A VPN connection is basically the extension of a private network that includes links across shared or public networks, such as the Internet. VPN connections enable organizations to send data between two computers across the Internet in such a manner that emulates the properties of a point-to-point private link.
VPNs are used to overcome geographical obstruction, to access a remote network securely, and other different purposes. They are used by organizations to share resources across various office locations. VPNs have also gained widespread usage in bypassing country restrictions to access blocked services.
When people search the internet for ways to bypass website restrictions, they have a inclination to find and opt for free VPN services. Many people do not want to pay for a service that they might not use frequently. But, should we actually use free VPN services? Let’s find out if they actually deliver the services they promise.
Let’s look at some of the common ways through which free VPN providers exploit you:
- Tracking your data and selling it for profit
VPN encrypts and tunnels your data so that your ISP cannot see what you are doing online which means ISPs can’t keep track of you, but the VPN provider can. Free VPNs also collect user data through tracking libraries, which they can sell for advertising and analytics to some other agency.
- Malware
Injecting malware to your device is one of the most common traits in free VPNs. Such malware can be used to steal sensitive information from your device and to encrypt your data.
- Stealing of Bandwidth
Free VPNs might also be stealing your bandwidth and selling it to other organizations for money.
- Browser Hijacking
It refers to redirecting your browser to websites without your permission. HotspotShield free VPN promises its users shielded connections, security, privacy enhancement and ad-free browsing too. But, the CSIRO study found that HotspotShield redirects user traffic to alibaba.com and ebay.com through its partner networks Conversant Media and Viglink, respectively.
Experts also says that “AnchorFree’s VPN app HotspotShield performs redirection of e-commerce traffic to partnering domains and when a client connects through the VPN to access specific web domains, the app leverages a proxy that intercepts
When it comes to VPNs, the ones that don’t charge you money eventually end up costing you the most by draining your privacy and security.
You might have noticed how most streaming services are either blocked abroad or not yet available in your country. The common solutions to bypass such geo-restrictions are proxies and VPNs, since they reroute your traffic to make it appear as if you’re located somewhere else.
There are lots of different options available that also allow you to change your location to access restricted content, and since everyone enjoys things that are free, people often fall victim to scams through free VPNs. But when it comes to proxies and VPNs, the ones that don’t charge you money will cost you the most in privacy and security.
In this article we’ll tell you exactly how free VPNs use your connection for dangerous activities and how a reputable, paid premium VPN service can let you access blocked sites while also saving your privacy!
The Dangers of Proxies and Free VPNs
“Free” here isn’t completely free when it comes to accessing blocked websites through free VPNs. These services actually allow malicious third-parties to snoop through your personal data, or, even worse, it lets others use your internet connection to conduct illegal activities on the web.
Free VPNs can log and keep track of all your content, your IP address, the types of sites you visit the exact thing VPNs are actually meant to protect you from. In addition to privacy issues you would want to hide your IP, you may also experience slow browsing speed, unstable connections, data usage caps, and outdated encryption too.
Many of these “free” services will sell your personal information to third parties, with some even going as far as placing extra advertising . They may even distribute your IP address, welcoming criminal activity that is traced back to your machine and not theirs.
How To Avoid: Always use a free VPN app from a reputable VPN service provider, or best of all, start using a premium VPN service instead. In this way, the security protection is more guaranteed for you.
You can use tunnelbear’s free 500 mb to get started. Here is an article that compares tunnelbear alongside nordvpn, two very popular vpn options.
It is always a good idea to check the app you want to install on your mobile device to prevent any security problem in the future. Don’t just pick an app only based on the ratings or popularity in the Play Store. You have to atleast ensure that the free VPN app is completely safe for you to use.