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VPN security
Cyber Security Data Encryption Digital Protection Internet Anonymity Online Privacy Paid VPN Services Public Wi-Fi Safety secure browsing VPN security

Exposing the Misconceptions That Keep Users Misusing VPNs

 


The idea of privacy has become both a luxury and a necessity in an increasingly interconnected world. As cyber surveillance continues to rise, data breaches continue to occur, and online tracking continues to rise, more and more Internet users are turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) as a reliable means of safeguarding their digital footprints. 

VPNs, also called virtual private networks, are used to connect users' devices and the wider internet securely—masking their IP addresses, encrypting browsing data, and shielding personal information from prying eyes. 

As a result of creating a tunnel between the user and a VPN server, it ensures that sensitive data transmitted online remains secure, even when using public Wi-Fi networks that are not secured. It is through the addition of this layer of encryption that cybercriminals cannot be able to intercept data, as well as the ability of internet providers or government agencies to monitor online activity. 

Despite the fact that VPNs have become synonymous with online safety and anonymity, they are not a comprehensive solution to digital security issues. Although their adoption is growing, they emphasise an important truth of the modern world: in a surveillance-driven internet, VPNs have proven one of the most practical defences available in the battle to reclaim privacy. 

A Virtual Private Network was originally developed as an enterprise-class tool that would help organisations protect their data and ensure employees were able to securely access company networks from remote locations while safeguarding their data. 

In spite of the fact that these purposes have evolved over time, and while solutions such as Proton VPN for Business continue to uphold those values by providing dedicated servers and advanced encryption for organisational purposes, the role VPNs play in everyday internet activities has changed dramatically. 

As a result of the widespread adoption of the protocol that encrypts communication between a user’s device and the website fundamentals of online security have been redefined. In today's world, most legitimate websites automatically secure user connections by using a lock icon on the browser's address bar. 

The lock icon is a simple visual cue that indicates that any data sent or received by the website is protected from interception. It has become increasingly common for browsers like Google Chrome to phase out such indicators, demonstrating how encryption has become an industry standard as opposed to an exception. 

There was a time when unencrypted websites were common on the internet, which led to VPNs being a vital tool against potential eavesdropping and data theft. Now, with a total of 85 per cent of global websites using HTTPS, the internet is becoming increasingly secure. A few non-encrypted websites remain, but they are usually outdated or amateur platforms posing a minimal amount of risk to the average visitor.

The VPN has consequently evolved into one of the most effective methods for securing online data in recent years - transforming from being viewed as an indispensable precaution for basic security to an extra layer of protection for those situations where privacy, anonymity, or network trust are still under consideration. 

Common Myths and Misconceptions About VPNs 

The Myth of Technical Complexity 

Several people have the misconception that Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are sophisticated tools that are reserved for people with advanced technical knowledge. Despite this, modern VPNs have become intuitive and user-friendly solutions tailored for individuals with a wide range of skills. 

VPN applications are now a great deal more user-friendly than they once were. They come with simple interfaces, easy setup options, and automated configurations, so they are even easier to use than ever before.

Besides being easy to use, VPNs are able to serve a variety of purposes beyond their simplicity - they protect our privacy online, ensure data security, and enable global access to the world. A VPN protects users’ browsing activity from being tracked by service providers and other entities by encrypting the internet traffic. They also protect them against cyber threats such as phishing attacks, malware attacks, and data intercepts. 

A VPN is a highly beneficial tool for professionals who work remotely, as it gives them the ability to securely access corporate networks from virtually anywhere. Since the risks associated with online usage have increased and the importance of digital privacy has grown, VPNs continue to prove themselves as essential tools in safeguarding the internet experience of today. 

VPNs and Internet Speed 

The belief that VPNs drastically reduce internet speeds is also one of the most widely held beliefs. While it is true that routing data through an encrypted connection can create some latency, technology advancements have rendered that effect largely negligible due to the advancement of VPN technology. With the introduction of advanced encryption protocols and expansive global server networks spanning over a hundred locations, providers are able to ensure their users have minimal delays when connecting to nearby servers. In order to deliver fast, reliable connections, VPNs must invest continuously in infrastructure to make sure that they are capable of delivering high-speed activities such as streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. As a result, VPNs are no longer perceived as slowing down online performance owing to continuous investment in infrastructure. 

