Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are important if you care about yours data and privacy. They create a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the Internet, hiding your IP address and protecting your online activity.
There are tons of apps that claim to offer VPN services, but not all of them are legitimate. Some are fakes trying to steal your information.
In the third quarter of 2024, security researchers found that the number of users who encountered fake VPN applications jumped 2½ times compared to the second quarter globally. Those apps were malware or programs they could use malicious actors.
I dive into the rise of fake VPN apps and how you can stay safe.
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VPN on mobile (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What you need to know about the rise of fake VPN apps
According to Kasperskycybercriminals take advantage of people who want to use free VPN services. In May 2024, police shut down a botnet, a network of hijacked devices, called 911 S5. Several free VPN services were used to create this botnet, including MaskVPN, DewVPN, PaladinVPN, ProxyGate, ShieldVPN, and ShineVPN.
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When users installed these VPN apps, their devices were turned into proxy servers, meaning they were used to redirect other people’s internet traffic.
This massive network spans 19 million unique IP addresses in over 190 countries, making it possibly the largest botnet ever created. The people controlling the botnet sold access to these infected devices to other criminals, who used them for cyberattacks, money laundering and fraud.
VPN on laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Don’t trust free VPNs
You can’t trust free VPN apps because they have no reason to protect you or your data. Here’s why you should be careful:
- Data Sharing: Many free VPNs share user data with third parties.
- Weak encryption: About 36% of free VPNs use weak encryption, compromising your online security.
- Data Leakage: Almost 90% of free VPNs leak some kind of data, and 17% leak more than they should.
- Untrusted connections: More than half of free VPNs have unstable connections.
- Excessive permissions: Almost 70% ask for permissions they shouldn’t need, such as tracking your location (20%) or checking what apps you have installed (46%).
Why people fall for fake VPNs
There is an increasing demand for VPN applications on all platforms, including smartphones and computers. Users often believe that it is safe to use if they find a VPN app in an official store, such as Google Play. They are especially attracted to free services, thinking it’s a great deal. However, this can often be a trap.
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Choose reliable VPN services for optimal security and privacy
If you need a VPN, stick with a service that’s well-known, reliable, and not free. Look for ones that are talked about on major sites and backed by solid reviews. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve put together a handy guide list of my favorite VPNs. I’ve tested them myself and you can trust them to keep your data safe. For the best VPN software, check out my expert review of the best VPNs for private web browsing on your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
A woman is looking at a VPN application on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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7 important tips for choosing and using a VPN
Here are seven essential steps to help you choose a reliable VPN and protect your privacy online.
1. Stick to official app stores: Always download apps from trusted platforms such as the App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for Android. These stores have built-in security measures to help detect and remove fraudulent or harmful apps. Avoid downloading apps from random websites or third-party stores as they are more likely to contain malware. Even on official stores, check the app’s reviews, ratings, and downloads to make sure it’s reliable.
2. Pay attention to the application permissions: Be careful with the permissions you give apps during installation. The flashlight app, for example, doesn’t need access to your contacts or location. Question any permission that is inconsistent with the app’s functionality. Both iOS and Android allow you to review and manage app permissions in your settings, so take the time to double-check what you’ve already allowed.
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3. Use two-factor authentication (2FA): to implement 2FA for your VPN accounts to add an extra layer of security beyond a password.
4. Keep your software up to date: Regularly update all VPN-related software, including clients, servers, and associated network hardware, to benefit from the latest security patches and improvements.
5. Use strong encryption: Look for VPN services that use robust encryption protocols like AES-256 to protect your data.
6. Monitor VPN traffic: Continuously monitor VPN traffic and logs for unusual patterns that could indicate security issues.
7. Invest in strong antivirus software: A powerful antivirus program can help detect and remove malware before it compromises your device. Many antivirus applications also come with features such as web protection, anti-phishing tools, and the ability to scan new applications for threats. While there are free options, premium versions often provide more comprehensive protection. Look for a trusted name in cybersecurity when choosing an antivirus solution. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Kurt’s key to the outside
Fake VPN apps are everywhere and that’s bad news. They are not just useless. They can turn your device into a tool for cybercriminals. The 911 S5 botnet showed us just how dangerous free VPNs can be, turning millions of devices into a massive fraud and attack network. The truth is that free VPNs aren’t really free. They often come with weak security, leak your data, or ask for permissions that compromise your privacy. If you’re serious about protecting your online activity, invest in a reliable, paid VPN service.
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