Last updated: January 1, 2023
Many Internet users who are starting to take an interest in VPN are looking for a free VPN in order to save money, without understanding the risks.
Using a VPN free is a bad idea. For what ? First of all, because, nothing is really free. Hosting a VPN server network incurs monthly expenses, as well as application development and support.
Considering the high recurring costs of running a VPN service, why are there so many free VPNs out there?
The truth is that these services Free VPNs take advantage of the naivety of their users, generally collecting their data and then selling it to the highest bidder.
When you route your traffic through a free VPN app on your device, your device can easily collect your online activity and sell it to third parties and ad networks.
In short, many free VPN services have proven to be dangerous and intrusive.
Fortunately, for those who want to test a risk-free VPN, there are VPN services that offer a limited amount of bandwidth or a trial period.
3 reasons why free VPN services are dangerous
The protection of your private data
The first risk of a free VPN is seeing your compromised privacy. Once your data is collected by the free VPN, it can then be sold or transferred to third parties, for profit.
Malware hidden in free VPNs
If the theft of your personal data is already a problem in itself, there is another risk in installing a free VPN.
A well-hidden risk that few users think about at first: malware. Indeed, many free VPN services are just facades that aim to make you download an infected application, without arousing your suspicion.
Malware hidden in VPNs can steal your data, which can then be used to:
- bombard you with targeted ads and spams,
- hack your online accounts,
- collect your data (to sell them to third parties),
- steal your money (via bank and credit card details),
- lock or encrypt your devices in exchange for payment ( ransomware ).
Browser hijacking
Browser hijacking is another way for free VPN services to make money off their users. This technique involves diverting your search to partner websites without your permission.
Conclusion
More and more Internet users are turning to VPN services for added privacy and security, as well as to unblock restricted content and escape HADOPI’s radars. With these trends, VPN usage will continue to grow.
While the risks of free VPNs are increasingly recognized, Google Play and App Store are still full of dozens of malicious free VPN apps, many of which enjoy excellent reviews from naive users.
So, what should you do if you want to use a VPN but are short on money?
The only solution to benefit from a secure VPN without spending any money is to subscribe to the trial offer of a paid service. So you can test it for a given period and see if it suits you.