Beware, That VPN May Not Be What You Think It Is – CNET
There are some excellent, well-tested virtual private networks we recommend you try. But if you're exploring the competitive market of VPNs on your own, you're likely to find some shoddy VPNs companies that scatter hints of their dubiousness everywhere they go. Learning to identify a few of these red flags can save you hours of research and a hefty annual subscription cost for supposedly getting connected to the internet more securely.
Is the price too good to be true? Has the company been caught keeping logs? How are your connection speeds?
To save you time, here are a few of the biggest red flags to watch out for when taking your new VPN out for a test drive. And on the flip side, here are three things to look for in a VPN.
Read more: Best iPhone VPN of 2022
There's no such thing as a free lunch. Maintaining the hardware and expertise needed for large VPN networks isn't cheap. As a VPN customer, you either pay for a premium service with your dollars, or you pay for free services with your usage data when it's collected by the free VPN and bargained away to advertisers or malicious actors.
As recently as August 2019, 90% of apps flagged as potentially unsafe in Top10VPN's investigation into free VPN ownership still posed a privacy risk to users. Free VPNs can also leave you open to quiet malware installation, pop-up ad barrages and brutally slow internet speeds.
Read more: Best Free VPN 2022: Try These Risk-Free Services for a Privacy Boost
If a VPN is caught keeping or sharing user activity logs, I won't recommend it. While most VPN services claim they don't track or keep logs of user activity, that claim can sometimes be impossible to verify. In other instances, the claim falls apart publicly when a VPN company hands over internet records to law enforcement.
The latter has happened in a few cases. EarthVPN, Hide My Ass VPN and PureVPN have all been clocked by privacy advocates for handing over logs to authorities, as hasIPVanish.
To be clear, it is entirely possible to be grateful for the arrest of reprehensible scumbags while ardently advocating for consumer privacy interests. My beef isn't with any VPN company helping cops catch a child abuser via usage logs; it's with any VPN company that lies to its customers about doing so. The lie that helps law enforcement in the US catch a legitimate criminal is the same lie that helps law enforcement in China arrest a person watching footage of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
Ideally, the VPN you choose should have undergone -- and published the results of -- an independent third-party audit of its operations, including its use of activity logs.
Read more: All the VPN Terms You Need to Know
Now playing: Watch this: Top 5 Reasons to Use a VPN
2:42
Another red flag to watch for when choosing a VPN is shoddy encryption standards. Users should expect AES-256 encryption or better from VPN services. Nearly every web browser and app already uses AES, often touted as "military-grade" encryption, after it was adopted by the US government in 2002. If your VPN only offers PPTP and L2TP encryption, look elsewhere.
While you're snooping around for encryption details, keep an eye out for one of our favorite phrases, "Perfect Forward Secrecy." Those three little words can have a hefty impact on your privacy: If one of your VPN's servers is ever breached, Perfect Forward Secrecy ensures that any keys used to decrypt private internet traffic quickly become useless -- giving you more security.
Read more: How We Evaluate and Review VPNs
With just a little bit of elbow grease, any moderately skilled internet jerk can throw together a service that looks like a VPN but is actually little more than a proxy service reselling your internet bandwidth. Not only can that slow your internet speed, it could potentially leave you on the legal hook for whatever they do with that resold bandwidth.
Hola's case was the most famous. The company was caught in 2015 quietly stealing users' bandwidth and reselling it to whatever group wanted to deploy its user base as a botnet. Hola CEO Ofer Vilenski admitted it'd been had, but contended this harvesting of bandwidth was typical for this type of technology.
Read more:How to Set up a VPN on our iPhone or Android Phone: Yes, You Need One
"We assumed that by stating that Hola is a (peer-to-peer) network, it was clear that people were sharing their bandwidth with the community network in return for their free service," he wrote.
Nearly all VPNs slow your browsing speed, some by as much as half. But a brutal crawl can be a sign of something worse than a simple lack of servers. So if being pressed into service as part of a botnet isn't your cup of tea, double-check those suspiciously slow speeds and the reputation of the VPN you're paying for.
For more VPN buying advice, here's how to pick the right VPN for your work-from-home setup. Plus, why we don't recommend US-based VPNs, and three things a VPN can't help you with.
