Cyber security experts recommend VPNs to mitigate these risks.
Virtual Private Network is also known as VPN. It hides your IP address and encrypts your browsing data.
Your data should be 100 percent secure and under your control. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. The type of VPN you use will affect the security of your data.
Some VPN providers promise that they will keep your data secure and protected online for free. These claims seem unbelievable, considering the technology used to make VPN work.
VPNs are not free. To run a VPN, you need specialized software and costly infrastructure. You are most likely paying for the service if someone offers it free of charge.
Let’s look at some of the cons of using a free VPN. This will help you be motivated to explore other options if you are offered one.
1. No personal data protection
VPN connections are not guaranteed to provide anonymity online. VPN masks your IP addresses but encrypts all your data. Google and other websites you have an account with will have your data no matter what VPN.
It is worse when you have a free VPN. VPN providers that offer free services embed tracking mechanisms and collect data from users. Websites with more robust tracking mechanisms, such as browser fingerprinting, could track your IP address and collect data even if you are using VPN.
Paid VPNs, on the other side, need your subscription money to avoid security breaches. Because they don’t make their money from this, they won’t share your data with them or track your activities.
2. Slow internet speeds
A VPN connection reduces your internet speed. To make your internet use private, you must perform two processes: encryption and decryption. A VPN server encrypts and reroutes your internet connection to the VPN server. However, this can cause a significant lag in your internet speed.
Free VPNs can further amplify this lag. This will only mean you’ll spend more time waiting for the web page to load.
3. Phishing attacks on the rise
A VPN will not protect you from hacking or cyber security threats. A free VPN can make you a target. These VPNs can be used as fronts to distribute malware. These VPNs have many vulnerabilities because the technology behind them is not well-monitored or outdated.
Free VPNs can include intrusive ads. VPN providers that offer free services don’t charge fees and usually make revenue through advertisements. Sometimes they will redirect you to malicious pages or pop-ups. These pop-ups can appear anytime during your browsing session and can be frustrating. You could end up infected if you click on these pop-ups.
If an employee of your organization falls for a phishing attack, it could open the door to cyber-criminals infiltrating your entire network. Phishing attacks are the first step in many large-scale ransomware attacks.
Proper employee training in cybersecurity and ransomware readiness is crucial today.
4. Websites are restricted access
VPNs have become very popular because they can bypass restrictions placed on content-based websites. Netflix, for example, allows streaming only specific videos to certain countries due to copyright issues.
You must find a way to access such content from another location around the restriction. This can be done easily with VPNs or proxy servers.
However, a free VPN will not allow you to access Netflix content. VPNs that are free use poor encryption technology. Websites with strict security protocols will block access if it finds such methods.
Only a handful of premium VPNs can unblock Netflix content. Even then, it can be challenging to maintain a connection for full movies.
5. Data consumption has increased
A VPN connection is a combination of encryption and decryption. These processes can increase your internet connection speed. You’ll end up using data more quickly than if you don’t use a VPN.
It’s worse with free VPNs, as you risk losing your data to intrusive ads, poor encryption technology, and bandwidth sales.
Conclusion
Remember that VPNs that are free of charge do not come without risks. There are risks associated with using VPNs that outweigh the benefits.
Premium VPN services, or alternative VPNs like anti-detect browsers, can help ensure that your data is secure and protected online. Make sure your VPN is safe and trustworthy.
Hope you liked this article on Why Should You Not Use Free VPN? Updated for 2022
Are you interested in kickstarting your career in Cybersecurity no matter your educational background or experience? Click Here to find out how.