Beyond Geo-Restrictions 

There is a perception that VPNs are used only to bypass geographical content restrictions, when the reality is that they serve a much bigger purpose. Accessing region-locked content remains one of the most common uses of VPNs, but their importance extends far beyond entertainment. Using encryption to protect communications channels, VPNs are crucial to defending users from cyberattacks, surveillance, and data breaches. A VPN becomes particularly useful when it comes to protecting sensitive information when using unsecured public WiFi networks, such as those found in cafes, airports, and hotels—environments where sensitive information is more likely to be intercepted. By providing a secure tunnel for data transmission, VPNs ensure that private and confidential information, such as financial and professional information, is kept secure, which reaffirms their importance in an age where security is so crucial. 

The Legality of VPN Use 

There is a misconception that VPNs are illegal to use in most countries, but in reality, VPNs are legal in almost every country and are widely recognised as legal instruments for ensuring online privacy and security. However, the fact remains that these restrictions are mostly imposed by governments in jurisdictions in which the internet is strictly censored or that seek to regulate information access. Democracy allows VPNs to be used to protect individual privacy and secure sensitive communications in societies where they are not only permitted but also encouraged. VPN providers are actively involved in educating their users about regional laws and regulations to ensure transparency and legal use within the various markets that they serve. 

The Risk of Free VPNs

Free VPNs are often considered to be able to offer the same level of security and reliability as paid VPN services, but even though they may seem appealing, they often come with serious limitations—restricted server options, slower speeds, weaker encryption, and questionable privacy practices. The majority of free VPN providers operate by collecting and selling user data to third parties, which directly undermines the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. 

 Paid VPN services, on the other hand, are heavily invested in infrastructure, security, and no-log policies that make sure genuine privacy and consistent performance can be guaranteed. Choosing a trustworthy service like Le VPN guarantees a higher level of protection, transparency, and reliability—a distinction which highlights the clear difference between authentic online security as well as the illusion of it, which stands out quite clearly. 

The Risks of Free VPN Services

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) that are available for free may seem appealing at first glance, but they often compromise security, privacy, and performance. Many of the free providers are lacking robust encryption, leaving users at risk of cyber threats like malware, hacking, and phishing. As a means of generating revenue, they may log and sell user data to third parties, compromising the privacy of online users. In addition, there are limitations in performance: restricted bandwidth and server availability can result in slower connections, limited access to georestricted content, and frequent server congestion. 

In addition, free VPNs usually offer very limited customer support, which leaves users without any help when they experience technical difficulties. Experts recommend choosing a paid VPN service which offers reliable protection.

Today's digital environment requires strong security features, a wider server network, and dedicated customer service, all of which are provided by these providers, as well as ensuring both privacy and performance. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are largely associated with myths that persist due to outdated perceptions and limited understanding of how these technologies have evolved over the years. 

The VPN industry has evolved from being complex, enterprise-centric tools that were only available to enterprises over the last few decades into a more sophisticated, yet accessible, solution that caters to the needs of everyday users who seek enhanced security and privacy. 

Throughout the digital age, the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) has become increasingly important as surveillance, data breaches, and cyberattacks become more common. Individuals are able to gain a deeper understanding of VPNs by dispelling long-held misconceptions that they can use them not just as tools for accessing restricted content, but also as tools that can be used to protect sensitive information, maintain anonymity, and ensure secure communication across networks. 

The world of interconnectedness today is such that one no longer needs advanced technical skills to protect one's digital footprint or compromise on internet speed to do so. Despite the rapid expansion of the digital landscape, proactive online security and privacy are becoming increasingly important as the digital world evolves. 

Once viewed as a niche tool for corporate networks or tech-savvy users, VPNs have now emerged as indispensable tools necessary to safely navigate today’s interconnected world, which is becoming increasingly complex and interconnected. Besides masking IP addresses and bypassing geo-restrictions, VPNs provide a multifaceted shield that encrypts data, protects personal and professional communications, and reduces exposure to cyber-threats through public and unsecured networks.

