A virtual private network, commonly known as a VPN, enables you to browse the internet using an encrypted connection. This encrypted connection masks your internet activity by hiding your IP address. This trend initially started with corporates when they encouraged their employees to use VPNs to connect to their corporate servers and work remotely. But lately, a lot of consumers have begun making use of free as well as paid VPNs. For those currently using free VPNs, we understand why you choose them. Why pay when you get it for free? But at the same time, it’s essential to beware of their risks. Sometimes you lose more than you benefit. Let’s take a look at these:

Free VPNs Are Extremely Unsafe

Using a free VPN comes with a cost, it doesn’t provide security, so there’s no guarantee that you’re using an encrypted connection. This means that there’s a higher risk of data loss and new vulnerabilities which cybercriminals can exploit. This beats using a VPN, as it’s for safe and private use. Third-party apps that provide free VPNs have large bills to pay, so to make up for their expenses, previously, they were even seen selling users’ privacy to bidders or government authorities.

Free VPN Providers Can Engage In Data Harvesting

Data harvesting, as the name suggests, means extracting the data or information from an online source and inputting it into your database. So imagine you use a free VPN; there is a high chance that the providers are engaging in data harvesting of your data, online activity, and other valuable information that can be used for malicious intent. Many even use trackers for browsing history to sell it to advertisers.

Free VPNs Expose Your IP Addresses

The point of a secure VPN is that you browse the internet while masking your IP address. But when it comes to free VPNs, it beats the purpose once again. A very high risk of exposure can lead to your IP address being leaked. In the long run, this can even lead to hijacking your browser, wherein you get redirected to other websites without permission. 

Free VPNs Can Contain Malware That Slows Downs Your Internet

When you use a free VPN, you’ll automatically notice that your internet speed has drastically come down. Sometimes providers do this intentionally to convince users to shift to paid plans. But another reason for the slow pace can be the malware installed on your devices that is intended to steal sensitive information such as personal or bank details.

Free VPNs Constantly Show Online Ads

Online ads are the most annoying part of using a free VPN. The providers need to make some money, so they usually bombard you with unnecessary and irrelevant advertisements that can sometimes even send you to a hazardous website. This, in turn, will expose your server to multiple online threats, affect your entire browser experience and give hackers a free pass to all your sensitive information.

Conclusion

Although a free VPN saves you money, it bears unnecessary risks and threats that can do the opposite by risking your overall security and privacy, slowing down your internet, exposing you to hackers and potentially selling your data to third-party users. To conclude, it is always advised to invest in a paid and secure VPN to secure your digital presence through end-to-end encryption. Next time you’re planning to use a free VPN to stream another region’s Netflix shows, think twice.