7 Most Dangerous VPN Security Risks
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Although we consider very few free VPNs as potential alternatives to the premium premium services, we also have to admit that no VPN is perfect, either paid or free.
Obviously, some VPN security risks are more common in the case of free VPNs, while some may not even pertain to paid VPNs. Let’s see how a VPN that should protect your anonymity might do the exact opposite and risk your virtual as well as physical security.
These are the 7 most dangerous VPN security risks
#1 Register
In our view, one of the most problematic VPN security risks is clearly the VPN’s logging practices. why? Because logging is a gray area where your privacy no longer exists, depending on what is being logged and how long that data is stored.
Most of the paid VPNs claim to have no logs or log-free policies. Unfortunately, not all of them mean it. However, when it comes to free VPNs, these providers definitely score more than it is right now “healthy” for your privacy.
Basically, there is Two types of records:
- contact records
- Usage logs
While connection logs may be innocent and may not include your real IP address or any other personally identifiable data, Usage logs can definitely identify you.
Whenever there are any restrictions on your VPN service, you can be sure that logging is involved. Other than that, how does the provider know how much data you have used, how many devices you have connected, etc.?
Some logging may be necessary but beware of VPNs that collect sensitive data.
Not all records are evil. There is some data that VPN providers need to be able to maintain the quality of their services. As long as this information cannot lead to your identification and exposure, you should be safe.
Apart from these records, Another possible place to leak your identity is when you actually pay for a premium service.
When buying a VPN plan, you have to be very careful. Choose a service that offers you at least one anonymous payment option, such as cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Dash, Ethereum) or other alternatives.
If you pay with your credit card or via PayPal, there will be a specific transaction. this means You can be tied to a personal VPN account. It is not an option for those who want complete privacy and anonymity.
#2 Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy is closely related to the VPN service’s registration practices. You should never trust marketing slogans about the most important factor.
Whatever the VPN provider may claim on their website, You must read the privacy policy word for word To understand what they may actually be recording, even if it is referred to as “Data we collect to improve our Services” or something along those lines.
This Privacy Policy may disclose invasive data practices. You should always read it carefully.
We do not advise you to sign up for any VPN service before reading the legal documents from start to finish. We’ve seen a few unfortunate cases in the past years like the ones we mentioned in our PureVPN review. you know, When the FBI asked PureVPN to share theoretically nonexistent logs about a stalker.
While we all condemn illegal VPN practices (electronic stalking), you also cannot forget the main selling point of these services i.e. your privacy and absolutely no logs.
#3 VPN service based in the country of the Five / Nine / Fourteen Eyes
Of course, some consider the third security risk of a VPN to be arguable. We are sure that there are people who do not consider a VPN provider from a Five Eyes country like the United States or Canada as a serious security risk.
Some premium services choose a privacy-friendly country as their base to avoid strict data retention laws; For example, NordVPN is based in Panama.
However, even this may not be enough.
If the VPN provider logs your connections or keeps other data about you, they may still feel compelled to share these with the authorities. We’ve also seen some good examples like ExpressVPN (based in the British Virgin Islands, a country with Fourteen Eyes). The provider was forced to share data with the Turkish authorities. However, she had absolutely no records to share.
Global monitoring fails when the VPN provider cannot share usable logs.
You see, it all boils down to what kind of records the company has about you and whether they are willing to share them. Some premium dedicated VPN providers will go so far as to move their headquarters to another more privacy-friendly country or even shut down their servers in a surveillance-friendly country.
Therefore, whether or not you choose a provider located in a surveillance friendly country, ensure that the records will not harm you and the anonymity. With that said, we still consider the privacy-friendly country a safer base.
#4 Leaks
Well, even in the absence of the previous three VPN security risks, leaks can change everything in a second. Whatever good, robust and secure protocols a VPN offers, Any leak can expose you instantly.
Essentially, a VPN can leak your IP (IPv4 and IPv6), DNS or WebRTC address. All this can be disastrous if the leaked information falls into the wrong hands.
The leak can reveal your physical location and online activity. Therefore, we recommend you only use the VPN that offers Leakage protection and lock switch, very. Don’t settle for less because it can cost you dearly.
#5 Malware
Unfortunately, more than a third of Android VPNs are found to contain malware. These could be infections Trojans, adware, dangerous software, or spyware.
VPNs for Android and iOS are also more dangerous when it comes to online privacy. This is because they can request all kinds of permissions to access other third party apps and data. However, granting these permissions may seriously reduce your chances of remaining anonymous.
Your entire online life can become an open book with the wrong VPN installed.
Being distracted by annoying third party ads when using your smartphone is just one thing; However, these infections may spy on you, collect personal data, record your text messages and calls, and steal your banking credentials as well.
So we recommend you to install the best VPNs for Android and the best VPNs for iOS which are reputable and safe to use.
#6 Collecting and selling personal data
Some free VPN services can only keep their lights on if They collect data about you and sell it to third-party marketers (or who pays well).
Seeing more personalized ads while browsing may not be that expensive to pay for VPN protection. Having said that, let us remind you that this practice is totally against the purpose of this service: to keep you anonymous.
This practice is the exact opposite of privacy and security.
So, how can you be anonymous if data about you and your online habits is collected and shared with third parties? Again, if regular snoopers intercept such information, you may be liable for anything related to your internet traffic.
Or worse: Online fraud may be committed in your name, your house may be robbed, etc. Of course, these are worst-case scenarios, but in today’s world, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
#7 Your IP address used as exit node
Finally, the last of the VPN security risks on our list of 7 “Deadly Sins” It can practically condemn you for something you didn’t even do.
There are some free VPN services like Hola VPN that use questionable approach to build a VPN by Using peer volunteers and their own bandwidth In addition to their IP addresses. This can be dangerous because when you join such a network, you also become an exit node. This means that Other people will use your IP address and bandwidth.
While this can be used for good and beneficial practice, in our world, you must be prepared when duplication occurs. He does not hit hard.
On the dark side of this volunteer computer network is Possibility to use an exit node for illegal activities. Or such a network can also be used as a botnet for all kinds of malicious attacks like DDoS.
Want to be on the safe side? Never sign up for a service that uses your IP address and bandwidth.
Secure your traffic with the most secure VPN on the market
If you value your online security and privacy, you need to use a VPN. And not just any VPN, it’s the best out there.
We have tested and researched hundreds of VPN services to enable you to make an informed decision when shopping for a tool that meets your specific needs.
If you are in the market for a risk-free VPN, NordVPN is the most secure provider that can secure your connection right now.
Impeccable privacy practices, advanced security features, and reliable geo-unblocking capabilities make NordVPN the undisputed leader in this field. Whatever your needs, this VPN has you covered – all starting at just $3.30 per month.
- Excellent safety
- Large server list
- Awesome for Netflix
- Good for torrenting
- Very easy to use
- reasonable prices
Are you still on the fence? Check out our Leading VPN Services page for more detailed information and VPN rankings. We are confident that this list will help you to make the right decision that is not related to any security risks of a VPN.
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