Top Reasons Why Not to Use Free VPNs
Cyber security is a threat to individuals and businesses alike and such threats are increasing daily. Consumers are aware of how personal data is unwittingly divulged through online businesses. Cyber security experts appraise VPNs to mitigate these risks.
The IT business administration company advises the use of VPNs. VPN is Virtual Private Network as it masks IP addresses and encryption of browsing data, and it helps bypass geo-restrictions.
Data must be hundred percent safe and under your control. The top management consulting firms will recommend buying VPNs instead of using free VPNs because there are no free lunches. Free VPN providers will promise to keep your data safe, but these claims are too good to be true.
VPN requires special software, expensive infrastructure, and a team of experts to run, so if someone is offering this service at no cost, then do understand that you might be paying in other ways.
Top Reasons to not Use free VPNs
Here are the cons of using free VPNs so that you know what to look for other options when offered a free VPN service:
No Data Protection:
Free VPNs don’t guarantee anonymity on the internet. It masks your IP address and encrypts data. Still, free VPNs have embedded track mechanisms that are known to collect user data—websites with stronger tracking mechanisms such as browser fingerprinting track and collect data using free VPNs.
You pay subscription money for paid VPNs. These don’t risk security failures as they never share data or track any activities because they don’t make money from it.
Slow Speed:
The VPN connection reduces the speed of the internet. Encryption and Decryption of data are part of making data private. Connection is rerouted between you and the internet to the VPN server for data encryption. It impacts internet speed, and there is lag in real time. With free VPNs, lag is amplified, and you will be wasting time on the page that you want to browse.
Phishing Attacks:
VPNs don’t secure you from cyber security threats and hacking. And free VPNs make you a ripe target. Do you know that many free VPNs are the source of malware distribution?
Free VPNs many times use outdated technology, and they are poorly monitored. Such VPNs are rife with so many vulnerabilities.
Intrusive ads feature free VPNs. They earn revenue from these ads. Display pop-up ads can redirect you to pages that host malware or malicious content.
Display pop-up ads show up at any time during your browsing session, and this will make the whole experience so frustrating. Clicking knowingly or unknowingly on such ads, you are at risk of a phishing attack. It can infect your device with malware before you realize it.
In a company, if your employee falls prey to such a phishing attack, it can be a risk for the company. It opens the door to welcome cyber criminals as they can infiltrate the entire network.
Many large-scale ransomware attacks start as phishing attacks.
Free VPNs are not entirely free. There are many risks associated with them so use trusted and safe VPNs.