VPNs are important if you care about your private network Data and privacy. It creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the Internet, hiding your IP address and protecting your online activity.
There are a lot of apps that claim to offer VPN services, but not all of them are legitimate. Some of them are fake and try to steal your data.
In the third quarter of 2024, security researchers found that the number of users encountering fake VPN apps jumped two and a half times compared to the second quarter globally. These applications were either malware or programs that could be used 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” Knutson)
What you need to know about the surge in fake VPN apps
According to KasperskyCybercriminals take advantage of people who want to use free VPN services. In May 2024, law enforcement shut down the botnet, a network of hijacked devices, called 911 S5. Several free VPN services, including MaskVPN, DewVPN, PaladinVPN, ProxyGate, ShieldVPN, and ShineVPN, were used to create this botnet.
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When users installed these VPN apps, their devices were turned into proxy servers, meaning they were used to redirect someone else's devices. Internet traffic.
This massive network is spread across 19 million unique IP addresses in over 190 countries, making it 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 a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
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Don't trust free VPNs
You can't trust free VPN apps because they have 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 leakage: Nearly 90% of free VPNs leak some type of data, with 17% leaking more than they should.
- Unreliable connections: More than half of free VPNs have unstable connections.
- Excess permissions: Nearly 70% ask for permissions they shouldn't, such as tracking your location (20%) or checking which apps you've installed (46%).
Why do people fall for fake VPNs?
There is a growing demand for VPN apps across all platforms, including smartphones and computers. Users often think that if they find a VPN app in an official store, such as Google Play, it is safe to use. They're 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 known, reliable service that isn't free. Look for ones that are talked about on major sites and backed by strong reviews. If you're not sure where to start, I've put together a helpful guide List of my favorite VPNs. I've tested it myself, and you can trust it to keep your data safe. For the best VPNs, see my expert review of the best VPNs for private web browsing on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
A woman looks at a VPN app on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
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7 important tips for choosing and using VPNs
Here are seven essential steps to help you choose a reliable VPN and protect your online privacy.
1. Stick to official app stores: Always download apps from trusted platforms like the App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android. These stores have built-in security measures that help detect and remove fake or malicious apps. Avoid downloading apps from random websites or third-party stores, as they are more likely to host malware. Even on official stores, 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, the flashlight app doesn't need access to your contacts or your location. Question any permission that is not compatible with the functionality of the application. 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): Runs out 2FA to your VPN accounts to add an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
4. Keep software updated: Regularly update all VPN-related software, including clients, servers, and associated networking devices, to take advantage of the latest security patches and improvements.
5. Use strong encryption: Look for VPN services that use strong encryption protocols like AES-256 to protect your data.
6. Monitor VPN traffic: Constantly monitor VPN traffic and logs for unusual patterns that may indicate security issues.
7. Invest in powerful antivirus software: Strong antivirus software can help detect and remove malware before it puts your device at risk. Many antivirus applications also come with features such as web protection, anti-phishing tools, and the ability to scan new applications for threats. Although 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 antivirus protection winners of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Key takeaway for Kurt
Fake VPN apps are everywhere, which is bad news. They're not just useless. They can turn your device into a tool for cybercriminals. The 911 S5 botnet has shown us how dangerous free VPNs can be, turning millions of devices into a giant network of fraud and attacks. The truth is, free VPNs aren't really free. These programs often come with poor security, leak your data, or ask for permissions, putting your privacy at risk. If you're serious about protecting your online activity, invest in a reliable, paid VPN service.
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