If you value your data and privacy, a virtual private network (VPN) is important. Create a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, hide your IP address and protect your online activities.
There are many apps that claim to provide VPN services, but not all of them are legitimate. There are also fakes who will try to steal your data.
Security researchers found that in the third quarter of 2024, the number of users encountering fake VPN apps worldwide jumped 2.5 times compared to the second quarter. These apps were either malware or programs that could be used by malicious attackers.
Learn more about the rise of fake VPN apps and how to stay safe.
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VPN on your mobile phone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
What you need to know about the proliferation of fake VPN apps
According to KasperskyCybercriminals are taking advantage of people who want to use free VPN services. In May 2024, law enforcement 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.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
When a user installs these VPN apps, their device turns into a proxy server and is used to redirect other people's internet traffic.
This massive network spans 19 million unique IP addresses in over 190 countries, making it perhaps the largest botnet ever created. Those 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 “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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Don't trust free VPNs
You can't trust free VPN apps because there's no reason to keep you or your data safe. 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, putting your online security at risk.
- Data breach: Almost 90% of free VPNs leak some data, and 17% leak more than necessary.
- Unreliable connection: More than half of free VPNs have unstable connections.
- Excessive privileges: About 70% ask for permissions they don't really need, such as tracking your location (20%) or seeing what apps you've installed (46%).
Why people fall for fake VPNs
VPN apps are in high demand across all platforms, including smartphones and computers. Users often believe that if they find a VPN app on an official store such as Google Play, they are safe to use. They are especially attracted to free services and think it's a great deal. However, this can often be a trap.
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Choose a trusted VPN service for optimal security and privacy
If you need a VPN, use a well-known and trusted service rather than a free one. Look for ones that are trending on mainstream sites and backed by solid reviews. If you don't know where to start, we've put together some useful information List of my favorite VPNs. I've tested it myself and can trust it to keep your data safe. For the best VPN software, check out my expert reviews of the best VPNs for privately browsing the web on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices..
Woman looking at VPN app on mobile phone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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7 important tips for choosing and using a VPN
Here are seven important steps to help you choose a reliable VPN and protect your online privacy.
1. Use the official app store: 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 that help detect and remove fake or harmful apps. Avoid downloading apps from random websites or third-party stores as they are likely to host malicious software. Even if it's from an official store, check the app's reviews, ratings, and number of downloads to make sure it's trustworthy.
2. Pay attention to app permissions. Be careful about the permissions you grant to apps during installation. For example, a flashlight app doesn't need access to your contacts or location. Please ask about permissions that do not match the app's functionality. On both iOS and Android, you can view and manage app permissions in Settings, so take the time to double-check what you've already allowed.
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3. Use two-factor authentication (2FA). embed 2FA Add a layer of security to your VPN account beyond just a password.
4. Keep your software up to date. To take advantage of the latest security patches and improvements, regularly update all VPN-related software, including clients, servers, and related network hardware.
5. Use strong encryption. Look for a VPN service that uses robust encryption protocols, such as AES-256, to protect your data.
6. Monitor VPN traffic. Continuously monitor your VPN traffic and logs for unusual patterns that may indicate security issues.
7. Invest in strong antivirus software. A powerful antivirus program can help detect and remove malware before your device is compromised. Many antivirus apps also come with features such as web protection, anti-phishing tools, and the ability to scan new apps for threats. There are free options, but premium versions often offer more comprehensive protection. When choosing an antivirus solution, look for a name you can trust in cybersecurity. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Cart important points
Fake VPN apps are everywhere, and they're bad news. They're not just useless; They can turn your device into a tool of cyber criminals. The 911 S5 botnet shows how dangerous free VPNs can be, turning millions of devices into a vast network for fraud and attacks. The truth is, free VPNs aren't actually free. They often have weak security, leak data, or request permissions that compromise your privacy. If you're serious about protecting your online activities, invest in a reliable paid VPN service.
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