Using free and unlimited VPNs can be a security threat. These services facilitate access to blocked sites for individual countries, such as Brazil, by "hiding" the PC's location. Often, VPNs are used to watch Netflix with the US catalog, for example, or even to see WhatsApp conversations if the app is not running in the country. However, caution must be exercised. Privatevirtual network platformsthat promise to be free can present a number of risks to the user, such as data theft and infection by malicious programs. In a recent study, the Scientific and Industrial Community Research Organization, an Australian entity, analyzed 284 VPN applications for Android phones and discovered their impacts on users' privacy and security. What is VPN? Learn all about the virtual private network The survey reveals alarming data: 75% of the services use third-party tracking libraries; 85% require permissions to access sensitive information such as user accounts and text messages; 38% have malware such as trojans, malvertising, and spyware. Malicious software would be in favorite apps downloaded more than a million times, such as VPN Free, Rocket VPN, Cyberghost, and Tigervpns. In addition, some of the programs do not act as they should. According to the survey, 18% of VPN apps use unencrypted tunneling protocols. This means that the "tunnels" in which data travels are unprotected, lacking encryption, and can be accessed by third parties. Due to lack of support, development and configuration errors, 84% do not work with IPv6 traffic - the most current version of the web protocol - and 66% do not serve DNS traffic - the system responsible for locating and translating site addresses to numbers IP. The dangers One of the ways that free VPN services exploit the user is by stealing and selling data. The software prevents the provider from tracking who uses it, but it exercises that power. Generally, there is a collection through tracking libraries, and then, the data is sold to companies interested in advertising and analysis. Another possibility is the introduction of malicious code into the device through theinvisible browser. This malware is used to pick up sensitive information or to encrypt the individual's data. What happened recently in several ransomware attacks, a type of code that makes elements of a device inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Broadband diversion is also among the ruses of free VPNs. Some applications take part in the ability to connect and sell to organizations. The popular Hola VPN was accused of doing so in 2015. The HotspotShield app, which ensures protection, privacy, optimization, and ad-free browsing, hijacks customers' browser, according to the study, redirects to other sites. According to the researchers' tests, the traffic of service users was redirected without permission to the online stores AliBaba and E-Bay. AnchorFree VPN would also have similar practices. Secure VPNs Even in the face of risk, the user who needs the resources of a virtual private network should not despair. There are secureVPN options. The best, however, are paid. If you really want something "free" and without limits, the best option may be Privatebrowserapp. It does not collect the data and may disclose it to third parties, as well as their counterparts. At least, the company leaves the condition clear in terms of use.
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