For an individual, this means that he or she can conduct financial transactions, access sensitive accounts, and work remotely with greater confidence. In the business world, VPNs are used to ensure operational continuity and regulatory compliance for companies by providing a controlled and secure gateway to company resources. 

In order to ensure user security and performance, experts recommend users carefully evaluate VPN providers, focusing on paid services that offer robust encryption, wide server coverage, transparent privacy policies, and reliable customer service, as these factors have a direct impact on performance as well. Moreover, adopting complementary practices that strengthen digital defences as well can further strengthen them – such as maintaining strong password hygiene, regularly updating software, and using multi-factor authentication. 

There is no doubt that in an increasingly sophisticated digital age, integrating a trusted VPN into daily internet use is more than just a precaution; it's a proactive step toward maintaining your privacy, enhancing your security, and regaining control over your digital footprint.
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VPN security
Chat Control Regulation Client Side Scanning cybersecurity risks Data protection Encryption Backdoors End To End Encryption Online Surveillance Privacy VPN security

Chat Control Faces Resistance from VPN Industry Over Privacy Concerns


 

The European Union is poised at a decisive crossroads when it comes to shaping the future of digital privacy and is rapidly approaching a landmark ruling which will profoundly alter the way citizens communicate online. 

A final vote on October 14 is expected to take place on September 12, 2025, as Member States will be required to state their position on the proposed Child Sexual Abuse Regulation — commonly referred to as "Chat Control" — in advance of its final vote. Designed to combat the spread of child abuse content, the regulation would place an onus on the providers of messaging services such as WhatsApp, Signal, and iMessage to scan every private message sent between users, even those messages protected from being read by third parties. 

The supporters of the legislation argue that it is a necessary step for ensuring the safety of children, but critics argue that it would effectively legalise mass surveillance, thereby denying citizens access to secure communication and exposing their personal data to the possibility of being misused by government agents or exploited by malicious actors. 

Many observers warn that this vote will set a precedent that could have profound implications for the privacy and democratic freedoms of the continent as a whole if its outcome were to turn out favorably. 

The proposal is called “Chat Control” by its critics, since it requires all messaging platforms operating in Europe to actively scan user conversations, including those that are protected by end-to-end encryption, in search of child sexual abuse material that is well-known and previously unknown. 

In their opinion, such obligations threaten to undermine the very foundations of secure digital communication, creating the possibility of unprecedented levels of monitoring and abuse, which advocates argue could undermine the very foundations of secure digital communication.

The VPN Trust Initiative (VTI), an organisation which represents a group of major VPN providers, has been pushing back strongly against the draft regulation, stating that any attempt to weaken encryption would erode the very basis of the Internet's security. VTI co-chair, Emilija Beranskait, emphasised that "encryption either protects everybody or it doesn't," imploring governments to preserve strong encryption as a cornerstone of privacy, trust, and democratic values, urging them to adopt stronger encryption. 

According to NordVPN's privacy advocate, Laura Tyrylyte, while client-side scanning is indeed a safety and security concern, it is not an acceptable compromise between an organisation's safety and security, contending that solutions must not be compromised in the interest of addressing a single issue alone. 

Moreover, NymVPN's CEO, Harry Halpin, condemned the proposal as “a major step backwards for privacy” and warned that, once normalised, such surveillance tools could be used against journalists, activists, or political opponents. In addition, experts have raised significant technical concerns with the introduction of mandatory scanning mechanisms, stating that such mechanisms will fundamentally undermine the technology underlying online security. 

Moreover, they are concerned that client-side scanning infrastructure could be repurposed so that surveillance is widened far beyond what it was originally intended to do, which runs counter to the European Union's own commitments under initiatives such as the Cyber Resilience Act and efforts to prepare for quantum cryptography in the future. 

However, a deeply divided political debate is ongoing in the EU. Eight member states have formally opposed the proposal, including Germany and Luxembourg, while fifteen others, including France, Italy, and Spain, are still in favour of the proposal. 

