Cybercriminals are increasingly using free VPN apps to spread malware, according to Kaspersky. The Russian security company said that between July and September 2023, VPN users globally downloaded 2.5 times more malware than in the previous three months when they searched for free services. This trend continued to increase throughout the rest of the year.
Free VPN Apps Pose Threats to Users
The Dangers of Free VPN Apps
The demand for VPN apps has never been higher as more people use them to enhance their privacy, security, and access censored content. In addition to paid VPN apps, many people choose free VPN solutions to save money.
Security experts say that free VPN apps can pose more risks than benefits to users. "Users often think that if a VPN app is available on an official store like Google Play, it's safe. They also think that free services are better. But this often turns out to be a trap," warns Kaspersky security expert Vasily Kolesnikov.
In May 2024, US authorities dismantled a large botnet that used at least 18 fake free VPN apps to create the network, including MaskVPN, DewVPN, PaladinVPN, ProxyGate, ShieldVPN, and ShineVPN. Each time a user downloaded these malicious apps, their device could become a proxy server, allowing attackers to reroute their internet traffic. The network recorded 19 million unique IP addresses from more than 190 countries.
The investigation also found that malicious servers created by free VPN users were sold to other cybercriminals for attacks, money laundering, and fraud. Even when not used to spread malware, free VPN apps can still invade users’ privacy through online tracking and data collection.
Kolesnikov recommends users to be vigilant against these threats and use security solutions along with a trusted and proven VPN service to stay safe.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/su-gia-tang-cua-cac-ung-dung-vpn-mien-phi-doc-hai-185241123110922973.htm
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