably one of the least likely companies to do), why would they store it on your computer? That makes no sense at all. That is like honestly the weirdest thing ever. That's like installing a game on your DropBox. I don't even believe that this log is related to your browsing history at all.

You say it's under the folder that has the client files on your C: drive. So, the install location for the program? Keep in mind, not everyone installs (or even has) a C: drive. Sort that folder by "Date Modified". It's possible that the log is a log of the installation. Is it modified recently? Say, last time you used the program? Then it's most likely logging the actions of the program, not necessarily your history. So basically saying "Nord VPN connected to the server at 11:08 pm, on Sunday October 4th". Or maybe "Update to version 3.0.4 completed".

That does not count as logging your activity on the internet. All that means is that the program started. And if you think that's any kind of "invasion of privacy", I've got news for you. Windows actually logs every program you run, so it doesn't even matter if Nord VPN logs when you use it because your computer already logged that.

Log files are pretty much exclusively for debugging purposes. I've made my own log files, and I use other programs' log files all the time. You'd be surprised at how uninteresting and uninformative logs are. Why don't you open up the file, and paste the contents here? Or read it yourself. And if you're really that concerned, here's a solution for you. DBAN your hard drive, and either install Windows again and use a different VPN, or pick a different OS.

And keep in mind, I'm not saying it's impossible that you're wrong. It just seems very, very unlikely that it's what you think it is. If it is indeed a list of every domain you visited, then definitely never use that VPN again. But chances are you're freaking out over a very standard thing that is no worse than you even having the VPN in the first place.


[2 Points] Febbraio2468:

Dropped a big log over there if you want it.


[1 Points] noseybast:

I don't think that file is what you think it is


[1 Points] TheGateKeepah:

If they did keep logs, I'm sure they'd do a better job of hiding them from you.

If I were NORD, I wouldn't name a log file "Logs."


[1 Points] StonyMaan:

Calling FUD. What kind of shit VPN keeps logs on the host computer. This leads me to believe you don't know what you're talking about. When people discuss logs in terms of VPN's, these are logs which are (if present at all) held by the VPN themselves, which law enforcement would have to subpoena from them.


[1 Points] SunnyHours89:

I'm guessing the guy did a search on his whole HDD for "logs" and since he found a couple, he flipped out thinking it's his VPN keeping logs. Its not like your VPN has access to your hard disk anyways, or would want access to it.


[0 Points] AnconK6:

OHHHH. Here's the kicker. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME CONTACT NORD VPN YOURSELF AND ASK ABOUT WHY THERES LOGGING BEING PUT ONTO YOUR COMPUTER. YOU'LL GET THE ANSWER HAHA FUCKING IDIOTS.

GOD WHY I POST ON THIS FUCKING SHIT I HAVE NO FUCKING IDEA WHY. SMH.