There is still some uncertainty regarding the outcome of the October vote because only Estonia, Greece, and Romania have not decided. In addition to the pressure being put on the EU Council, more than 500 cryptography experts and researchers have signed an open letter urging it to reconsider the risks associated with introducing what they consider a dangerous precedent for the future of the digital world in Europe. 

It has been suggested that under the Danish-led proposal, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Signal, and ProtonMail would have to scan private communications without discrimination. In their current form, the proposal would violate end-to-end encryption in an irreparable way, according to experts. 

A direct analysis of links, photos, and videos is part of the system that will run directly on the users' devices before messages are encrypted. 

Only government and military accounts are exempt from this analysis, with the draft regulation last circulated to EU delegations on July 24, 2025, claiming to safeguard encryption. Still, privacy specialists are of the opinion that true security cannot be maintained using client-side scanning. 

Laura Tyrylyte, NordVPN's privacy advocate, observed that "Chat Control's client-side scanning provisions create a false choice between security and safety." The solution to one problem, even a serious one like child safety, cannot be at the expense of creating systemic vulnerabilities that are more dangerous to everyone." 

Several other industry leaders expressed similar concerns as well, including Harry Halpin, CEO of NymVPN, who condemned the measure as “a significant step backwards for privacy.” He explained that the indiscriminate scans of private communications are disproportionate in nature, creating a backdoor that could be exploited if it is normalised. 

There is a risk that such infrastructure could easily be redirected towards attacking journalists, political opponents, or activists while also exposing ordinary citizens to hostile cyberattacks. In Halpin's view and the opinion of others, it is more effective to carry out targeted, warrant-based investigations, to take down illegal material swiftly, and to use properly resourced specialist teams rather than universal surveillance as a means of detecting illegal activity. 

However, despite the simple concessions made in the latest draft, such as restricting the detection to visual contents and excluding audio and text, the scientific community has remained steadfast in its criticism regardless of the concessions made. 

The researchers point out that there are four critical flaws to the system: the inability to scan billions of messages accurately; the inevitable weakening of encryption through the monitoring of devices on-device; the high risk that surveillance can expand beyond its stated purpose due to "function creep"; and the danger that mass monitoring in the name of child protection will erode democratic norms. 

While the EU has promised oversight and consent mechanisms, cryptography experts claim that secure and reliable client-side scanning cannot be performed at scale, despite promises of EU oversight and consent mechanisms. This proposal, therefore, is technically flawed as well as politically perilous. 

VPN providers are also signalling that they will not stand on the sidelines if the regulation is passed. Several leading companies, including Mullvad, a popular privacy-focused service, have expressed concern about the possibility of withdrawing from the European market altogether if the proposed legislation is passed. 

If this happens, millions of users will be impacted, and innovation in this field may be curtailed. Similar advocacy groups, including Privacy Guides, have sounded the alarm in the past weeks, warning that the new regulations threaten to undermine the privacy of all citizens, not only those suspected of wrongdoing, and they urge all citizens to take notice before the September 12 deadline. 

A growing number of social media platforms are also being criticised, and voices like Telegram founder Pavel Durov have pointed out that comparable laws have failed in the past, as determined offenders have simply moved to smaller applications or VPNs to avoid these weaker protections, which leaves ordinary users to bear the brunt. 

The debate carries significant economic weight. The Security.org website indicates that more than 75 million Americans already use VPN services to keep their privacy online. As Chat Control advances, this demand is expected to grow rapidly in Europe. As per Future Market Insights, by 2035, the VPN industry is expected to grow to a value of $481.5 billion; however, experts caution that heavy regulation may fragment the market and stifle technological development.

Denmark has continued to lobby for the proposal despite mounting opposition from civil society groups, technology companies, and several member states as the EU Council prepares to vote on October 14, as tensions are increasing. In recent weeks, citizens have taken to online platforms such as X to voice their concerns about the proposed legislation, warning that Europeans would not have fundamentally secure digital privacy. 

Analysts point out that in order to adapt to this changing environment, VPN providers may need to use quantum-resistant technologies faster or explore decentralised models, as highlighted in recent forward-looking studies, which point to the existential stakes of the industry. 

