According to Tom’s Guide, NordVPN has completed a thorough independent security audit conducted by the testing firm Cure53 across May, June, and October of 2025. The audit investigated the VPN provider’s mobile and desktop applications, its server infrastructure, and core features, finding no critical vulnerabilities. Penetration tests and code reviews were part of the assessment, with results showing apps follow strict security practices and servers use restrictive firewall rules. The audit did flag some minor items needing attention, which NordVPN’s team, led by CTO Marijus Briedis, addressed immediately—fixes that Cure53 confirmed were effective. This clean report follows a highly publicized server breach back in 2017, marking a continued flawless security record since that incident.
What the good grade really means
Look, a clean audit from a firm like Cure53 is absolutely a good thing. It’s not just a checkbox. They did real penetration testing—basically, authorized hacking—and dug into the code. Finding zero critical flaws means the core walls are strong. And NordVPN fixing the minor stuff quickly is the right response. But here’s the thing: this is what we should expect from a top-tier, paid service. It’s table stakes now. Proton VPN does yearly audits. ExpressVPN has done over twenty. So while it’s reassuring, it doesn’t make NordVPN unique; it just keeps them in the top tier.
The work never ends
I think the most honest quote from the whole report came from NordVPN’s CTO: “Security work never ends.” He’s 100% right. An audit is a snapshot. It tells you that on these specific days, under this specific scrutiny, things looked solid. But software updates, new threats, and infrastructure changes happen constantly. That’s why regular, recurring audits are so crucial. It shows a commitment to maintaining that standard, not just achieving it once for a press release. For users, this rhythm of testing is more important than any single result.
Why audits should be your non-negotiable
So, should you only use audited VPNs? For privacy and security, I’d argue yes. An independent audit is the closest thing to proof you’ll get that a provider’s no-logs policy and security claims aren’t just marketing. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a massive layer of accountability. A VPN without one isn’t automatically unsafe—but you’re taking their word for it. When your trust is the entire product, that’s a big ask. Providers that skip audits, like PrivadoVPN, rightly face criticism for it. In a world of vague promises, verified evidence matters.
Where this leaves the VPN market
This result solidifies the current hierarchy. NordVPN, Proton, and ExpressVPN are in a group that submits to regular, public scrutiny. That builds trust, which is everything in this business. For other providers, the pressure just increased. Can you claim to be a serious privacy tool if you won’t let outsiders check your work? Probably not. For users, the takeaway is simple: when choosing a VPN, make an independent audit a mandatory filter. It doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it filters out the providers who aren’t even trying to prove themselves. And in the end, that’s what you’re paying for.
