Author
Michael Gargiulo
Founder, CEO & Lead Domain Broker, VPN.com
- Founder & CEO of VPN.com
- Forbes Technology Council
Four years to the right name
Long before VPN.com was a business, it was a target. Michael Gargiulo spent four years pursuing the domain, convinced that the right name is the difference between a project and a brand people actually trust. In 2017 he closed it, acquiring VPN.com for nearly $1 million. He had learned the playbook the hard way: at the University of Georgia he grew three of his own sites to four million monthly visitors while earning a Cum Laude finance degree, and the largest now draws roughly 700 million visits a year.
1.7 billion people, exposed in a year
Michael built VPN.com around a problem that keeps getting worse. In 2024 alone, more than 1.7 billion people had personal data exposed in breaches, and 2025 set a record with over 3,300 reported compromises in the United States. The overwhelming majority of those victims never did anything wrong. His goal is straightforward: give ordinary people a clear, honest way to secure their privacy before they become the next statistic.
No sponsors, no affiliate bias
That mission runs on evidence. Michael and his team built VPN.com into an independent resource for choosing a VPN: no sponsors, no pay-for-placement, no affiliate bias in what gets recommended. Their research and comparisons span more than 1,000 providers and 188,000 data points, so a reader can find the right protection for their needs and budget in a few clicks rather than trusting a marketing page.
$100 million in quiet deals
Michael also puts his hard-won domain expertise to work for others. As VPN.com’s lead broker he has advised entrepreneurs, funds, and Fortune 1000 companies on more than $100 million in premium domain acquisitions and sales, negotiating anonymously so a seller never learns who is really buying. One of his favorite deals was contracting CoolMathGames.com for $1.8 million.
From Forbes columns to family hockey
A member of the Forbes Technology Council, Michael writes a Forbes column on domain strategy and online security, and his work has been recognized by outlets from Forbes to Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary. He is based in Atlanta, mentors FBLA students, and plays hockey with his family.
Articles by Michael Gargiulo
What is a VPN and How Does it Work: A Simple Explanation
What is a VPN and how does it protect you online? We explain how VPNs work, what they hide and why you need one for safe private browsing today.
How to Choose a VPN: The Only Factors That Actually Matter
How to choose a VPN without falling for marketing hype. Learn which features matter, which ones don't and how to spot shady providers before subscribing.
How to Set Up a VPN on Any Device in Under Five Minutes
VPN setup is easier than you think. Learn how to set up a VPN on every major platform with clear steps, verification tips and provider recommendations.
How to Hide Your IP Address? Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to hide your IP address using VPNs and other methods. Protect your privacy, prevent tracking, and secure your online activity.
Are VPNs Legal? Global Laws, Risks and Safety Guide
Are VPNs legal and safe to use? Learn global laws, risks and restrictions plus how to choose a secure VPN. Protect your privacy get started today.
Most Secure VPN Services: AES-256 & No-Logs Verified
Find the most secure VPN with AES-256 encryption, verified no-logs audits, and kill switches. We rank providers that meet all three security standards.