However, one central fear remains across all debates: once surveillance infrastructure is embedded in the environment, its scope is unlikely to be limited to combating child abuse. In their view, it could create a framework for broad and permanent monitoring, reshaping the global norms of digital privacy in a way that undermines both the rights of users and technological innovation in the process. 

A key question to be answered before the EU's vote on October 14 is whether it can successfully balance child protection with its longstanding commitments to privacy and digital rights while maintaining a sense of security. 

It is noted that decisions made in Brussels will have a global impact, potentially setting global standards for how governments deal with encryption, surveillance, and online safety, as experts warn. For legislators, the challenge is to devise effective solutions that protect vulnerable groups without dismantling the secure infrastructures that rely on modern communication, commerce and civic participation. 

One possible path forward, according to observers, could be bolstering cross-border investigative collaboration, strengthening rapid takedown protocols for harmful material, and building specialised law enforcement units which are equipped with advanced tools that are able to target perpetrators rather than citizens collectively, to achieve a better outcome. 

In addition to the fact that private measures would prove better at combating criminal networks, privacy advocates argue that they would also preserve the trust and innovation that Europe has championed for decades, as well as the sense of security that Europe has promoted for decades. 

There will be a clear indication of the EU's global leadership position in safeguarding both child safety and civil liberties through this decision, or whether it will serve as a model for other nations to emulate in terms of surveillance frameworks to maintain secure neighbourhoods.
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WireGuard
Cyber Security End-to-End Encryption IPsec secure VPN VPN encryption VPN protocols VPN research VPN security VPN vulnerabilities WireGuard

VPN Services May Not Be as Secure as They Seem, Recent Research Finds

 

VPNs are widely known for their benefits, including preventing location-based overcharging, safeguarding online privacy, and enabling access to geographically restricted content like foreign Netflix libraries. Historically, VPNs have been considered safe, but a new investigation by Top10VPN challenges this assumption.

Collaborating with security researcher Mathy Vanhoef, Top10VPN uncovered critical vulnerabilities impacting over 4 million systems. These include VPN servers, home routers, mobile servers, and CDN nodes, with high-profile companies like Meta and Tencent among those affected. The findings, set to be presented at the USENIX 2025 conference in Seattle, highlight flaws in key protocols—IP6IP6, GRE6, 4in6, and 6in4—designed to secure data transmission.

According to the research, these protocols fail to ensure sender identity matches the authorized VPN user profile. This weakness allows attackers to exploit one-way proxies, repeatedly gaining unauthorized access undetected. By sending data packets using compromised protocols, hackers can launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or infiltrate private networks to steal sensitive information.

To mitigate these risks, experts recommend additional security mechanisms like IPsec or WireGuard, which ensure end-to-end encryption. These tools limit the ability to access VPN traffic data, decryptable only by the designated server.

The investigation revealed that VPN services and servers deemed insecure were concentrated in the US, Brazil, China, France, and Japan. Users are advised to select VPNs that incorporate robust encryption methods and to remain cautious when using such services. Independent testing of VPN security is essential for ensuring reliability and safety.

For those seeking trusted options, refer to independent reviews and comparisons of the best VPN services, which prioritize user security and encryption protocols.
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VPN security
CISA Cyber Attacks Ivanti Ivanti security flaws Ivanti VPN Exploitation Security Breach VPN VPN security

Lessons from the Ivanti VPN Cyberattack: Security Breaches and Mitigation Strategies

 

The recent cyberattack on Ivanti’s VPN software has prompted swift action from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This incident not only highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity measures but also raises important questions about exploit techniques, organizational responses to security breaches, and the escalating costs associated with downtime. 

The vulnerabilities in Ivanti’s VPN gateway allowed threat actors to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access. Attackers could send maliciously crafted packets to infiltrate the system without needing to steal credentials, giving them access to user credentials, including domain administrator credentials. A second vulnerability enabled the injection of malicious code into the Ivanti appliance, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access, even after reboots or patches. Security researchers, including Mandiant, identified that Ivanti’s initial mitigations were insufficient. 