Read the rest here:
Beware, That VPN May Not Be What You Think It Is - CNET
- STRACKALINE TO OFFER EXCLUSIVE FREE SOFTWARE ACCESS AT THE 2025 PGA SHOW (BOOTH 2808) - The Golf Wire - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- The Pixel 6 just got a free software upgrade that makes it my favorite budget Android phone - ZDNet - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Google just gave older Pixel phones a free software upgrade that you once could only wish for - ZDNet - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Free AI-Powered Software for Radiology Impressions Available from Scriptor Software - Imaging Technology News - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Maryland State Bar Members Now Get Free Trust Accounting Software in Deal with Smokeball - LawSites - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- 7 free and open-source tools that rival the best creative software - XDA Developers - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Google Drive Full? Gift Yourself More Digital Storage This Holiday Season - CNET - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Tired of controller lock-in? Mixxx is a free DJ alternative; 2.4.2 out now - Create Digital Music - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- 5 of the best free software for data recovery on Windows - XDA Developers - November 23rd, 2024 [November 23rd, 2024]
- AAVAA Hands-Free Accessibility Devices Now Compatible with Apple Software - The Hearing Review - November 17th, 2024 [November 17th, 2024]
- The best graphic design software - Creative Bloq - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- VMware makes Workstation and Fusion free for everyone - BleepingComputer - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- Trimble Expands Access to Advanced Construction Project Management Capabilities with Free Version of ProjectSight Software - StreetInsider.com - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- The best free video editing software: how to cut clips without the cost - Creative Bloq - November 8th, 2024 [November 8th, 2024]
- Best Free Invoice And Billing Software Of 2024 - Forbes - November 8th, 2024 [November 8th, 2024]
- Amazfit just dropped a massive free software update and these new features are coming to your smartwatch - Tom's Guide - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- The Free Software Foundation Finally Has AI / Machine Learning Apps On Their Radar - Phoronix - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]
- Intuit asked us to delete part of this Decoder episode - The Verge - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]
- "100% Free" GNU Boot Discovers Again They Have Been Shipping Non-Free Code - Phoronix - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]
- The best antivirus software in 2024 for PC - TechRadar - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]
- Stunning software giveaway: Save over $500 on tools for video editing, password recovery, and more its all free! - BetaNews - October 18th, 2024 [October 18th, 2024]
- PSA: Windows 10 has entered its final year of free support here's what you need to know - Windows Central - October 18th, 2024 [October 18th, 2024]
- Best video editing software in 2024: free and paid-for tools - Amateur Photographer - October 18th, 2024 [October 18th, 2024]
- Samsung TVs free update to One UI is already happening here are the changes coming to TVs - TechRadar - October 18th, 2024 [October 18th, 2024]
- The best open-source productivity software: Free tools to boost your workflow - XDA Developers - October 9th, 2024 [October 9th, 2024]
- Best tax software of 2024: File fast and accurately, plus get your maximum refund - CNBC - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- The IRS is expanding its free tax filing service. Do you qualify? - The Washington Post - October 4th, 2024 [October 4th, 2024]
- Explore Top Free Software Alternatives to Popular Paid Programs for Budget-Friendly Solutions - Gizbot - October 4th, 2024 [October 4th, 2024]
- The best free video players in 2024: watch videos in any format - TechRadar - October 4th, 2024 [October 4th, 2024]
- Ford unveils BlueCruise 1.4: hands-free driving time doubled with new software update - CBT Automotive News - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Free Photo Viewer for Windows - Free download and software reviews - Download.com - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Top 10 Cool Free Windows Software (You'll Really Want) - MSN - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Best free YouTube to MP3 converter of 2024 - TechRadar - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- The best free alternatives for pricey software: Adios, Office and Adobe - PCWorld - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- Best Free Accounting Software for Small Businesses (Sponsored content from Jerry) - Varsity Online - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- WhatsApp for Windows - Free download and software reviews - Download.com - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- FDA approves some Apple AirPods to be used as hearing aids - NPR - September 16th, 2024 [September 16th, 2024]
- Q-Free releases new flexible, modular, and scalable tolling software solution - Highways News - September 16th, 2024 [September 16th, 2024]
