3 companies control many big-name VPNs: What you need to know

Let’s say you’re in the market for a VPN (virtual private web connection).

or even more flexible video streaming options.

At first glance, you’ll see at least a dozen options.

But it can also have undesirable effects on consumers.

These are the three companies that own and control many of the biggest names in the VPN industry today.

The data here is based on public disclosures, including the companies' own websites and press releases.

(Kape didn’t return CNET’s earlier request for comment on those reports.)

Lithuanian entrepreneur Tom Okman is the co-founder of both Nord Security and Tesonet.

Nord tells CNET that the Nord Security team has always operated independently of Tesonet.

Nevertheless, the management overlap between the two companies is notable.