CISA warned that Ivanti’s interim containment measures were not adequate to detect compromises, leaving systems vulnerable to persistent threats. This uncertainty about the effectiveness of proposed mitigations necessitated CISA’s prompt intervention. The ability of attackers to gain persistent access to a VPN gateway poses significant risks. From this trusted position, attackers can move laterally within the network, accessing critical credentials and data. The compromise of the VPN allowed attackers to take over stored privileged administrative account credentials, a much more severe threat than the initial breach. In response to the breach, CISA advised organizations to assume that critical credentials had been stolen. 

Ivanti’s failure to detect the compromise allowed attackers to operate within a trusted zone, bypassing zero-trust principles and exposing sensitive data to heightened risks. The severity of the vulnerabilities led CISA to take the unusual step of taking two of Ivanti’s systems offline, a decision made to protect the most sensitive credentials. Despite later clarifications from Ivanti that patches could have been applied more discreetly, the miscommunications highlight the importance of clear, open channels during a crisis. Mixed messages can lead to unnecessary chaos and confusion. System-level downtime is costly, both in terms of IT resources required for shutdown and recovery and the losses incurred from service outages. 

The exact cost of Ivanti’s downtime remains uncertain, but for mission-critical systems, such interruptions are extremely expensive. This incident serves as a warning about the costs of addressing the aftermath of a cyberattack. CISA’s decision to shut down the systems was based on the potential blast radius of the attack. The trusted position of the VPN gateway and the ability to export stored credentials made lateral movement easier for attackers. 

Building systems based on the principle of least privilege can help minimize the blast radius of attacks, reducing the need for broad shutdowns. The Ivanti VPN cyberattack underscores the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures. Organizations must adopt proactive infrastructure design and response strategies to mitigate risks and protect critical assets. Reducing the number of high-value targets in IT infrastructure is crucial. Privileged account credentials and stored keys are among the highest value targets, and IT leaders should prioritize strategies and technologies that minimize or eliminate such targets. 
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VPN security
Encryption Online Privacy post-quantum cryptography Quantum computing secure communication Technology VPN security

Ensuring Secure Communication in the Digital Age with VPNs and Post-Quantum Cryptography

 


Cryptography secures online communication, but with reported losses of $534 million due to data breaches in 2023, robust encryption is crucial. Weak encryption invites breaches and man-in-the-middle attacks. Strong VPNs provide robust encryption and secure internet communication paths, essential for online privacy, security, and unrestricted access.

VPNs protect online activities by encrypting internet traffic, masking IP addresses, and bypassing geo-restrictions. They enhance security on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi and prevent tracking by websites, advertisers, and governments.

Traditional VPNs use encryption algorithms like RSA and ECC, which are vulnerable to quantum computers' advanced capabilities. Quantum computers could break these algorithms quickly, exposing sensitive data.

Emergence of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

As quantum computing advances, new quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms are needed to ensure data security. Government agencies recommend adopting these algorithms to maintain secure communications in a quantum future.

PQC-VPNs use new cryptographic algorithms resistant to quantum attacks, ensuring long-term data protection. Early adoption helps organizations maintain security, comply with data protection regulations, and gain a competitive edge.

VPNs create secure tunnels for internet traffic, encrypting data before it travels and decrypting it upon arrival, ensuring secure communication.

Businesses must protect sensitive data and maintain regulatory compliance. PQC VPNs future-proof data security against quantum threats, safeguard sensitive information, and demonstrate a commitment to cutting-edge security.

PQC VPNs secure data transmission, partner collaboration, cloud connectivity, IoT communication, remote access, and customer data handling.

Transitioning to PQC involves updating VPN software and infrastructure to support new algorithms. A hybrid approach combining traditional and quantum-resistant encryption ensures a smooth transition. Comprehensive testing and performance optimization are crucial.

Overall, adopting PQC-enabled VPNs is essential for future-proofing enterprise security against quantum threats, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining a competitive edge.
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VPN security
Cyber Security cyber threat Free VPN VPN VPN security

The Dark Side of Free VPNs: Hidden Dangers and Privacy Risks

 

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have become essential tools for internet users worldwide. By encrypting web traffic and masking IP addresses, VPNs promise an extra layer of privacy and security. However, not all VPNs live up to this promise. Alarmingly, many free VPNs may actually compromise user privacy, posing significant risks, especially to vulnerable groups like children. The Lure and Risks of Free VPNs Free VPNs are particularly attractive to students seeking to bypass school internet filters and access restricted content, such as pornographic sites or social media platforms. 