- Clark Center for Geospatial Analytics to offer free version of TerrSet/IDRISI software starting Dec. 2 - Geo Week News - September 3rd, 2024 [September 3rd, 2024]
- Best video editing apps of 2024: Top tools for Android, iPhone, and iPad - TechRadar - September 3rd, 2024 [September 3rd, 2024]
- Samsung extends free software upgrades to millions of Smart TV owners are YOU one of them? - GB News - September 3rd, 2024 [September 3rd, 2024]
- This open-source software can double the volume of Windows laptops. For free - The Indian Express - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- European Commission cuts funding support for Free Software projects - European Digital Rights (EDRi) - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Hyundai partners with TCSO to combat car thefts with free software patch - KEYE TV CBS Austin - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Free and Discounted Software for University of Oklahoma Students - The University of Oklahoma - August 16th, 2024 [August 16th, 2024]
- GitHub is the Best Place for Free and Open Source Software - How-To Geek - August 16th, 2024 [August 16th, 2024]
- The Usual Suspects Xenia, a free Waldorf microwave II/XT emulation using the DSP56300 plugin - Synth Anatomy - August 16th, 2024 [August 16th, 2024]
- Best free Adobe Illustrator alternatives of 2024 - TechRadar - June 24th, 2024 [June 24th, 2024]
- This is how to view the long-established free software 'CrystalDiskInfo' that shows the health status and SMART ... - GIGAZINE - June 24th, 2024 [June 24th, 2024]
- The best antivirus software 2024: Free and paid options - Tom's Guide - June 20th, 2024 [June 20th, 2024]
- Best free text-to-speech software of 2024 - TechRadar - May 20th, 2024 [May 20th, 2024]
- Best free word processor of 2024 - TechRadar - May 20th, 2024 [May 20th, 2024]
- Best free antivirus in 2024 - TechRadar - May 20th, 2024 [May 20th, 2024]
- 'Open-Shell Menu' is an open source software that returns the Windows start menu to its previous appearance for free - GIGAZINE - May 20th, 2024 [May 20th, 2024]
- Avast Free Antivirus: Testing its features and learning about the six layers of protection - TechSpot - May 20th, 2024 [May 20th, 2024]
- The best Android antivirus apps in 2024 - Tom's Guide - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- Best photo editing software in 2024 - Tom's Guide - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- BYD recalls 16666 Seagull EVs in China due to software issue that may prevent reverse camera image from displaying - CnEVPost - May 3rd, 2024 [May 3rd, 2024]
- KIA installs free anti-theft software this weekend in St. Louis area - KSDK.com - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Best survey tool of 2024 - TechRadar - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Grand Rapids Police and Hyundai Offer Free Anti-Theft Software Upgrades Amid Vehicle Theft Wave - Hoodline - April 26th, 2024 [April 26th, 2024]
- Blueprint Software Systems Announces Free Trial for RPA Analytics Solution - PR Web - April 26th, 2024 [April 26th, 2024]
- Houston Police, Hyundai to host free anti-theft security event for vehicle owners - Houston Public Media - April 26th, 2024 [April 26th, 2024]
- Hyundai providing free anti-theft software installation this weekend at Greenspoint Mall - KHOU.com - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Ubuntu Studio in new LTS beta; still the easiest creative Linux distro - CDM Create Digital Music - Create Digital Music - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- How to get free help with income tax prep, or free software | Business | postandcourier.com - The Post and Courier - February 23rd, 2024 [February 23rd, 2024]
- Best encryption software of 2024 - TechRadar - February 23rd, 2024 [February 23rd, 2024]
- The best free VPN in 2024 - TechRadar - February 23rd, 2024 [February 23rd, 2024]
- AI imaging software generates a gallery of stereotypes, says Univ. of ... - GeekWire - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- Roku's free update that makes it easier to find new shows and ... - TechRadar - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- How To Find Alternatives To ChatGPT Forbes Advisor UK - Forbes - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- How To Find Alternatives To ChatGPT Forbes Advisor Australia - Forbes - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- Assassin's Creed Syndicate is now free to keep on Ubisoft Connect - OC3D - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- Google Confirms Its Schedule for Disabling Third-Party Cookies in ... - Slashdot - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- Tata Consultancy Services Ordered To Cough Up $210 Million In ... - Slashdot - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- Meta Knowingly Collected Data on Pre-Teens, Unredacted ... - Slashdot - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- US, Britain, Other Countries Ink Agreement To Make AI 'Secure by ... - Slashdot - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- Plex Users Fear New Feature Will Leak Porn Habits To Their ... - Slashdot - November 28th, 2023 [November 28th, 2023]
- This free software converts drone videos into 2D maps in minutes! - DroneDJ - November 14th, 2023 [November 14th, 2023]
- How 'Hour of Code' Will Teach Students About Issues with AI - Slashdot - November 14th, 2023 [November 14th, 2023]