As more online security concerns are spreading, people are shifting to Virtual Private Networks,for safe browsing, anonymity, and access to restricted content. Whatever the concept behind it, the idea of a free VPN service is very attractive, but most services come with huge security concerns that could place your personal data at stake.
Free VPNs, although provide multiple benefits, they also pose a threat to users due to malware data leaks, and weak encryption.
Therefore, in this article, we will talk about some of the inherent dangers of free Virtual Private Networks and why investing in a reliable, paid VPN is safer in the long run.
VPNs basically keep your data secure by encrypting the connection and hiding your IP address. The fact of the matter is, that even without your knowledge, most free VPNs are selling your data.
One of the worst practices of free Virtual Private Networks providers is data harvesting. As you don’t have to pay for subscribing, they make profits by selling your browsing data to third parties who are mostly advertisers. This way a VPN Software becomes a tool that exploits your privacy rather than protecting it.
VPNs often log the activities of their users, recording all data that you have been accessing, including websites that you may have visited, and even searching queries. Such assembled data is sold to marketers who can use it to devise target ads according to your history of browsing.
Now, let’s try to understand what the reasons behind it are:
The most basic reason why users choose a VPN is secure encryption. However, most free Virtual Private Networks does not invest in the same encryption technology that premium services employ.
Genuine-paid VPNs normally use AES-256-bit encryption applied by government agencies and banks to secure data. Free VPN mainly employs an outdated or weaker encryption standard that exposes your personal data to hackers or surveillance.
A weak encryption system can read your data as it moves through the network. For example, when logged into a free VPN to access your bank account, someone can steal your information because the encryption in use is inadequate.
The biggest risk that is attached to free VPNs is Malware. Research has shown that most free VPN applications contain malware or adware capable of compromising your device.
A study conducted in 2020 regarding free Virtual Private Networks applications published for Android found that nearly 38% of the free VPN applications contained malicious software to infect users’ phones.
It has the capability of stealing sensitive passwords as well as credit card numbers, and in some cases, the malware takes control of the device. What is ironic here is that users install Virtual Private Networks to keep data secure, while the free VPN itself results in data leaks.
Another method by which free VPNs generate money is through the injection of advertisements into your surfing experience. Such adverts pop up malware-infected sites on your system.
These when opened, might download the malware onto your system or phishing attempts where hackers make you lose control over sensitive information.
Other than all these security concerns, free VPNs usually restrain some really important features compared to the full version. Most free VPN services cap the bandwidth, this means that if your usage exceeds a certain data, your connection reduces significantly in speed or completely gets disconnected.
This is particularly difficult if you use the VPN for purposes requiring more bandwidth and stable connections, such as streaming or gaming. Additionally, free Virtual Private Networks servers are usually overcrowded, and because of this, you experience a high rate of latency and take a longer period to access.
Paid VPNs generally provide bandwidth without limits, unlimited access to multiple servers across the globe, and much faster speeds of connections.
Free VPNs typically don’t include advanced security features that ensure your information is protected if the VPN fails. For instance, most paid VPNs feature a kill switch.
This means that in the event of a drop in your VPN connection, you are automatically dislodged from the internet. This ensures your real IP is never leaked out to any third party when the connection becomes unstable.
Free VPNs lack DNS leak protection, meaning online activities can be leaked to third parties, even through a VPN. If your DNS requests leak through the VPN, third parties, including your internet service provider, may monitor what sites you visit.
The location of servers is a crucial factor in a Virtual Private Networks. Premium VPNs often offer servers that are located in countries with strong data protection laws like those found inside the European Union and even the United States.
As for most free Virtual Private Networks, they make use of servers that are located in countries with weak data privacy regulations. That is really alarming as these open the possibility of being accessed by governments for surveillance, or countries that have very weak cybersecurity laws.
In this case, the data is stored on servers in jurisdictions with limited privacy laws and accessed easily by a third party or government authority. You would not know where your data is being routed, and it’s open to unwanted surveillance or cyberattacks when you use a free VPN.
A good VPN does not only mask the user’s IP address but also provides anonymity. It guards personal data. Apart from that, surfing will be safe, too. Free VPNs might seem like a great option, but the risk for privacy and security is way too high. Here is why a premium VPN is a far better investment:
Conclusion
There seems to be a general problem with free Virtual Private Networks offering something in the form of a safe connection, but the risks outweigh the benefits. The risks include low encryption, data logging, risks from malware, or limited functionality. In short, free VPNs compromise whatever security they claim to bring.
Therefore, if you seriously care about keeping your private life private or even ensuring that you are safe in your online activities, then you should go for a premium VPN that is worth the investment.
Remember that your personal data, security, and online privacy are worth more than anything. Do not be tempted by free Virtual Private Networks because all your data is worth much more than that.
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