Yet, recent research, set to be shared with U.S. lawmakers, highlights a more sinister aspect. Some free VPNs have connections to China and may be funneling user data to the Chinese government. This alarming discovery is compounded by a recent case where a Chinese national allegedly used malware-infested free VPNs to create a botnet, compromising millions of computers and generating substantial fraudulent revenue. 

Privacy Concerns and Security Flaws 

A comprehensive study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia revealed that many free VPNs fall short of providing adequate security. Of the 283 Android VPN apps analyzed, a staggering 67% embedded at least one tracking library to monitor user activity. Even more concerning, 84% of these apps failed to properly encrypt user data, leaving it vulnerable to hackers and other malicious entities. 

Why Free VPNs Are Risky 

Malware Infections: The CSIRO study found that six out of the ten VPNs most likely to be infected with malware were free. These infections were primarily ad-related, as free VPNs often rely on advertising revenue. 

Embedded Tracking: Only 28% of free VPNs did not use third-party trackers. Many had multiple trackers, compromising user privacy for analytics and advertising purposes. 

Content Unblocking Failures: Free VPNs often struggle to bypass geo-restrictions, making them ineffective for accessing content like region-locked Netflix shows. 

Slower Connections: Free VPNs are notorious for slowing down internet speeds. Some may intentionally throttle speeds to push users towards their paid versions. 

Ad Delivery: To sustain their operations, free VPNs bombard users with pop-up ads, which not only irritate but also slow down browsing. 

Browser Hijacking: Some free VPNs hijack browsers and redirect users to unwanted websites, further eroding trust. 

Data Collection by Governments: Many free VPNs are operated by companies based in countries with weak privacy laws. This raises the possibility that these services may share user data with their respective governments. 

Expert Recommendations: Given these risks, experts advise opting for paid VPN services from reputable vendors like F-Secure or ProtonVPN. Paid VPNs typically offer robust encryption, better privacy policies, and fewer advertisements. They also invest more in their infrastructure, ensuring faster and more reliable connections.
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VPN security
Safe Browsing Technology VPN VPN Hacking VPN security

Is Your VPN Safe? Or Can It be Hacked?


A virtual private network is one of the simplest ways for consumers to secure their internet activity. VPNs utilize tunneling technology to encrypt a user's online traffic and make it unreadable to prying eyes.

This additional layer of security has become a popular choice for both businesses and customers seeking to secure their privacy. According to Statista, more than 24% of all internet users in 2023 utilized a VPN to protect their internet connection.

With such widespread use, one might wonder if VPNs are impervious to hacking. Are they susceptible to hacking? Can VPNs be used to steal user data instead of securing it?

Can VPNs be hacked?

VPNs, like any other software, can be hacked. No software is perfect, and VPNs, like all internet-based technologies, are vulnerable to various threats. That being said, a good VPN will be extremely difficult to crack, especially if it has a secure server infrastructure and application.

VPNs function by creating a secret connection via which your internet activity is encrypted and rendered unreadable. Your internet traffic is routed via a VPN server, which masks your IP address and gives you an extra degree of privacy online.

This encryption protects critical user data including your IP address, device location, browsing history, and online searches from your internet service provider, government agencies, and cybercriminals.

VPNs provide simple safety for your online activity by encrypting user data and routing it over a secure channel. However, this does not render them invincible.

There are a few vulnerabilities in VPNs that hackers can exploit or target. Let's look at a few of them:

How VPNs Can Be Hacked

Breaking the VPN encryption

One approach to hack VPNs is to break through the encryption. Hackers can employ cryptographic attacks to break poorly constructed encryption ciphers. However, breaking encryption requires a significant amount of effort, time, and resources.

Most current VPNs use the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) encryption method. This encryption standard encrypts and decrypts data with 256-bit keys and is commonly regarded as the gold standard in encryption.

