Free VPNs Come with Risks

A virtual private network, or VPN, as it is more commonly known, safeguards your online identity by hiding your IP address. Your data gets encrypted, thus protecting it from hackers. It also allows you to get around geographic limitations by sending your connection to an encrypted server. Businesses and people who rely on remote access can benefit from VPNs. We frequently use them for travel, streaming, and gaming.

There is virtually no debate about the value of VPNs in the modern world. Since there are so many free VPN services available, the issue is that many individuals do not want to pay for this service. Let us stop any plans you might have to download a free VPN right now! The long-term harmful effects of a free VPN will be greater than any short-term savings. In this article, we discuss the actual risks that using a free VPN exposes you to.

Insufficient Data Protection

A reputable VPN shields your data from hackers’ prying eyes by using trustworthy encryption techniques. Many free VPNs encrypt your data, but most still employ the antiquated PPTP approach, which is not secure. But since it is the simplest to use and doesn’t require expensive software, free VPN providers naturally choose it.

Malware Infection Risk

Some researchers have discovered that over 80% of free VPNs contain a computer virus. You might also download malware that causes havoc on your system when you download these free VPNs. These findings concern us, especially given how frequently malware gathers private information. Imagine the damage to your business even if just one employee unintentionally infects a computer using a free VPN. Therefore, employee training should now be mandatory in any company’s cybersecurity plans.

Injected Ads

Most free online services contain advertising. Since the users are not paying for the service, it is how the supplier gets paid. These commercials can be incredibly aggravating, but that’s not even the worst part. Malicious browser extensions, ad injections, and malware that alter the browsing experience may affect your internet users. The unwanted injected ads will also reroute users to websites compromised with malware or infected with pop-ups. If you unintentionally click on the links, you might seriously harm your system and expose yourself to phishing assaults.

Slow Internet Streaming

Any VPN you use will encrypt and decrypt your data to protect the anonymity of your internet activity, which will slow down your connection. Most premium VPN subscriptions employ servers that can easily manage these additional tasks, reducing any slowdown you may notice. On the other side, you will undoubtedly notice the delay when using a free VPN. You’ll probably lose a lot of time waiting for web pages to load.

Finding the best VPN with the aid of an MSP

If you use a free VPN, search for one with open-source code bases, strong encryption, fast connections, no pop-up ads every few minutes, and independent audits. High-quality and safe free VPNs may exist, but they will be very challenging to find. The best course of action is to choose a trustworthy VPN service that offers top-notch security at an affordable price. You can benefit from the free trial offered by most VPNs to determine if it’s the right choice for you. Your dependable MSP can help you find the best VPN for your unique requirements.

Download and read our free eBook to learn more about using a VPN safely and other methods to stay safe online. In addition, we can train your staff on proper internet safety procedures and run a phishing test in your office to check the progress of your employees’ awareness training. Call us for more info.