The Dangers of Free VPN Services | Total Security Software

A recent article from The Next Web warns that free VPN services could sell your data to third parties. 

While the dangers of a free VPN service are nothing new to tech professionals, many people still use it. 

At a time when the GDPR is coming into full force in the EU, this issue is becoming increasingly relevant. 

The article explains and argues that free VPN services are the biggest culprit in data misuse. 

But before we begin listing why VPNs are dangerous, let's first explain why we are using them in the first place.

 

Why Use a VPN at All?

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a group of computers (or discrete networks) that are connected to each other over a public network, that is, the Internet. 

Essentially, your data is encrypted and passed through the VPN servers in such a way that your Internet Service The provider (ISP) cannot see what you are doing online. 

With VPNs, you can also change the location of your server, which is a popular feature, especially when using streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon, since different or more content is available in countries such as the USA. 

Companies, on the other hand, use VPNs to access resources when they are not physically on the same local network. 

Companies can also secure and encrypt their communications when using a public network. VPNs offer many advantages, but choosing a free VPN can be dangerous. 

While your ISP cannot track your online activity, the VPN company can.

 

VPNs Can Keep Track of Your Data

One of the biggest marketing and selling points for VPNs is that they prevent ISPs and others from tracking your online activities and selling that data for profit. 

Paid VPNs tend to be more transparent about the topic of data processing. On the other hand, a free VPN is cheaper on your wallet, but you end up paying a higher price. 

A CSIRO study found that 75 percent of free VPN apps had some form of data tracking. That's a pretty scary number that makes you think again about the private use of a VPN. 

VPN providers with a free solution use different methods to make money. Some may show you advertisements when you open the app, others may collect your data and sell it.

 

Online Privacy

While it is tempting to install and use a free VPN service, you have to be prepared to compromise. Time will tell how the GDPR will affect these companies. 

However, since many of them are located in countries with weaker legislation in the area, you are still risking your privacy.

A list of the safest VPN providers can be found here.

Tips: Make sure your personal data not sharing with an online fraudster by installing total security software.

Alternative to VPN

You don't necessarily need a VPN to access your files from another location. Thanks to fast real-time synchronization anywhere and on any device, you can open and edit your files from anywhere.