This is because AES-256 is nearly impregnable, taking millions to billions of years to brute force and crack even with today's technology. That is why many governments and banks employ AES-256 encryption to protect their data.

In any event, most modern VPN companies use AES-256 encryption, so there isn't anything to worry about.

VPNs employing outdated tunneling protocols

Hackers can also attack older VPN tunneling standards. Tunneling protocols are simply a set of rules governing how your data is processed and transmitted via a certain network.

We wish to avoid utilizing old protocols like PPTP and L2TP/IPSec. These protocols are outdated and are regarded as medium to low security by modern standards.

PPTP, in example, is an older technology with documented weaknesses that unscrupulous actors can exploit. In contrast, L2TP/IPSec provides better security but slower performance than newer protocols.

Fortunately, more recent VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 offer an excellent balance of high-level security and speed.

DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks

Malicious actors can also steal user data via VPN leaks. VPN leaks occur when user data is "leaked" from the secure VPN tunnel as a result of a bug or vulnerability inside the software. The primary types of VPN leaks include the following:

DNS leaks occur when the VPN reveals your internet activity, such as DNS queries or browsing history, to the ISP DNS server despite being connected over an encrypted VPN connection.

IP leaks occur when your IP address is accidentally leaked or exposed to the internet, undermining the primary function of a VPN in disguising your true IP address and location.

WebRTC leaks are browser-based leaks in which websites gain unauthorized access to your actual IP address by bypassing the encrypted VPN connection.

VPNs inherently log user data

Finally, hacking is possible when VPN providers access customer data without their authorization.

While many VPN services promise to have no-logs policies, indicating that they are not keeping user data, VPNs have been shown to store user information notwithstanding these rules.

Why should you still invest in a VPN?

Even after understanding the various ways VPNs can be exploited, utilizing a VPN is significantly more secure than not using one. VPNs enable you and your organization to mask your IP address with the touch of a button.

Hiding your IP address is critical because criminal actors can exploit it to send you invasive adverts, learn your location, and collect information about your personal identity. VPNs are one of the simplest and most accessible ways to accomplish this.

VPNs are also an excellent solution for larger enterprises to maintain the security of company data, especially if your company has distant employees who access company resources via the Internet.

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VPN security
Cyber Security Data Encryption Data protection fast VPN geo-restriction bypass Online Privacy private browsing VPN risks VPN security

Unveiling Free VPN Risks: Protecting Online Privacy and Security

 

If you're seeking enhanced security and privacy for your online activities, you might be considering the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are specifically crafted to accomplish this task. 

A quality VPN channels your web traffic through a secure server, masking your IP address, encrypting your data, and shielding your personal information from unauthorized access.

This software's abilities have attracted various users, ranging from activists safeguarding human rights to individuals seeking access to restricted sports events or exclusive TV shows. An abundance of VPN options exists, including free ones. However, experts advise caution when opting for free VPNs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with them.

Free VPNs often offer only basic features, lacking advanced functionalities like split tunnelling, which divides internet traffic between the VPN and an open network, or the ability to bypass geo-restrictions for streaming purposes. These limitations might compromise your online experience and fall short of providing the desired level of protection.

  • Encryption Weakness: Many free VPNs use outdated or weak encryption protocols, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches.
  • Data Restrictions: Free VPNs usually impose data caps, restricting high-data activities and causing inconvenience to heavy users.
  • Speed Issues: Free VPNs might suffer from overcrowded servers, resulting in sluggish connection speeds, latency, and buffering, significantly affecting browsing, streaming, and gaming experiences.
  • Server Limitations: With fewer servers, free VPNs struggle to offer reliable and fast connections, limiting access to geo-restricted content.
  • Data Collection: Some free VPNs collect and sell users' browsing data to third parties, compromising privacy and resulting in targeted ads or even identity theft.
  • Advertisements: Free VPNs often bombard users with intrusive ads and pop-ups, as they rely on advertising for revenue.
  • Malware Risks: Lesser-known free VPNs may harbor malware, posing severe risks to devices and personal data, potentially leading to hacking or data theft.
It's crucial to weigh the convenience of a free VPN against the risks it poses, emphasizing the potential compromise on privacy, security, and overall online experience.
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